“What will the pool look like?”, “How powerful are the waves?”, “What board will I ride?” – if you’re considering surfing the mechanical wave at URBNSURF Sydney, there’s no doubt you’ve got plenty of questions on your mind.

Whether you consider the man-made wave facility to be a bit of a novelty, or a fantastic opportunity to hone your surfing skills – our guide below has all the information you need to know prior to dropping in on sensational barrels at Sydney’s first wave park.

In this article

Where: 15 Hill Road, Sydney Olympic Park

When: 6AM – 10PM, seven days a week

What is URBNSURF Sydney?

What is URBNSURF Sydney?
What is URBNSURF Sydney?

URBNSURF opened in Sydney’s Olympic Park in May 2024 following the hugely successful Melbourne wave park that launched in 2020. A revolutionary piece of infrastructure for Australia’s largest city, URBNSURF cost over $75 million and is a next-level opportunity for surfers to hone their skills without worrying about water politics (like dropping in and overcrowded lineups). 

Spanning a huge 3.6 hectares in Sydney Olympic Park, it might surprise you to know that the park is designed to hold only 1000 visitors daily. But with long opening hours every day of the week, there’s ample opportunity to catch a wave or two.

Things to do at URBNSURF Sydney? 

Surf

There are a number of things you can do while at URBNSURF Sydney. The most obvious is, of course, surfing. The facility is made possible thanks to a world-class Wavegarden technology. This technology gives each surfer up to 12 perfect waves during a one-hour session. There are six wave settings to choose from, catering for surfers of all abilities – from fun and gentle waves with easy take-offs, up to heavy barrels for the experts. 

A major difference between surfing at URBNSURF and surfing in the ocean is the regulation of one surfer per wave, plus plenty of time to paddle for a wave. Don’t have a board or wetsuit? No worries! Hire whatever you need when you arrive at the facility. 

Take a surf lesson

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced surfer, there are surf lessons available both day and night with professional instructors. With a range of wave settings, it’s a controlled place to learn how to surf, and you won’t have to worry about running into another person. A popular lesson at the facility provides intermediate and advanced surfers the opportunity to perfect their turning skills. 

Take a surf lesson at URBNSURF Sydney
Take a surf lesson at URBNSURF Sydney

Boogie on a Board

Not keen on surfing and prefer to keep your stomach on the board? Gather where the waves are 100 per cent guaranteed at URBNSURF. You won’t have to worry about the alignment of swell, tide and wind speed by booking in a sesh in the front of the lagoon. 

Other things to do 

  • Swim in the small, heated leisure pool on site. 
  • Relax by the lagoon while surfing lessons are underway
  • Book a private cabana on The Lawns – perfect for birthdays and special occasions
  • Shop everything from board bags to fins and wetsuits at the Rip Curl Surf Shop
  • Obtain footage from your surf session and analyse your style for improvement
  • Wellbeing programs available – from physio, massages and breathwork, to gym. 

Where to eat? 

If you want a bite to eat after ripping up some epic waves, there are plenty of post-surf snack options and delicious meals at the wave park.

Where to eat at URBNSURF Sydney
Where to eat at URBNSURF Sydney

Sandy’s

Sandy’s is a focal point of URBNSURF. Serving up coastal classics from burgers and fries to tacos and nachos, Sandy’s is a low-key toes-in-the-sand type of vibe. You’ll be able to stay amongst the action with a perfect view of the wave park. 

Rafi URBNSURF

If you want something a little more tranquil, away from the young families, head upstairs to RAFI URBNSURF. This is the sister venue to RAFI in North Sydney which seats over 200 people with a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the lagoon. 

How much will it cost you?

Swimming at the front of the lagoon or boogie boarding in the bay are the cheapest options at URBNSURF Sydney at just $39. Perfect for beginners and inclusive of a softboard/bodyboard hire. 

For a one-hour surf session with 10 to 12 waves per session: 

  • Cruiser, progressive turns and intermediate from $104 per session
  • Advanced turns and Advanced from $109 per session
  • Experts from $159 per session

To Learn to surf: 

  • Beginner and Beginner Progressive from $104 per session 
  • Memberships from $175