Surf Trips & Camps in Australia
If you're a surfing pro or a total rookie, surf camps in Australia are a great way to challenge yourself or learn to surf. With 16 surf adventures and an instructor by your side, you'll be perfecting a pop-up in no time!
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Laura • traveled in February, 2025
This tour included all the main attractions that backpackers would want to experience when on the east coast! From surfing to skydiving, australia zoo to the whitsundays. It was fast paced and exciting, always on the move. Good lively accommodation.
Oz East Coast + Work 28 days - S
Sierra • traveled in September
This past week with Mojosurf on the 7 Day Living the Dream Surf Adventure has been absolutely incredible. To start, the 9 hour train from Sydney to Spot X was a bit long (especially without charging ports on it or anything, be prepared and bring snacks!), but after arriving at camp I knew immediately that it was worth the wait. The accommodation is basic but beachside and gorgeous, and all close enough to feel like a big family. I was definitely impressed with the food, as we weren't limited to small portions at all and it was delish (everybody needed some good hearty grub after being out surfing all day so it was very appreciated). Overall, there was such a friendly and happy vibe around the place. It was easy to get settled in and meet people as everybody, short-termers and long-termers, mingled and were all just happy to be there together. I definitely have to mention how great my guide Bruno was - the guy is hilarious and was very welcoming, great to get us settled, and willing to help with anything we needed for the duration of our time there (while also being a great guy all around!). Continuing on to the Arts Factory in Byron, the place lives up to its expectation, definitely on the hippy side of things, but still good fun. It was definitely nice to go out for dinner together in the evenings, and good to have food included in the morning and for lunch. In terms of the actual surfing, I can definitely say that the lessons were helpful and good fun. The setup of lessons at Spot X was so smooth, surfing twice a day was easy as you were right next to the boards and beach. The lessons were genuinely quite helpful and informative, and not just a supervised board rental, which was appreciated. There was a good ratio of instructors to participants so you did feel like you were getting constructive help as you weren't just a number in a crowd. This was a bit different when we moved up to Byron Bay, as the distance to the Mojo shop and beach meant you were gone from 12:30-5pm or so each day, and the groups were bigger, but still many instructors considering the group size so all was still well. One small suggestion would be to space out different levels more during lessons - not something we had an issue with at Spot X, but more of an issue at Byron, when those on their 5+ lesson were surfing with the beginners, who often were not used to giving space between boards and surfing etiquette, making it a bit frustrating for those of us who knew better and didn't want to run into anybody. For anybody considering this trip, definitely take the leap, as it's been so worth it to get involved in the surfing world and will make you much more confident to get out on the waves, while also having such a fun week and getting to meet some great people. One important thing to note - you will be exhausted, you'll probably have many bruises and injuries all over, and your muscles will constantly sore, BUT, it will be worth it, without a doubt!
8 Day Livin' The Dream Surf Adventure - M
Marie • traveled in January
Great way to see Sydney and tick off some Australian bucket list items!
Australia: City to Surf (Air Price Australia: City To Surf)
10 best Surf trips in Australia
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- One Week from Sydney to Brisbane
- East Coast Australia: 7 Week | ULTIMATE
- Ultimate Australia (Without Sailing)
- Oz East Coast + Work 28 days
- Australia: City to Surf
- 8 Day Livin' The Dream Surf Adventure
- Australia and New Zealand: Surfing Waves & The Whitsundays
- Australia: City to Surf (Air Price Australia: City To Surf)
- Epic East Coast (including Sunshine Coast)
- 5 Day Surf Camp - The Ultimate Experience
A full free day in Byron Bay, Australia's iconic surf town at the country's most easterly point, includes optional beginner surf lessons for around $90. The trip features coastal walks along Crowdy Bay's Mermaid Lookout Track—great for whale and dolphin spotting—plus paddleboarding with the Gumbaynggirr people.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Lamington National Park, Springbrook, Gold Coast, Brisbane Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,595
20% Off- US$1,276You save $319
Surf lessons at Byron Bay build core skills, while Gold Coast's legendary breaks at Surfers Paradise offer prime wave action. Coastal walks along the Bondi to Coogee trail and Byron Bay's Lighthouse path complement beach activities from Bondi to Mission Beach.
Duration 50 days Destinations Melbourne, Sydney, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Ultimate Travel From
20% Off- US$5,543
Surf skills develop at Byron Bay's beginner-friendly breaks, Bondi Beach's iconic waves, and Noosa's renowned point breaks. Professional surf lessons and optional advanced sessions enhance multiple coastal stops.
Duration 20 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Bondi, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, TownsvilleSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $3,902
19% Off- US$3,161+$803 upfront costsYou save $741
Oz East Coast + Work 28 days
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was so fun and well organised that I had to stay on for the rest. 10/10 experience!”
