Kilsby Sinkhole Freediving Retreat - Australia's longest running freedive retreat

Kilsby Sinkhole is one of the most iconic places to learn and train in Australia. With world-class freshwater conditions, crystal-clear visibility, and breathtaking limestone formations, it has become a must-visit destination for divers seeking a transformative freediving experience.

Whether you’re looking to earn your PADI Freediver certification, advance your technique, or join a community of divers, a freediving retreat at Kilsby Sinkhole offers unparalleled conditions, expert coaching, and a deep connection to both water and self.

This guide covers everything you need to know: the location, the training environment, why retreats accelerate progress, and how to prepare for one of Australia’s most unforgettable freediving adventures.

Why Choose Kilsby Sinkhole for Your Freediving Retreat?

Kilsby Sinkhole sits just outside Mount Gambier and is widely recognised as one of the clearest inland freedive sites in the world. Its freshwater limestone chambers offer visibility of up to 40 metres on most days, creating ideal conditions for skill progression, underwater photography, and safe depth training.

Here’s why freedivers choose this location:

✓ Unmatched Water Clarity

The pristine water quality allows divers to relax, equalise comfortably, and enjoy distraction-free focus — perfect for mastering technique and improving dive times.

✓ Depth Suitable for All Levels

While the sinkhole drops to over 60 metres, training lines typically run to beginner-friendly and advanced depths, making it a safe and controlled environment.

✓ Calm, Consistent Conditions

Unlike ocean training, Kilsby Sinkhole offers stable temperatures, flat surfaces, and predictable light — ideal for beginners completing their first certification or advanced divers refining skills.

✓ Ideal Setting for PADI Freediver & Advanced Courses

From static breath-holds to technique refinement, the environment supports the full progression from PADI Freediver through to Advanced levels. 

Kilsby Sinkhole is not only beautiful — it’s purpose-built by nature for freediving development.

Why Freediving Retreats Accelerate Learning

Freediving retreats have become one of the fastest-growing ways to learn the sport, and for good reason. A multi-day retreat at a location like Kilsby Sinkhole creates the perfect immersion for your mind, body, and technique.

Daily Dives = Rapid Skill Progression

Instead of spacing out your training across months, a retreat allows you to:

• dive every day

• adapt quickly to pressure and equalisation

• build confidence at depth

• stay mentally relaxed and consistent

Most students experience breakthroughs that simply don’t happen in standard weekend courses.

Community, Support, and Shared Inspiration

You train alongside a small group of ocean-loving humans who are working toward similar goals. The shared energy, encouragement, and fun become a huge part of the retreat experience.

Expert Coaching From Australia’s Leading Instructors

your training is led by:

• Adam Sellars – PADI Ambassadiver, PADI Freediving Instructor Trainer & Australian representative

• Eckart – Cressi sponsored diver, PADI Freedive instructor, SSI Freedive Instructor & Spearfishing instructor. 

• Experienced PADI assistant instructors and safety divers

Their guidance, combined with small group sizes, ensures personalised attention on every dive.

Holistic Training: Breathwork, Relaxation & Mindset

Freediving isn’t just physical — retreats teach:

• breath awareness

• stress reduction

• mental focus

• relaxation techniques used by elite athletes

These tools improve your diving and your everyday life.

Retreats give you the time, space, and coaching to not just learn freediving — but to really embody it.

What Makes the Kilsby Sinkhole Freedive Retreat Unique

You’ll Experience:

• Guided training sessions in the sinkhole

• Confined-water technique development

• PADI eLearning preparation

• Breathwork and meditation sessions

• Optional night dive

• Small group numbers

• 24/7 access to instructors for coaching, questions, and support

This is more than a course — it’s a deep dive into the freediving lifestyle.

What You’ll Learn (and What You Can Achieve)

During your Kilsby Sinkhole retreat, you’ll work through the skills and requirements for your chosen certification level:

PADI Freediver (Beginner Level)

Learn the foundations of safe and effective freediving:

• Proper breathing techniques

• Relaxation skills

• Equalisation

• Finning & body alignment

• Static and dynamic training

PADI Advanced Freediver

Improve your depth, confidence, and technique with:

• Advanced relaxation

• Deeper equalisation

• Performance strategies

• Coaching-driven progression

Who Is This Freedive Retreat For?

This retreat is ideal for:

• complete beginners wanting their PADI Freediver certification

• certified freedivers wanting to level up

• scuba divers transitioning into breath-hold diving

• underwater photographers wanting clear, stable conditions

• anyone seeking personal growth or a deeper connection to water

If you can swim, breathe, and are open to learning — you’re ready.

Location, Travel & Practical Info

Kilsby Sinkhole is located on a private sheep farm around 15 minutes from Mount Gambier, easily accessible from:

• Adelaide

• Melbourne

• Mount Gambier Airport

All equipment can be hired if needed, and accommodation options are available depending on your retreat package.

Ready to Dive Into Australia’s Best Freediving Retreat?

Training at Kilsby Sinkhole is more than a freediving trip — it’s a journey of clarity, confidence, and connection. With expert instructors, pristine freshwater conditions, and a supportive community, you’ll experience profound growth both in and out of the water.

Whether your goal is to earn your PADI Freediver certification or deepen your practice, this retreat offers the perfect environment to learn, explore, and unlock new potential.