Lake Eacham Freediving Retreat: Five Days of Freediving Adventure

At Deep Sensations Freediving, we believe that every freediving retreat is a journey—not just into the depths of the water, but into the depths of your own potential. Our recent Lake Eacham Freediving Retreat was no exception, offering five days packed with unforgettable experiences, personal bests, deep connections, and a few surprises along the way.

Day 1: Welcoming New and Experienced Divers

The retreat kicked off with excitement in the air as our group of new and experienced freedivers gathered at the stunning Lake Eacham. Under the guidance of DS Instructor Curtis Tredway and Assistant Instructor Ash Chan, participants embarked on their Wave 1 Beginner and Wave 2 Advanced courses, along with specialised Coaching sessions.

Our focus was clear: relaxation, skill, and technique over depth—because we know the depth will come as a result.

Coffee, Leeches, and Lake Eacham

Each day started with a ritual we quickly grew to love—regular pit stops at The Gilles Café, where the coffee was a perfect post-dive treat. The tranquil surroundings of Lake Eacham provided the perfect backdrop for our training sessions, with its pristine waters serving as an ideal location for practicing depth.

No swell, no current, no worries. This is what makes the lake Australia's BEST freediving training location.

Of course, no adventure is without its challenges. While the lake's beauty was undeniable, so were the leeches that some of us had to fend off during our jungle treks.

But hey, what's a retreat without a little wild encounter to keep things interesting?

An Unexpected Wilderness Expedition

One of the highlights of the retreat was an unplanned but thoroughly enjoyed night expedition led by one of our guests, who turned out to be an ecologist with a passion for wildlife. What was supposed to be a relaxing evening turned into a three-hour exploration of the surrounding wilderness, armed with a pair of torches and eagerness.

The hunt for the elusive leaf-tailed gecko became the mission of the night, guided by GPS coordinates that took the team bush-bashing through the dense forest. After hours of searching, the reward came on our last night—ironically, on the main walking track. The elusive gecko finally revealed itself, much to the delight of our group, proving that sometimes the best discoveries happen when you least expect them.

FYI - this was not a part of the itinerary!

Breaking Barriers and Reaching New Depths

Back in the water, our divers were making incredible progress. Personal bests were shattered across the board, with divers reaching new milestones in static apnea, pool sessions, and depth dives. We celebrated many new additions to the 20 and 30-meter club, with some participants making significant breakthroughs that had them grinning ear to ear.

Divers were introduced to freefall and PB cakes - is there a better combo?

The emphasis on relaxation and technique paid off, as divers found that with the right mindset and skills, depth naturally followed over the following days. It was a powerful reminder that freediving is as much a mental journey as it is a physical one.

Family Dinners and a Dance Floor Finale

The retreat wasn’t all about diving, though. We made time for family dinners that brought everyone closer together, sharing stories, playing Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza - some better than others, there were laughs, and plans for future adventures.

Oh and a special thank you to Dani from Protect What You Love who held a games night in collaboration with Deep Sensations Freediving. The evening was filled with conservation and wildlife education, presented in a fun and entertaining way that kept everyone engaged. While we supported each other in the water, rivalries quickly formed during the games, and things definitely got heated—haha!

On our final night, we turned The Gilles Café into an impromptu dance floor, joined by some of the locals from Yungaburra. The night was filled with music, dancing, delicious food, well-earned PB cake and a sense of community that made saying goodbye the next day that much harder.

Until Next Time, Lake Eacham

As we packed up our gear and said our farewells, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that will stay with us long after the retreat. Lake Eacham once again proved to be the perfect setting for our freediving journey, offering not just a place to dive, but a place to connect—with nature, with others, and with ourselves.

To everyone who joined us, thank you for making this retreat an unforgettable experience. Whether you reached a new depth, discovered a hidden talent, or simply enjoyed the ride, we hope you left Lake Eacham with memories that will inspire you in the water and beyond.

Until next time—breathe deep, dive safe, and keep exploring the depths of what you can achieve.

Interested in joining our next Lake Eacham Freediving Retreat? Join the waitlist.

Curtis Tredway & The Deep Sensations Freediving Team