URBNSURF Sydney: Everything You Need To Know

Drop into Sydney’s first-ever wave park to score epic surf, day and night.

URBNSURF Sydney is the city’s first wave park, which is great news for those who live in Sydney’s west and even better news for those who want to work on taking their surf skills to the next level.

What is URBNSURF Sydney?

URBNSURF Sydney opened in Sydney’s Olympic Park in mid-May, offering perfect waves for young and old frothers of this hugely popular sport and pastime. Forget the paddle battle. Don’t worry about kooks dropping in on you. Overcrowded line-ups. Surviving the clean-up set. Or getting stuck in a meaty rip.

the Wavegarden pool at URBNSURF Sydney — The wavegarden pool produces almost perfect ocean waves. (Image: Ed Sloane)

It cost more than $75 million to bring the revolutionary surf park that first launched in Melbourne in 2020 to the NSW capital. And judging by the hordes who are here on this sunny, bright autumn day, URBNSURF Sydney is a great plan B when it’s Flatsville, Tennessee.

the wave park at URBNSURF Sydney — It’s the perfect place for beginners, experienced surfers and thrill-seekers.

The wave park spans a vast 3.6-hectare patch of land in Sydney Olympic Park and is designed to accommodate more than 1000 visitors daily, seven days a week.

surfers gathering at URBNSURF Sydney — URBNSURF Sydney caters to all levels of experience.

Things to do at URBNSURF Sydney

Go surfing

The proudly Australian company behind URBNSURF developed world-class Wavegarden technology to deliver up to 12 perfect waves for each surfer during a one-hour session. Best of all, URBNSURF Sydney caters to surfers of all abilities with six different wave settings ranging from fun, gentle point-break style waves with easy take-offs up to heavy barrels reserved for experts.

a surfer riding a huge wave at URBNSURF Sydney — URBNSURF developed world-class Wavegarden technology.

Everything from boards to wetsuits can be hired at URBNSURF Sydney and the wetties undergo a deep clean at the end of each day before being stored in a drying room.

a surfer holding a surfboard at URBNSURF Sydney — You can hire all the gear if you need it.

Duty manager Raffaello Pellegrini said the difference between surfing at URBNSURF Sydney and the ocean is that there is one surfer per wave and each surfer has plenty of time to paddle for a wave. After a safety briefing, the surf instructors in charge of each group explain where the take-off point is and lead the paddle-out.

Lessons at Surf Academy

Sydney’s only surf park offers lessons with professionals both night and day. It’s the perfect place for beginners, experienced surfers and thrill-seekers with lessons under the following categories: beginner, beginner progressive, cruiser, progressive turns, intermediate, advanced turns and barrels. There are beginner lessons for those who have never surfed before and those who want to take up the sport.

a group of surfers during a surf lesson at URBNSURF Sydney — There are beginner lessons for those who have never surfed before.

One of the most popular personalised lessons is aimed at intermediate surfers who want to perfect their technique and improve their rights or lefts. The participants in each group all wear different coloured rashies so the lifeguards can keep a lookout and the classes are kept contained.

surfers in the wave pool at URBNSURF Sydney — Intermediate surfers can partake in personalised lessons to perfect their technique.

Boog in the Bay

There’s no denying that part of the appeal of both surfing and boogie boarding is being at one with the ocean and visiting wild and varied surf spots. URBNSURF Sydney is a great Plan B for boogie boarders when the elements such as swell, tide, and wind speed don’t align.

Where else can boogers (and surfers) gather where the waves are 100 per cent guaranteed? Boog in the Bays is aimed at beginner surfers to learn to ride broken waves and ankle-slappers in the front of the lagoon.

a lifeguard walking on the poolside path at URBNSURF Sydney — Lifeguards are always on the lookout.

Play in the Bays

Thankfully, URBNSURF is not all about high-performance athletes. One of the most common questions asked at URBNSURF Sydney according to duty manager Raffaeilo Pellegrino is whether visitors to the park can swim in the lagoon.

Thankfully, there are sessions for beginner surfers or those new to surfing to try in the front of the lagoon, with broken waves. The lagoon has a cement bottom so all those entering the water need to undergo a safety briefing. Helmets are available for hire.

the bay area at Urbnsurf Sydney — Play in the front of the lagoon. (Image: Ed Sloane)

Swim

There’s a very small, heated leisure pool onsite that on the day we visited was filled with children and their parents. There was a dad throwing classic catches to his cricket-keen kid. A pregnant woman is sitting in the water watching her older children ride the waves. And a solo female is making the most of the heated pool to do some wintry laps.

people sitting at the poolside area under the umbrellas at URBNSURF Sydney — Supervise children from the poolside.

Relax lagoonside

URBNSURF Sydney is destined to become a popular spot for parents who want to encourage their children to pursue a healthy sport such as surfing. Luckily, there are lots of spots to relax by the lagoon while surfing sessions are underway.

Some pay the entry fee and decide to make a day of it, ordering lunch at Sandy’s while seeking a bit of sunshine. Others are sprawled on towels at the edge of the lagoon. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of vibe.

al fresco dining at Sandy's — Nab a spot at Sandy’s come lunchtime. (Image: Ed Sloane)

Book a private cabana on The Lawns

The private cabanas constructed on the lawn along the beautifully landscaped fence line are prime real estate. Order a double cheeseburger to go from Sandy’s and lie back in your own lounging area while stoking on the view of the line-up.

