Freediving at Kilsby Sinkhole: Why Every Freediver Should Experience It

Imagine looking down into water so clear that it almost feels like you're floating in mid-air.
No tropical island required. No expensive international flights. Just one of Australia's most incredible freshwater diving locations.
Welcome to Kilsby Sinkhole.
Located near Mount Gambier in South Australia, Kilsby Sinkhole is famous for its extraordinary water clarity and unique underwater environment.
For freedivers, it's a pretty special place to visit.
What is Kilsby Sinkhole?
Kilsby Sinkhole is a natural water-filled sinkhole located in South Australia's Limestone Coast region just 15 minutes outside of Mount Gambier.
Its water is renowned for its incredible clarity, creating an underwater environment that's quite different from your typical ocean dive.
The limestone geology and groundwater system contribute to the remarkable appearance of the water.
It's the sort of place where you look underwater and suddenly understand why people become completely obsessed with freediving.
Why do freedivers love it?
There are a few reasons Kilsby is so special.
The visibility
The clarity is the obvious attraction.
Being able to see through the water creates an incredible sense of space and perspective.
For underwater photographers, snorkellers and freedivers, it's a pretty magical environment.
The unique environment
Unlike an ocean reef, a sinkhole offers a completely different underwater landscape.
The limestone walls and underwater formations create an experience that's hard to replicate elsewhere.
No current, no swell, fresh water... this is way better than freediving the ocean!Â
The opportunity to develop your skills
Clear water provides a fantastic environment to develop your freedive skills with small instructor to student ratio you will love the safe fun environment created for you.
It's also a wonderful opportunity to connect with other freedivers and enjoy the community side of the sport.

Do you need freediving experience?
This retreat is made for freedivers with all sorts of experience. If you are just starting out in your freedive journey you would join our level 1 Freedive course.Â
What if you have completed a level 1 Freedive Course? Then it's time to take your freediving to the next level by joining our level 2 Freedive Course.Â
What if you have completed your level 2 Freedive course? Come along to train! With amazing depth and unbelievable visibility the Kilsby Sinkhole is the perfect place to come along and improve and develop your freedive skills. It is also the best place to meet other freedivers who have the same passion for freediving! Â
What should you bring?
A packing list will depend on the retreat, but it's worth thinking about:
- Your personal freediving equipment.
- Appropriate exposure protection.
- Warm clothing for between sessions.
- Towels and swimwear.
- Sun protection.
- Food and water.
- A camera if you enjoy underwater photography.
And don't forget your sense of adventure.
How do I get there?
Just a 5 and a half hour drive away from Melbourne most students will drive through for the retreat. But if you are coming from further afield you can also fly directly to Mount Gambier airport.Â
You can also fly into Melbourne and drive from Melbourne, we also start a group chat with everyone so you can also arrange a lift with one of the other students coming along to the retreat.
Ready to experience Kilsby Sinkhole?
Some places are difficult to describe until you've actually been there.
Kilsby is one of them.
If you've been looking for your next freediving adventure, a trip to this incredible location deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Clear water, good people and plenty of underwater adventures. What's not to love?
