Mount Gambier Freediving Retreat

FREEDIVING – MEDITATION – YOGA

In the middle of South Australia lies the crystal clear Kilsby Sinkhole (60m deep) with the most ideal freediving conditions Australia has to offer.

Mount Gambier Freediving
RETREATS

Mount Gambier

MOUNT GAMBIER, South Australia

5 Days

$900 (no accommodation) or $1190 (with accommodation)
To secure a spot a $500 non refundable deposit is required.

6-10 December 2024

Kilsby Sinkhole: a preview of our upcoming retreat

Your experience

Are you looking for a unique and exhilarating adventure that will take your breath away? Look no further than Kilsby Sinkhole, where you can learn to freedive in one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.

Come join Adam Sellars from the Pressure Project, a PADI Ambassadiver, PADI Instructor Trainer and Australian Freediving representative, along with resident spearing expert Eckart Benkinstein from Salt Sessions, for this unrivaled retreat at Mount Gambier.

Located in the heart of South Australia, Kilsby Sinkhole is a deep, crystal-clear limestone sinkhole that provides the perfect environment for freediving. With depths of up to 65 meters, Kilsby Sinkhole is an ideal destination for both beginner and advanced freedivers.

Under the guidance of experienced and certified instructors, you’ll learn the fundamentals of freediving, including breath-holding techniques, equalisation, and safety procedures. With small class sizes and personalised instruction, you’ll receive the attention and support you need to develop your skills and confidence in the water.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a complete beginner, freediving at Kilsby Sinkhole is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a sense of wonder and awe.

There are also opportunities to do some spearfishing in the open ocean, and we also explore meditation and breath work for everyday life.

Package includes:

Accommodation

Night Dive in Sinkhole (extra $99)

Fees for two days of entry into the Kilsby Sink Hole

PADI E-Learning and materials

Pool entry for a confined water session

Introduction to spearfishing

Yoga

Meditation

Breathwork

Itinerary

DAY ONE
  • 12.50pm – Meet at the gate (Kilsby Sinkhole is: 525 Sisters road, Kongorong, South Australia 5291)
  • 1.00pm – Welcome and briefing
  • 1.30pm – Drive to Accommodation at Old Mount Gambier Goal (25 Margaret Street, Mount Gambier)
  • 2:30-5:30pm -Theory session for your relevant diver level
  • 6pm Catch and Cook (relaxed session in the kitchen where we cook up some seafood together that Eckart has collected for us)
DAY TWO
  • 9am – 12pm Pool Session
  • 1:15 – 3:15pm Depth group 1 at Kilsby Sinkhole
  • 4:15 – 6:15pm Depth group 2 at Kilsby Sinkhole
DAY THREE
  • 8am – 9am Meditation and Breathwork for Freediving
  • 10:15 – 12:15pm Depth group 3 at Kilsby Sinkhole
  • 1:15 – 3:15pm Depth group 1 at Kilsby Sinkhole
  • 4:15 – 6:15pm Depth group 2 at Kilsby Sinkhole
DAY FOUR
  • 8am – 9am Meditation and Breathwork for Freediving
  • 10:15 – 12:15pm Depth group 3 at Kilsby Sinkhole
  • 1:15 – 3:15pm Depth group 1 at Kilsby Sinkhole
  • 4:15 – 6:15pm Depth group 2 at Kilsby Sinkhole
DAY FIVE
  • 8.00 – 8:40am Meditation – Advanced visualisation for Freediving
  • 10:15 -12:15pm Depth group 3 at Kilsby Sinkhole
  • 1.00pm Depart for home

Frequently Asked Questions

The retreat will start at 12:30pm. This time for the first time ever we are meeting at the Kilsby Sinkhole at 13h00 for our welcome and briefing before heading to the Old Mount Gambier Goal.

The address for the Kilsby Sinkhole is: 525 Sisters road, Kongorong, South Australia 5291. It is paramount that we meet outside the gate and will drive into the property in convoy at 12:50pm.

The address of the accommodation is The Old Mount Gambier Gaol, 25 Margaret Street, Mount Gambier.

The accommodation is dormitory style, and we have arranged for girls and guys to have separate dorms. All the bunk beds have bedding, however you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. If you would like to have a private room or want to stay a night before or after please contact the accommodation direct on 08 8723 0032. (Additional nights at own expense).

There is a fully equipped kitchen for everyone to use, and there is a Woolworths and Coles in the town, so no need to bring your own food. We provide basic breakfast goodies. And dinner on the first night of Fresh seafood caught by our very own master Spearfisherman Eckart.

Medical – Yes, you will need to complete a medical form. Upon review, we may let you know you are required to also complete a valid 4005.1 AS Dive Medical prior to your course.

Equipment: At a minimum you will need a 5mm two piece wetsuit with an integrated hood as the water is around 14/15 degrees in the sinkhole. Please note that we will only be allowed to use water soluble lubricants to fit our wetsuits when diving the sinkhole. We will provide lubricants for everyone, however if you are allergic to any products then please bring your own water soluble lubricant. Let us know beforehand which product you’ll be using so we can confirm that it’s non-harmful to the sinkhole environment.

Hire gear is available at a cost of $129 for the retreat. If you need to hire gear, please email us with your height, weight and shoe size and I can reserve that gear for you. Payment can be made there.

Yoga designed for Freediving to aid flexibility that is accessible for all levels of yoga from beginner to advanced.

The Night Dive is a new delight that we have added and is an additional $95 as we hire the whole sink hole for this event and we are the only group that offers this. Payment can be made there.