Located on The Lawns, the cabanas are priced at $300 per cabana for four hours of frothing, making them popular for birthdays and special occasions.

a picnic spread from Sandy's — Pick up food from Sandy’s to eat on The Lawns. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Shop at Rip Curl Surf Shop

You can buy everything from board bags to fins, hats, wetsuits, tail pads, stretchy boardshorts, fleeces, waterproof bags, giant Yeti drink bottles and surf wax at this onsite Rip Curl Surf Shop. The beauty of having a shop onsite is that you can stock up on Factor 50+ sunscreen, towels and hats and any other essential items you might have forgotten to pack.

the URBNSURF Sydney exterior — Shop at the onsite Rip Curl Surf Shop.

Get photos from Greenroom

All the footage from your surf session is available post-surf. Those who are serious about their surfing can purchase the footage from their session and show it to an accredited surf coach to analyse in order to make further improvements.

The fact that surfers can choose which kind of wave they want to take is a huge benefit for those looking to make improvements to their technique.

Wellbeing programs

There’s a wellbeing space onsite that offers a range of mind-body sessions out of the water designed to help surfers learn to stay focused and in the water for longer.

a gym session at URBNSURF Sydney — Learn important skills before heading into the surf.

The wellbeing space includes physio and massage sessions and surfer’s gym sessions covering strength, mobility and breathwork. Those with multipacks will benefit from a few brush-up lessons on wellbeing to keep them charging down the line.

a group mind-body session at Urbnsurf Sydney — Take a few lessons to brush up on your skills.

Where to eat at URBNSURF Sydney

Sandy’s

Sandy’s is a focal point of URBNSURF and it’s been mobbed by families who, for all intents and purposes, look like they’re settling in beside the seaside.

It’s the coastal classics – cuisine such as burgers and fries, tacos and nachos – that lend Sandy’s that low-key toes-in-the-sand vacay vibe.

a table-top view of friends enjoying their tacos and beer at Sandy's — Feast on the coastal classics. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Nab a stool at the horseshoe-shaped low countertop where surfers look down the waves, barrelling left and right of the pontoon, and ooh and ahh over the bomb sets.

Sandy's horseshoe-shaped low countertop at URBNSURF Sydney — Nab a stool at the horseshoe-shaped low countertop. (Image: Ed Sloane)

URBNSURF Sydney aims to be a destination, which is why they brought Applejack Hospitality’s inland surfside eatery onboard. Arrive early for breakfast of freshly baked Sonoma pastries, acai bowls and the ubiquitous avocado on toast.

pastries and coffee on the table at Sandy's — Arrive early for freshly baked Sonoma pastries. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Hang until lunchtime when the crispy pork belly bowl and burritos come into their own. And quench your thirst with cold beers, cocktails and wine on tap to the score of grungy surf rock tunes. Pre-book a picnic and sprawl on The Lawn with your tribe.

RAFI URBNSURF

Those seeking a more tranquil retreat can head upstairs to RAFI URBNSURF , sister venue to RAFI North Sydney , also owned by Applejack Hospitality.

RAFI restaurant at URBNSURF Sydney — Dine at RAFI URBNSURF after hitting the waves. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Although RAFI officially opens its doors on 25 July 2024, the Luchetti-Krelle-designed restaurant will seat 200 and feature a huge rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the lagoon and park.

Watch your bro in a barrel. See former pro surfers such as Tom Carroll and Layne Beachley (both of whom have visited the park) charging down the line and young guns such as Cronulla’s Jarvis Earle perfecting his airs.

RAFI restaurant at URBNSURF Sydney interiors — The Luchetti-Krelle-designed restaurant will seat 200. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

After surfing for an hour or more, executive Chef Matias Cillóniz expects surfers will arrive at both Sandy’s and RAFI URBNSURF with an appetite.

Signatures from flagship RAFI North Sydney will also feature at the Sydney Olympic Park venue, built around a roster of grass-fed meats and seasonal responsibly sourced seafood and vegetables.

Food flatlay at RAFI URBNSURF Sydney — Surfers will arrive at RAFI URBNSURF with an appetite. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Closed-loop sustainability is also at the core of the cocktail menu with options such as the Sub-Zero oyster martini and Sub-Zero burnt butter and pecan Old Fashioned. There’s also a global wine list and bubbles sourced from the finest Champagne houses.

Looking over URBNSURF Sydney from RAFI URBNSURF restaurant — Watch the surfers while you dine. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

How much does URBNSURF Sydney cost?

Surf in The Bays and Boog in The Bays (adult) from $39. This session is perfect for beginners. Price includes softboard/bodyboard hire.

a group of surfers at URBNSURF Sydney — Take your surf skills to the next level at URBNSURF Sydney.

Surf sessions

An hour’s worth of perfect waves on the right, left or on The Point. Numbers are capped on each side of The Point so each surfer scores 10 to 12 waves per session.

Cruiser, progressive turns and intermediate from $104 per session.

Advanced turns and advanced from $109 per session.

Expert from $159 per session.

an intermediate surfer riding the waves at URBNSURF Sydney — Sign up for advanced surf sessions. (Image: Ed Sloane)

Surf Academy

Learn to surf – beginner and beginner progressive – from $104 per session.

Membership options from $175.

For further products, including URBNSURF multipacks and gift cards, please head to URBNSURF Sydney online .

two surfers holding surfboards at URBNSURF Sydney — Surf with friends at URBNSURF Sydney. (Image: Ed Sloane)

Where is URBNSURF Sydney located?

15 Hill Road, Sydney Olympic Park.

URBNSURF Sydney opening hours

6am-10pm, seven days a week.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

Everything you need to know about URBNSURF Sydney