From the wild, western coast of WA to the Sunshine Gold Coast, Australia’s surf scene is nothing short of legendary. For those looking to sharpen their skills, there are now hundreds of surf camps sprinkled across the coastline.
Mojo Surf is one of New South Wales most popular surfing schools (Photo:BookSurfCamps.com)
Australia’s sprawling shoreline attracts swell from every direction. From rolling logger waves to pounding barrels, there’s something for total beginners, seasoned surfers, and just about everyone in between. Unsurprisingly, there are hundreds of surf camps offering surf instruction alongside accommodation, meals and other exhilarating activities, like kayaking and bungee jumping. With so many schools to choose from, we’ve rounded up seven of the best surf camps in Australia based on value for money, location, itinerary and customer reviews.
Gnarly Tours, Agnes Water
This cheap and cheerful surf school offers a two-day surf camp that is ideal for beginners. Set on the region’s most northerly surf beach, guests can enjoy a three-four hour lesson that covers all of the basics. As well as tuition, the price includes one-night accommodation, equipment, rash vest, Go Pro and free photos. Classes are capped at eight participants to ensure plenty of one-to-one time too. Previous customers rave about the private beach and the fun, informal tuition. From AUS $134 for two days.
Soul Surf, New South Wales
(Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
Teeming with point, reef, and beach breaks, New South Wales is one of Australia’s superstar surfing spots. The whole of the coast is magnificent, but Soul Surf School boasts a coveted spot on Byron Bay. There’s a good range of surf camps to choose from, each lasting between three and five days. All options include breakfast, board, four-hour surf lessons, half-rice meal vouchers and a free drinks token. Guests can also opt for other exhilarating activities, like skydives and kayaking with whales and dolphins. For the best surf conditions, head here during the Australian winter between May and August. From AUS $289 for three days.
Mojo Surf, New South Wales
For those looking to sharpen their surfing schools over a considerable amount of time, look to MojoSurf. Guests can choose from one, two or three-month surf academies, each targeting different abilities. The one-month “Surf Development” is the ultimate learn-to-surf experience while the three-month is aimed at those who would like to become licensed surf instructors. All prices include tuition, board, breakfast or lunch, fitness sessions, video analysis, and transfers. Guests can also opt for a three or four-day “Surf and Stay” course. From AUS $290 for three days.
Pirates Backpacker, Fremantle
Pirates Backpacker in Fremantle, Perth (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
If you’re looking for beginner-friendly waves and top-notch surf tuition, you need look no further than Pirates Backpacker. The school offers just one camp, but it’s a goodun’. The four-day course is designed for beginners. To ensure maximum learning time, classes are capped at six participants too. Prices include daily surf lessons with qualified instruction, transportation to the surf spots and accommodation at a friendly hostel. Guests can enjoy access to a kitchen, courtyard and barbecue, movie room and pool table too. AUS $310 for four days.
Surf Connect, Brisbane
The sandy stretch south of Brisbane is one of Australia’s most visited sandy stretches. Little wonder why, with its talc-white sands, right-hand point breaks and wedgy peaks. For those looking to mix and match a variety of watersports, Surf Connect is an excellent option. The accredited school specialise in a variety of surfing styles, including kitesurfing and windsurfing. Prices include multi-sport sessions and lessons, surf lesson equipment, and accommodation. Courses take place at Sandgate Beach and are suitable for all difficulty levels. Located just 10km from Brisbane Airport, it’s perfect for a quick trip. From AUS $1,200 for three days.
Desa Retreat, Jan Juc
Desa Retreat in Victoria (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
Set 10 minutes from the beautiful beaches of Torquay, this boutique retreat offers a highly regarded combined surf and yoga camp. Suitable for all levels, courses include tuition in groups of no more than five people. Guests can choose to sleep in the two Eco-Villas or the Tiny House. Prices include surfing and yoga sessions, wholesome and home-grown meals, and whole-body nature-based experiences that promise to stir the soul into action. Counselling and coaching, massage and art workshops are on offer too. From AUS $1,232 for four days.
Surf Getaways, Noosa
Surf Getaways offer a brilliant variety of school camps, designed by women and for women. Courses range from three to ten nights and take place at locations across Australia, the Maldives and Mexico. Our top pick is a seven-night luxury tour in Noosa, at Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas. Experienced female surf coaches develop a training program based on your existing surf skills, so it’s suitable for all levels. Prices include accommodation, breakfasts, lunches and a gourmet dinner at The View, daily professional surfing sessions, surf stretch sessions, yoga and access to all the hotel amenities. From AUS $4,500 per person for seven nights.