Surf, Stay and Play

Summer is the perfect time to level-up from your novice surfer status! Stay close to the beach and hit the waves whenever the mood strikes, or learn to surf at one of our favourite surf schools. You’ll finally understand terms like ‘point break’ and ‘reef break,’ and be calling everyone "dude" or "bro" in no time!

Bondi Beachouse YHA

You couldn’t find a more Instagrammable activity than a Bondi Beach surf lesson. We offer a two-hour surf experience perfect for beginners wanting to kick-start their surfing journey. BETTER YET... if you’re feelin' like you need a little more than two hours, save some dollars with a discounted three-lesson 'beginner’s package' to improve upon your newfound skills.  

Where to stay: Bondi Beachouse YHA

Byron Bay YHA and Cape Byron YHA

One couldn’t find a more perfect surf town than Byron Bay and if the surf wasn’t enough of a reason, keep in mind the location is home to the Hemsworth brothers! With its ever-looming hipster spirit, breathtaking beaches and laid-back residents; this is nature's perfect classroom. Boasting $60 3.5 hour surf lessons in packs of one, two and three (all equipment provided) you won't break the bank when you catch some waves.

Where to stay: Byron Bay YHA and Cape Byron YHA

Surfers Paradise YHA

Surfers Paradise, as the name implies, is a SURFER'S PARADISE! Learn to surf in a fun and relaxed environment with a six student to one instructor ratio. On arrival, the coaches will show you easy techniques to get you up on the board, then shortly after it’s time to hit the waves. If you’re the forgetful type we’ve got you covered, with all the inclusions like hostel pickup and drop-off and equipment including wetsuits. 

Where to stay: Surfers Paradise YHA

Yamba YHA

Yamba YHA is currently offering a ‘Surf and Stay’ special boasting three nights stay and two 2.5 hour surf lessons (including surfboards and wetsuit hire) from $192! A town celebrated for its surf - these lessons that will have you feeling like Kate Bosworth in Blue Crush real fast.

Where to stay: Yamba YHA

Port Elliot YHA

If you're itching to catch some South Australian waves, what better way to learn than with SA's most awarded surf school?! With this Learn to Surf package based in the beautiful town of Port Elliot, you'll be learning with the best surf coaches on top of line equipment - and a two hour lesson will cost you just $55. It really doesn't get much better than that!

Where to stay: Port Elliot YHA

Wanna swell-chase off the beaten track? Here are some more of our fave surf spots right by our YHA properties!

• Surf the waves and stay at Port Macquarie YHA.  Halfway between Sydney and Byron Bay, Port Macquarie YHA is more like a resort than a backpacker hostel. Guests can relax in the poolside cabana, swim, or take a hammock nap under the palm trees. HINT: remember to befriend Cheeky, the resident parrot, in between your beach sessions.

• Newcastle Beach YHA will capture your heart – with pizza nights, barbeque nights and free surfboard hire… you’ll be well fed, well equipped and ready to master the art of surfing! With hourly services from Sydney, you’ll step off the train and into a beachside wonderland whose relaxed atmosphere you just won’t want to leave.

• Pop on over to Coffs Harbour YHA and spend some time kicking back at one of the many beaches Coffs has to offer! No need to pack all your heavy surf gear - just head down to reception and take the waves on a free boogieboard or surfboard!

• Tick surfing off your travel bucket list at one of Australia's most iconic beaches - 1770 Agnes Water. Located on the untouched surf coastline north of Fraser Island and south of the Whitsundays, this hidden gem is the perfect place to catch a wave or jump on a bike and explore the surrounds. Luckily, 1770 YHA is also just down the road. BINGO!

Surf's up and so are ya options for a hectic surf-filled weekend. Get amongst it this summer and we'll catch you by the beach!