As we brace ourselves for a scorcher of a summer, nothing seems more enticing than a refreshing dip in the pool or at the beach. The main challenge with pools, however, is that rarely are there strong enough waves to whip out a surfboard and at the beach you've got to think about everything else, including sand—that is, unless you go to a specific water park built to offer perfect waves all year round.
Our mates at URBNSURF Melbourne are intent on providing a reprieve from the belting sun, so here’s everything happening at the only man-made surfing park in and around the city (and in Australia so far). Not to fret, Sydneysiders, as your time's coming for your very own URBNSURF. Keep an eye out for the grand opening in autumn 2024.
Join the Surf Academy
If you’ve been itching to take up surfing but haven’t plucked up the courage to hit the beach, URBNSURF’s Surf Academy is made for you. These guys provide ocean-like waves in a safe, controlled environment. Beginner lessons start in the rolling whitewash waves where you can learn to pop up and are nearly guaranteed to stand for the first time.
Trained coaches run lessons throughout the week and cater to everyone under the rainbow, from beginners to advanced surfers hellbent on perfecting their mid-wave turns. Perhaps the most crucial lesson comes in the form of surf etiquette, as anyone who has attempted to begin their surfing journey at a beach will understand that there is definitely a right and wrong way to coexist with other surfers in the water.
Sit Back And Relax
Itching for a spa day? URBNSURF’s Spectator Pass gives you complete access to every non-surf related amenity at the park, and yes, that includes the hot tubs and day beds. Bring a book and some sunnies and mellow out in the bubbles or sink into the lounge chairs and bask in the serenity.
Boogie Board At A Leisurely Pace
Of course, not all of us are aspiring surfers. For some, the idea of a refreshing body of water and a frolic or two is enticing enough.
Head to The Bays, a separate section of URBNSURF where you can swim and boog until your heart’s content. Think of it as a day at the beach without having to deal with those sharp sea shells lurking under the sand.
There are a few separate elements to The Bays—for swimmers, The Lagoon is truly a blue oasis designed for lazing about in the water, while boogie boarders and low-key surfers can try their hand at the small waves in The Bays itself.
Get Your Feast On At Three Blue Ducks
You’ll need to make a pit stop to refuel after a hectic day of surfing, and Three Blue Ducks is the prime spot.
Open from 8am-8:30pm throughout the week, the on-site restaurant is spearheaded by co-owners and chefs Darren Robertson, Andy Allen and Mark LaBrooy.
If you’re famished, opt for the ‘Feed Me’ menu and tuck into the likes of pulled pork tostadas, pickled cabbage, burnt tomato and chipotle salsa; sweet potato hummus, Ducks’ hazelnut and almond dukkah and focaccia; and char-grilled asparagus with broccolini, harissa and almonds.
Surf And Sip With Girls Go
From October to May, Girls Go URBNSURF pulls out all the stops for an evening filled with surfing and sipping during sunset. This inclusive, female and female-identifying community makes for a safe and easy-going entry into the surfing world, and the promise of knockoff drinks at the end of the day is the cherry on top.
Take your drinks over to the private cabana reserved on The Lawns as the crew give out prizes and accolades—you’ll float away from the day on cloud nine.
With spectator options, surfing lessons and laid-back spots to eat, the park is the ideal location for mates visiting Melbourne and family from interstate who want a jam-packed experience you can only find at URBNSURF Melbourne. Check out all the sessions and events on offer and book in a day in advance to escape the sweltering heat.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by URBNSURF and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: URBNSURF