12 Best Surf Camps in Australia

Last updated on November 5th, 2023 at 02:32 pm

12 Best Surf Camps in Australia

If you are looking for a surf camp in Australia, you came to the right place. In this article, we listed our top choices for a surf camp in Australia, where you can improve your surfing skills and have the perfect surf vacation.

* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.


About Australia

Australia is a place that breathes surfing. With the second largest population of surfers in the world, surfing is a way of life here and a significant part of the country’s culture. The fabulous Australian Coastline is rich with plenty of surf beaches and provides waves of all kinds and for all skill levels.

When choosing a surf camp in Australia, there are several key factors to take into account. The level of accommodation, transportation, location, and budget are obviously crucial, but not as much as the experience of the surf instructors and their coaching tools. Moreover, your current surf level and the kind of people you will meet are also things to consider in order to make the best out of the experience.

So let’s get right to it, in detail; these are the most recommended surf camps in Australia:

 

A List of the Best Surf Camps in Australia:

Surf Camp Australia

Surf Camp Australia is definitely one of the leading ones in the country. It operates both in Byron Bay and in 7 Mile Beach and offers all-inclusive surf packages for beginner and intermediate surfers. Among the different surf programs, you can choose any of the following:

The Weekender- 2-day surf camp.

The experience- 3-day surf camp.

The Ultimate Experience- 5-day surf camp.

The Search- 7-day surf adventure.

Melbourne to Surf Camp- 5-day surf camp from Monday to Friday.

Surf Camp Deluxe- perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends.

For more details about surf camps in Byron Bay, please click here.

Mojosurf, Byron Bay

Byron Bay is one of the coolest surf towns you will ever surf. The water here is relatively warm, the waves are awesome, and the vibe will make you want to stay longer than planned. Mojosurf Adventures runs a professional surf school here in Byron and also in other locations such as Bali, the Mentawai Islands, and PortugalHere, you can choose any program that fits your needs, from a single lesson to a 2-week package. If you are an advanced surfer, you can also take a surf tour to different breaks and also to combine it with other activities in the area.

For more details about Byron Bay surf camps, please click here.

Australian Surf Tours

Australian Surf Tours aims to represent a culture and a lifestyle in Sydney. The camp provides tons of knowledge and energy through surfing programs that educate and empower its students into the life that they dream about. At Australian Surf Tours, you will find a great variety of programs, starting from a 1-day tour through a 1 or 2-week surf package, and even a few months if you wish to launch your dream career as a surf instructor. On top of that, you will also feed kangaroos and giant stingrays, jump off waterfalls and scale cliff faces, visit a surfboard shaper, hang out with local Aussies, and surf over many beautiful beaches. These are all typical days in the life of Australian Surf Tours.

For more details about surf camps in Australia, please click here.

Star Surf Camps

Star Surf Camp operates here in Australia as well as in other locations such as France and Spain. All surf camp weeks start on Monday early morning, then hit the road along Australia’s beautiful east coast to Seven Mile Beach, where you’ll learn to surf on one of the best beginner surf spots in the country. After 5 full days with some of the best coaches out there, you will learn how to pop up on a board, take a turn, and surf like a champ.

For more details about Australian surf camps, please click here.

Waves Surf School, Sydney

Waves Surf School is situated on the famous Bondi Beach and has been dedicated to providing high-quality surf tours since 1999. The school has developed coaching methods to cater to first-time surfers all the way through to experienced surfers looking for a new challenge. Waves Surf School offers day trip and weekend options, which can be based around Seal Rocks surf camp in Bondi Beach or other remote surfing locations in the area. Join the crew from Waves Surf School, and you can enjoy the thrill of riding waves and the laid-back Aussie surfing lifestyle.

For more details about the best surf camps in Australia, please click here.

Hyundai Surfing Australia

The Hyundai Surfing Australia High-Performance Center is the only facility of its kind where surfers of all skill levels can access the same coaching services as Australia’s best athletes. The center offers surf camps, coaching sessions, and term programs with professional coaches and personalized instruction that’s tailored to your level of surfing.

These are the programs you can choose from:

Full-day private session.

Half-day group session.

