Surf, Stay and Play

Surfers: Those sun-kissed, salty-haired, live for the moment folk who smell of sea and sunscreen. They often come alive in the water and leave us mere humans drooling from the shore or possibly from across the road in our cars (not pointing any fingers)!

Summer is the perfect time to level-up from your novice surfer status! That’s why our YHAs have teamed up with their favourite local surfing schools so you can stay conveniently close to the beach and hit the waves whenever the mood strikes. 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' for $199 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 a surfer's dream classroom. Boasting $60 3.5 hour surf lessons in packs of one, two and three (all equipment provided) for less than a pretty penny. 

Does it get any better? ABSOLUTELY! Cape Byron are offering a ‘Surf and Zzzz’ special including: two nights’ accommodation and a 3hr surf lesson in beautiful Byron Bay for $110.

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

Wanna swell-chase elsewhere? Here are a few popular surf spots conveniently close to other 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 of course!

• This one’s golden. 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. 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!

• Spend some time chilling and surfing on South Australia's gorgeous south coast! At the end of the day, you can chill out on Port Elliot YHA’s breezy balcony and take in the views of the Southern Ocean, cook up a meal on the BBQ and watch the sunset, then nod off to the sound of the waves rolling onto the beach.

• 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, guys!