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.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

Everything you need to know about URBNSURF Sydney