Sinkhole Brilliance
Kilsby Sinkhole is a magical underwater ecosystem in the most unexpected destination. Located in the middle of a working sheep farm 14km south of Mount Gambier in South Australia, Kilsby Sinkhole is a natural phenomenon. A deep freshwater cenote that is cut into the landscape and looks down to crystal clear waters with a depth of 24 meters. Our sinkhole retreats offer a deep connection with nature, oneself and a community of water lovers. Find out more below.
“Only 8 spots available for our February sinkhole retreat - book here”
Serene light and otherworldly vibes
Jarrod Briffa, Brenton Loh and Ashleigh Mercer, the instructor team behind Drifters Freediving, lead retreats to the sinkholes of Mount Gambier every summer to help introduce water lovers to the underwater brilliance of this stunning location. The retreats focus on Freediving, the practice of diving underwater on a single breath, but the skills developed on these retreats have transformational benefits that go far beyond diving deep underwater.
The Sinkhole retreats are an opportunity to connect with nature, build a deeper awareness of one’s self and connect with a community of water loving people.
Ashleigh Mercer helps a student working on their equalisation skills.
Connection with nature
Each day’s main activity takes place in a spectacular environment. Whether it’s one of the majestic freshwater sinkholes of Mount Gambier or the coastal reefs around Port Macdonnell (known as the Southern Rock Lobster Capital of Australia), every session in the water offers the divers an opportunity to connect with a unique and precious eco-system. Through these sessions they build an appreciation for both the fragile balance of each eco-systems existence and also the knowledge of how to interact with nature responsibly.
At Kilsby Sinkhole, Divers experience the uniquely serene atmosphere on the pontoon at water level in this ancient geological marvel. As they dive below the waters surface they see the layers of rock left by geological changes over millions of years.
Outside of the sinkholes, Brenton hosts spearfishing fundamentals sessions as part of the retreat. The focus of these sessions is to teach the divers techniques and skills to harvest seafood responsibly and sustainably. Each day, divers eager to develop skills of self-sufficiency use their new skills and knowledge to catch crayfish, abalone and reef fish. At the house, experienced spearfishes help the newbies to process their catch and prepare it in creative and delicious ways for the evening communal feast.
Deeper awareness of one’s self
Each day starts with morning breath-work sessions where Jarrod leads the group through a range of breathing exercises that will help the participants to develop a greater sense of calm, build their lung capacity and harness the power of their breath and mind to manage stressful situations. All of this helps them towards the ultimate goal of diving deeper and longer during the retreat. The instructors deliver a personalised approach to help each diver develop these skills further in the water, with a focus on relaxation, equalisation and diving technique. This ensure each diver improves their comfort underwater and builds confidence and trust in both their own abilities and those of their buddies.
A community of water lovers
In our growingly digital world opportunities for meaningful social connection have become increasingly important. Each day of the retreat provides plenty of time for social dives and activities outside of the structured program. This provides great opportunities for divers to break off into smaller groups, buddying up with other passionate water lovers for local diving adventures. For some this will be photoshoots in other local sinkholes and others it will be hunting for lobster in the sheltered reefs around Port Macdonnell. Sharing these experiences with others creates lasting memories and is often a catalyst for lasting connections. Freediving is a unique activity that requires a deep awareness of one’s own abilities and also unwavering trust in your dive buddies. The Drifters Freediving team have a strong focus on nurturing confidence and safety amongst the group to ensure everyone leaves the trip with confidence in themselves and their dive buddies.
Ready to explore the depths in another phenomenal sinkhole.
At dinner time each day there is an emphasis on community, with everyone contributing something towards a communal feast that comes together thanks to a big group effort. Some share their catch of the day, others help them cook it, someone else might cook a vegan meal for the non-seafood eaters and others maybe just help with the dishes. But everyone plays a role in making the evening a success and this bonding helps in building better connections for which carry over into the in-water activities.
Leftovers for lunch after a brisk Kilsby dive.
Program:
The Sinkhole retreats include four full days of diving in Mount Gambier and Port Macdonnell and are open to freedivers of all levels. Whether you are someone wanting to hold your breath for the first time or an experienced spearfisher wanting to develop your skills to get your dream fish, our instructors, who are freediving athletes and passionate spearos, can cater training suitable to your level. Whats more, participants walk away with an accredited certificate (if they can pass the requirements of the course). AIDA 1, 2, and 3 can all be completed during the retreat and AIDA 4 can be commenced on the trip, with some additional requirements after the retreat.
Successful AIDA 3 students at the completion of their course.