James, traveled in June
Professional Australian instructors lead surf sessions at Byron Bay with complimentary board hire. Perfect beginner waves break at Surfers Paradise, while paddleboarding through mangroves and multiple surf spots from Bondi to Mission Beach round out the adventure.
Duration 28 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
19% Off- US$3,644
Hit the waves at Byron Bay with expert surf instructors at one of Australia's most famous surf spots. Wake early for an optional sunrise walk to Byron Bay Lighthouse—the country's most easterly point—then catch more waves. A full free day lets you soak up the bohemian surf vibe with optional yoga and beach time.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Noosa, Fraser Island, Brisbane Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,455
19% Off- US$1,179+$110 upfront costsYou save $276
8 Day Livin' The Dream Surf Adventure
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our surfing improved really quick because we got to surf a lot with great instructors. The food is good, the dorms are nice, the people are great.”
Maxine, traveled in April
Seven professional surf lessons transform beginners into intermediate surfers at Australia's top spots. The program starts at Spot X's protected beach in Arrawarra before moving to Byron Bay's world-famous breaks.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Arrawarra, Byron Bay Age Range Ages 18-60 Operator Mojosurf Australia 
Ride Australia's best waves from Manly Beach to Byron Bay. Get professional instruction at Spot X Surf Camp, catch breaks at Noosa's Main Beach, and explore hidden coves. Includes surf lessons, equipment rental, and access to prime surfing locations along the east coast.
Duration 24 days Destinations Auckland, Raglan, Rotorua, Waitomo, Te Puia, Taupo, Wellington, Sydney, Manly, ArrawarraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $4,999
10% Off- US$4,499You save $500
What our customers ask about Surf Trips & Camps in Australia
When is the best time to go surfing in Australia?
Australia's surf conditions peak at different times across its coastline. The months from March to May bring warm waters and reliable swells to Sydney and Byron Bay. The Gold Coast sees its best waves from June to August. Water temperatures on the Sunshine Coast reach their sweet spot from February to April averaging 75°F. Year-round surfing is possible at locations like the Noosa Everglades Eco Lodge and Spot X surf camp. Byron Bay has earned a reputation for beginner-friendly conditions with TourRadar travelers noting its "perfect conditions for beginners with gentle waves."
Which are the best surfing locations included in Australian tours?
Australia's premier surf tours take in the country's most celebrated breaks. The route typically covers Bondi Beach in Sydney Noosa's point breaks Byron Bay's The Pass and the Gold Coast's Surfers Paradise. Dedicated surf facilities like MojoSurf camp at Byron Bay and Spot X offer specialized instruction. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The location is perfect close to the beach. You get access to a variety of waves from gentle rollers to more challenging breaks." Most east coast tours connect multiple surf spots between Sydney and the Gold Coast.
What's included in a typical Australian surf tour package?
Australian surf packages come well-equipped with professional instruction quality boards and wetsuits accommodation and select meals. Venues like Wake Up Hostel in Sydney and Aquarius Backpackers in Byron Bay provide both classroom theory and hands-on water sessions often including photo and video documentation. As one TourRadar traveler shares: "They feed you tons of great food and the staff are legends! The instructors Erik and Mac are super patient and knowledgeable when teaching. You'll be catching and standing on waves in the first day or two for sure!"
What's the typical daily schedule at an Australian surf camp?
Australian surf camps operate on an early-to-rise schedule. Places like Spot X and Mojosurf camps start with sunrise surf sessions followed by two 2-hour lessons daily. Between water time students get beach safety instruction and theory lessons. Afternoons often include extra surf practice beach activities and wildlife watching including kangaroo spotting. Accommodation ranges from beachfront hostels like Wake Up Sydney to dedicated surf camps with evening programs centered around group meals and social events.
How long should I book a surfing tour in Australia for?
Australian surf tours span from quick 3-day introductions to full 3-month instructor courses. Most beginners find their groove in 7-15 day tours which balance skill development with other activities. One TourRadar traveler notes: "I went for a 5 day trip but extended my stay for 3 months to really improve my surf!" Options range from the comprehensive 91-day instructor qualification in Byron Bay to the 15-day Epic East Coast tour which combines surfing with coastal exploration.
What other activities are included in Australian surfing tours?
Australian surf tours blend wave riding with diverse coastal experiences. Programs typically feature yoga in Byron Bay kayaking through Noosa Everglades sailing the Whitsundays and national park exploration. The Epic East Coast tour includes "swimming at Lake McKenzie kangaroo treks Whitehaven beach trips and sunset sailing to Airlie Beach." These additional activities create a complete Australian adventure while maintaining focus on surf instruction at key spots.