5-day school holiday camp.

2-day micro grom camp.

Weekend adult surf camp.

For more details about the best surf camps in the country, please click here.

Soul Surf School, Byron Bay

As a mobile surf school, Soul Surf School is dedicated to finding the best waves for you on a daily basis. The camp has over 10 different locations, ready for the ultimate “learn to surf” experience. There are perfect beginner surf beaches in Byron Bay, so you will learn in waist-deep water with easy-to-ride small waves. Among the different programs the camp offers, you can take a private surf lesson, group session, kid’s lesson, and, of course, a surf&stay package.

For more info about the best camps in the area of Byron Bay, please click here.

Surfing South Australia Surf School

Surfing South Australia is actively involved in a wide range of community and state-based initiatives aimed at improving the profile of surfing within the state as well as improving community involvement in surfing within South Australia. The school’s team is highly passionate about surfing as a way of life and wishes to pass it on to their students.

Surfing South Australia is not the place for an all-inclusive week, but if you are looking for some professional surf lessons, you will get here at the highest level possible.

For more details about surf camps along the Australian Coastline, please click here.

Margaret River Surf School

Margaret River Surf School is family-owned and operated by Jarrad and his wife, Domanie. Together, they have over 15 years of surf coaching experience. Actually, this is Margaret River’s first surf school and has continued to run successfully for over 20 years now. Jarrad is an accredited level 2 surf coach, qualifying him to coach beginners through to high-performance surfers. He takes pride in his professionalism, fitness, and energy, as well as his highly qualified surfing knowledge. The Margaret River Surf School aims to give everyone the chance to experience the joy and excitement of catching waves and extending their abilities.

For the best surf camps and accommodation options in the country, please click here.

Surf Getaways for Females

Surf Getaways is a surf camp for girls only, which aims to empower women’s spirits through the love of surfing and the ocean. The camp operates here in Australia as well as in other locations such as Mexico, Maldives, Indonesia and more. The personalized coaching programs developed by Serena Adams will significantly Improve your confidence, your fitness, and your surfing skills.

For more details about the best surf camps in Australia, please click here.

Honu Honi Surf Camp

Honu Honi Surf Camp specializes in taking adult surfers from standing up in the white water to riding unbroken waves. Using its signature H.H.SURF Method, the camp coaches its guests into becoming real-deal surfers and all-around ocean dwellers. Add to this some relaxing yoga classes, epic beachside glamping setup, insanely delicious food, and incredible people, and you’ve got yourself an experience like no other.

For more information about camps, retreats, and hotels, please click here.

Surf & Sun

Surf & Sun is a licensed surf school operating award-winning adventure-based activities in South Australia. The school specializes in surf lessons for beginners, surf camps, surf hire, surf day tours, and more. You will find it at Middleton, Moana, Robe, and other great locations in South Australia.

Surf & Sun is one of South Australia’s leading surf schools and offers surf programs as follows:

Group, Private, and Kids Surf Lessons.

Surf Lessons at Middleton.

Surf Lessons at Moana.

Surf Lessons at Goolwa.

Surf Lessons at Vivone Bay, Kangaroo Island.

The camp has a team of male and female accredited surf coaches, including state surfing champions plus many state representatives that compete at a National Level. 

For more details about Australian surf camps, please click here.

What is the Cost of Surf Camps in Australia?

When booking a surf camp in Australia, the camp’s cost should be one of the most significant factors to consider. Luckily, in Australia, you can find various camp packages to suit any budget, and most of them offer great value for your money. Factors like the quality of the accommodation, location, number of days, and seasonality determine the cost of a surf camp. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that best suits your needs. In most cases, booking a surf camp in Australia costs less than booking all services on your own. As for the numbers, a one-week package at a surf camp in Australia should cost between $300 and $800.

What is the Advantage of Surf Camps in Australia?

Going on a surf trip to the beautiful beaches of Australia is a fantastic experience. There is no greater excitement than leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to simply riding waves. However, planning a surf trip can be quite a hassle, especially when you lack local knowledge. Tasks like booking hotels, finding restaurants, and knowing which surf spots to go to can be pretty annoying. 

