Top Freediving Spots on the Sunshine Coast (and What to Bring)
If you’re passionate about the ocean, the Sunshine Coast offers some of the best freediving in Australia. From calm coastal bays to deep offshore reefs, every spot brings new sights, new challenges, and new marine life encounters.
1. Mooloolaba River Mouth
A local training hotspot, the Mooloolaba River mouth offers gentle conditions, great visibility on a rising tide, and plenty of marine life, including trevally, whiting, and turtles.
Best for: Beginners and breath-hold training.
Pro Tip: Hit the water early morning for calm seas and clear visibility.
2. Point Cartwright
With rocky reef structures and sandy patches, Point Cartwright is perfect for practising equalisation and exploring reef drop-offs up to around 12 metres deep.
Best for: Intermediate freedivers.
Pro Tip: Check swell conditions — this spot can get rough during surf swells.
3. Mudjimba Island (Old Woman Island)
Accessible by small boat or kayak, Mudjimba Island offers colourful coral reefs, rays, and schooling pelagics. It’s a must for adventurous freedivers wanting to explore deeper reefs.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced divers.
Pro Tip: Plan your dive for slack tide to minimise current.
4. Noosa National Park (Tea Tree Bay)
Tea Tree Bay is a beautiful, relaxed dive spot within Noosa National Park, perfect for snorkelling or casual freediving sessions. Clear water and scattered reef make it an easy favourite.
Best for: All levels.
Pro Tip: Bring a float and dive flag — boat traffic can occasionally pass through.
5. HMAS Brisbane Wreck
A world-class dive site and one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic underwater locations. The HMAS Brisbane sits at 28m and teems with marine life — from batfish to bull rays.
Best for: Experienced freedivers with proper safety protocols.
Pro Tip: Join a local freediving charter like ocean Sense for safe access and guided dives.
🧳 What to Bring (and Where to Get It)
Before you dive, make sure you’re fully equipped with reliable, performance-grade freediving gear. Here’s what we recommend — with direct links to Dive Cave products so you can shop the essentials:
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Low-Volume Mask – A comfortable, low-volume mask gives you easier equalisation and a wider field of view underwater.
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Freediving Snorkel – Simple, flexible snorkels are perfect for surface breathing and streamline performance.
Freediving Fins – Lightweight, long-blade fins maximise propulsion and efficiency on descents. -
Dive Cave Yamamoto Smooth Skin Wetsuit – Made from limestone-based neoprene for warmth, comfort, and flexibility — ideal for both freediving and spearfishing.
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Weight Belt & Weights – Adjust your buoyancy for comfort and safety at depth.
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Dive Float & Flag – Essential for visibility and surface safety.
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Ocean Glide Wetsuit Lube – Keeps your suit in perfect condition and makes entry a breeze.