Complete Guide to Freediving in Melbourne: Training, Providers & Safety
Last updated: December 2025
Melbourne offers one of Australia's most accessible freediving locations, with protected bay waters and established training facilities. However, the growing popularity of freediving has led to significant variation in training quality and safety standards. This guide helps you navigate Melbourne's freediving scene safely and make informed decisions about your training.
Freediving Melbourne: Getting Started
For those new to freediving Melbourne offers an excellent starting point. Port Phillip Bay provides protected waters ideal for learning, while the local community includes both commercial providers and volunteer-run clubs. Whether you're interested in recreational freediving, spearfishing, or competitive training, Melbourne has options — though quality varies significantly between providers.
Best Training Locations in Melbourne
Pool Training Facilities
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC)
Location: 30 Aughtie Dr, Albert Park
Why it's used: Olympic-standard pool facilities with lane availability
Sessions: Various training organizations operate here
Pool Training Benefits:
Controlled environment for skill development
Year-round availability regardless of weather
Safer environment for learning breath-holding techniques
Opportunity to practice dynamic swimming and static holds
Open Water Training Locations
Port Phillip Bay - The Protected Option
Conditions: Generally calm, protected waters
Visibility: 3-15 meters depending on season and location
Temperature: 10-20°C (50-68°F) seasonal variation
Depth Range: 8-33 meters average, with deeper areas available
Considerations: Heavy boat traffic in summer requires excellent safety protocols
Kilsby Sinkhole (Mt Gambier)
Distance: 5-hour drive from Melbourne
Visibility: Up to 40 meters - exceptional clarity
Quality concern: Verify instructor credentials as some use this location to mask poor local water skills
Melbourne Freediving Training Providers
Melbourne Freediving Provider Comparison
Quick Comparison of Melbourne Training Options:
Salt Sessions Freediving
Certifications: PADI, Molchanovs
Price Range: $450-750+
Locations: Mornington Peninsula, Kilsby Sinkhole
Notes: Claims largest Melbourne school
Freediving Family / Freediving Australia
Certifications: Molchanovs
Price Range: $500-700+
Locations: MSAC, Queenscliff/Portsea
Notes: 4:1 ratio, unlimited returns, founded by Adam Stern
Drifters Freediving
Certifications: AIDA
Price Range: $660+ (AIDA 2)
Locations: MSAC, Kilsby Sinkhole, Lake Purrumbete
Notes: We do not recommend this provider. Read our detailed review of Drifters Freediving for documented concerns about training quality and professional conduct.
Scubabo Dive
Certifications: Various
Price Range: Contact for pricing
Locations: Queenscliff
Notes: Combines freediving with scuba, accommodation available
Important Training Considerations
Instructor Variability: Even within established schools, individual instructor quality can vary significantly
Marketing vs. Reality: Be cautious of claims about being "largest," "best," or "most experienced"
Course Completion Guarantees: "Unlimited returns until you pass" may indicate poor initial instruction quality
Local Regulations and Requirements
Victorian Diving Regulations
Recreational Freediving:
No specific license required for recreational freediving
Must follow general water safety regulations
Subject to Marine Safety Act 2010 (Victoria)
Key Safety Requirements:
Use dive flag and float system for visibility (critical in Port Phillip Bay)
Maintain safe distances from boat traffic
Respect marine protected areas and no-take zones
Never dive alone
Safety Considerations for Melbourne Waters
Seasonal Conditions
Summer (December-February):
Water temperature: 18-20°C (64-68°F)
Visibility often reduced due to algae blooms
Boat traffic: Highest - extreme caution required
Winter (June-August):
Water temperature: 10-14°C (50-57°F)
Best visibility months (April-July)
Boat traffic: Significantly reduced
Port Phillip Bay Specific Hazards
Tidal Currents: Extremely strong at "The Heads" - can exceed 9 knots
The Rip: Area between Point Nepean and Point Lonsdale is extremely dangerous
Boat Traffic: Extremely high, especially in summer - many boaters ignore speed restrictions
Weather: Melbourne weather changes rapidly - condition assessment is critical
Emergency Contacts
Life-threatening emergencies: 000
Water Police (non-urgent): (03) 9399 7500
Marine Safety Victoria: 1800 223 022
Evaluating Training Quality
The growth of freediving in Melbourne has unfortunately led to significant variations in training quality and safety standards.
Critical Red Flags to Avoid
Instructor Behavior:
Pressuring students to achieve specific depths or times
Dismissing student safety concerns or fears
Lacking verifiable, current instructor credentials
Operating without appropriate insurance coverage
Unsafe Training Practices:
Inadequate safety briefings or protocols
Training in conditions beyond student skill level
Insufficient emphasis on buddy system and rescue techniques
Pushing students beyond comfortable breath-hold limits
Quality Training Indicators
Current, verifiable instructor certification
Small student-to-instructor ratios (4:1 maximum for open water)
Proper safety equipment readily available
Thorough weather and conditions assessment
Emphasis on personal limits and conservative diving practices
Essential Questions for Instructors
What is your current instructor certification level and issuing agency?
When was your certification last renewed?
What is your student-to-instructor ratio?
What emergency equipment and procedures do you have?
How do you assess and communicate water conditions and risks?
Verifying Instructor Credentials
AIDA: Check instructor database on AIDA International website
PADI: Verify through PADI Pro Chek system
Molchanovs: Confirm through Molchanovs instructor database
SSI: Verify through SSI instructor locator
Essential Resources and Equipment
Local Equipment and Services
Adreno Melbourne: 1184 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham - Freediving equipment sales and rental
The Scuba Doctor: Equipment and local diving condition information
Equipment for Melbourne
Open Water Requirements:
5mm full wetsuit minimum (7mm recommended for year-round)
Freediving-specific long fins
Low-volume mask and snorkel
Neoprene boots (3mm minimum)
Dive float and flag (mandatory for Port Phillip Bay)
Typical Course Costs (2025)
Basic introductory courses: $350-500
Comprehensive certification courses: $450-750
Pool training sessions: $25-40 per session
Melbourne Freediving: Making Informed Decisions
Melbourne's freediving training landscape includes both excellent and concerning instruction options. Your safety and long-term enjoyment of freediving depend on choosing quality instruction that prioritizes your well-being over rapid course completion or depth achievements.
Key Principles for Safe Training Selection:
Verify all instructor credentials independently
Prioritize safety protocols over achievement claims
Choose conservative, progressive training approaches
Maintain the right to discontinue training if safety standards are inadequate
Remember: Freediving is not about pushing limits or achieving extreme depths—it's about developing sustainable, safe practices for exploring the underwater world. Melbourne's waters offer excellent opportunities when approached with proper training and realistic expectations.
Related Resources
For detailed information on specific dive locations, see our Interactive Dive Sites Guide with GPS coordinates and conditions for 12 Melbourne locations.
Explore our other Melbourne freediving guides: