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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

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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 Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

Soak in Moree’s artesian water

kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre — Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

Moree’s best stays

woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre — Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

Delving into nature around Moree

aerial of moree — Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

A taste of Moree

meal at Moree Country Club — Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.

Everything you need to know about URBNSURF Sydney

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

What is URBNSURF Sydney?