KILSBY Sinkhole, near Mount Gambier, has been recognised by a large travel guide, Lonely Planet, as one of the top 500 travel destinations in Australia and top five in the State.
Lonely Planet labelled Kilsby Sinkhole as the fifth best destination in South Australia, making it the only tourist attraction on the list from the Limestone Coast.
Above the local attraction was Kangaroo Island, Coorong National Park, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and the McLaren Vale wine region.
Sinkhole owner Graham Kilsby said he never expected the natural occurrence to become this popular.
“Compared to what the sinkhole was a few years ago, we have become very well known throughout Australia and internationally,” Mr Kilsby said.
“Growing up I really took the sinkhole for granted because it was something I always had in my backyard; it was just part of my playtime.”
In recent months, Kilsby Sinkhole has also featured in SA Tourism advertisements promoting the tourism industry across the State.
“The Limestone Coast is now being seen as a destination to go to and we are very lucky in this region to have so many sinkholes which are now draw cards,” Mr Kilsby said.
“It is not just about the sinkholes, the Limestone Coast is just a beautiful area and there is so much on offer and to share.”
Mr Kilsby said feedback from visitors had consistently been of a positive experience.
“As bad as Covid-19 has been, it has also encouraged people to explore their backyard,” he said .
“We have had a lot of travellers from Adelaide and Melbourne coming in because they haven’t been able to go overseas which has helped them discover what is available outside the bigger cities.”
Chuffed to be recognised on such a large scale, Mr Kilsby said it was the natural wonders and crystal clear water making the sinkhole stand out.
“Other sinkholes are similar but many are closed to the public; this one is open to the public and it is very beautiful and it is great it has been recognised as a place to visit,” he said.
“Being in the top five of the State is even better and it is amazing when one tourist attraction is singled out rather than a whole district.”
