What is the best freediving club in Melbourne?

It depends on what you are looking for. Southern Freedivers is Melbourne's most established spearfishing club, running since 1994. Club Spearfish is a friendly non-profit in south-east Melbourne. Geelong Freedivers covers the Geelong region with pool training and spearfishing. Each club has a different focus and community.

How much does it cost to join a freediving club in Melbourne?

Melbourne Freedivers Club costs $175/year for new members ($80 club fee + $95 AFA membership) or $135/year for renewals. Geelong Freedivers charges $20/year (senior) or $10 (junior) plus AUF membership. Southern Freedivers and Club Spearfish require AUF membership plus club fees.

Do I need experience to join a freediving club?

Most clubs welcome beginners, though having a basic freediving certification is recommended for safety. Club pool sessions and organised dives are a great way to build experience. A course will teach you essential buddy safety and rescue skills that you need before diving in open water.

Freediving Clubs in Melbourne

Freediving is a buddy sport — you should never dive alone. Joining a club is the best way to find reliable dive partners, access local knowledge, and improve your skills safely.

Why Join a Club?

Safety buddies — Never struggle to find someone to dive with
Organized dives — Regular trips to the best spots
Local knowledge — Learn about conditions, tides, and hidden gems
Skill development — Learn from more experienced divers
Equipment sharing — Try before you buy
Social connection — Meet people who share your passion

Melbourne Freediving Clubs

Melbourne Freedivers Club

Victoria's primary AFA-affiliated (Australian Freediving Association) freediving club, offering structured pool training and depth trips.

Pool training: MSAC (Albert Park) - Monday & Thursday, 7:30-9:30pm. Victoria University (Footscray Park) - Wednesday, 7:00-8:45pm. Indoor heated pools.
Activities: Pool competition disciplines (Static Apnea, Dynamic Apnea, Dynamic No Fins), depth trips to Kilsby Sinkhole, Lake Purrumbete, Mt Gambier, and Wilsons Prom. Loan of depth gear (buoys, lanyards) for members.
Membership: New members $80 club fee + $95 AFA membership = $175/year (includes compulsory Safety Induction). Renewals $40 + $95 = $135/year.
How to join: Come along to any weekly pool session (contact club first). Must also become an AFA member for insurance.

Note: We have documented concerns about this club based on firsthand experience and community feedback. Read our full review before joining.

Geelong Freedivers Inc.

An AUF-affiliated spearfishing and freediving club based in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, and the Surf Coast. Formed in 2015.

Pool training: Geelong College Pool, Thursdays 6:00-8:00pm
Activities: Monthly social dives (first Sunday of each month), Spearo Clinics, year-long Club Spearfishing Championship, Species Showdown competitions, Underwater Photofishing competitions (including in marine sanctuaries)
Social: Monthly catch-up, second Wednesday of each month, 6:30pm, Sir Charles Hotham hotel, Geelong
Membership: $20/year (senior) / $10 (junior) + AUF membership. Membership runs 1 year from payment.
Best for: Freedivers and spearfishers in the Geelong region and along the Bellarine Peninsula

Contact: [email protected]

Southern Freedivers

Melbourne's most established spearfishing club, running since 1994 with around 70 financial members. Based in south-east Melbourne.

Activities: Competition spearfishing, social dives, quarterly member meetings and information nights
Competitions: Hosts the Victorian Spearfishing Challenge (running since 2001/2002), promoting conservative and selective spearfishing
How to join: Join via the AUF (Australian Underwater Federation) website, then register with Southern Freedivers. Family discount options available.
Best for: Spearfishers looking for a competitive community in south-east Melbourne

Find them: Search "Southern Freedivers" on Facebook or visit southernfreedivers.org.au

Club Spearfish

A friendly non-profit spearfishing club based in south-east Melbourne.

Activities: Social dives, monthly meetings (first Thursday of each month in Keysborough)
Contact: [email protected]
Best for: Spearfishers in south-east Melbourne looking for a relaxed, social club

What to Expect

Pool Sessions

Club pool sessions typically include:

Static breath-hold practice with safety supervision
Dynamic swimming (with and without fins)
Technique drills and coaching
Rescue skill practice

Open Water Dives

Organized club dives usually visit the best dive sites around Melbourne and typically feature:

Designated meeting point and time
Buddy pairing system
Shared float and flag
Post-dive social (often breakfast or coffee)

Etiquette and Expectations

Never dive alone — Always have a buddy watching you
Communicate clearly — Confirm plans before the dive
Be reliable — Show up when you say you will
Know your limits — Don't push beyond your training
Share knowledge — Help newer divers learn
Respect the environment — Leave only bubbles

Finding Dive Buddies Outside Clubs

If formal clubs aren't your style, you can still find buddies through:

Course alumni groups from your freediving school
Local dive shop communities
Meetup.com freediving groups
Instagram freediving community

Safety reminder: Never freedive alone, regardless of your experience level. Most freediving deaths occur when diving solo. A buddy can save your life.