This is precisely where a surf camp in Australia comes into play. By booking a surf camp, you remove the unpleasant part from the equation and focus only on the fun part. So, while the camp handles logistics like transportation, accommodation, meals, equipment, and surf lessons, you can relax and enjoy your precious time. In addition, surf camps in Australia provide a great environment to meet other people from around the world.

Are Surf Camps in Australia Suitable for Beginners?

There are countless surf spots in Australia with waves that suit all skill levels. For instance, the waves in spots like Margaret River and Black Rock can be extremely powerful, but in spots like Noosa and Byron Bay, you will find softer waves and an excellent environment for surfing lessons. Therefore, any surfer can enjoy a surf vacation in Australia. Moreover, the instructors in all the surf camps in Australia know exactly where to take their students in order to keep them safe and help them practice in waves that suit their skills.

What Time of Year is Best for a Surf Camp in Australia?

There are four surf seasons in Australia:

1. Summer, between December and February, is when the weather is excellent and the water is warmer. During this time of year, the waves are usually small and suitable for beginners.

 2. Autumn, between March and May, is the best surf season in Australia, with consistent swells and perfect surf conditions.

 3. Winter, between June and August, is when the waves are enormous, and the water is cold. This time of year is recommended only for advanced surfers.

4. Spring, between September and November, is the worst surf season, as the waves are flat most of the time. Therefore, it is better to avoid coming to a surf camp in Australia during this time.

 

Which Location in Australia is Best for a Surf Camp?

Although there are many great surf beaches in Australia, these two are the most recommended ones for a surf camp:

1. Byron Bay- This town offers great waves and a relaxed vibe. It is a place to surf, relax, and meet people from around the world. 

2. Gold Coast- This is the heart of Australia’s surf culture. Here, you will find several world-class breaks, one next to the other, and a variety of surf camps, surf shops, and bars.

 

How to Book a Surf Camp in Australia?

Once you choose your preferred surf camp in Australia, booking it is pretty easy, as everything is available online. The main question, though, should be what type of surf camp are you looking for, and these are the two main options:

1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for surf lessons or a coaching program, the best website to book your surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most reliable information about surf programs, weekly schedules, and general guidance.

2. If you are an experienced surfer and only need a place to stay close to the surf, you can simply book your stay at www.booking.com

Both websites are user-friendly and 100% reliable, so you can feel comfortable using them for booking your surf camp in Australia.

 

Essential Things to Check Before Booking a Surf Camp in Australia

Before choosing your preferred surf camp in Australia, it is crucial to understand exactly what the camp provides, so check the following to avoid misunderstandings:

1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio during the surf sessions? The smaller the group is, the more personal attention you will get from the coach. Therefore, look for a ratio of 5 to 1 or less.

2. Are surfboard rentals provided by the camp, or should you bring your own surfboard? Also, can you use the camp’s gear for practice on your own?

3. Are airport transfers included, or should you get there on your own? What about transfers to different beaches during your stay?

4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive, which meals are included and which are not?

5. How many surf sessions are included in the package each day? Is there a precise schedule?

6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? How many people will you be sharing the room with?

7. Does the coaching program suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers during the sessions?

8. Which qualifications do the surf coaches have? Are they certified? Remember, your safety is above everything.

9. Which coaching tools will be used during the surf sessions? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?

10. Are there any additional services you should know about, or does the initial price of the camp cover everything?

Conclusion- Final Thought

In summary, these are the top surf camps in Australia. Actually, it doesn’t really matter which one of them you choose, as they are all good, and offer pretty much the same things. What’s most important is your attitude toward the experience. If you come open-minded with the intention to learn, practice, and make the best of it, you will be able to improve your surfing drastically, meet new friends, and simply have fun.

Before you go, don’t forget to check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Australia, or the one about surf resorts in Australia.

 

Author

  • Matt- Reef Break Founder

    Hi, my name is Matt. I am a surfer, a diver, a traveler, and a true ocean lover. After surfing in so many countries, I founded Reef Break to share my passion with other surfers and help them plan their surf trips better. If you have any questions or ideas to share, I would love to hear them, so please feel free to contact me at reefbreaksite@gmail.com.

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