Surf Camp Australia The Search One Way Adventure

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Learn to surf for five days at 7 Mile Beach, Gerroa, then ride an overnight coach to Byron Bay for two days of free surfing with boards supplied. It is a one-way week from Sydney to Byron, with eight two-hour lessons, five nights' beds and most meals included.

Days

7 days, 6 nights

Group size

Group lessons, shared camp

Start / finish

Sydney / 7 Mile Beach, Gerroa / Byron Bay
Byron Bay, Sunday afternoon

Return

Byron Bay, Sunday afternoon

Accommodation

4 nights at Surf Camp, Gerroa; 1 night overnight coach; 1 night at Wake Up Hostel Byron Bay

Transport

Bus or train to camp, overnight coach to Byron Bay

Meals

All meals at camp; 1 breakfast and 1 dinner in Byron Bay

Route

Map of Surf Camp Australia The Search One Way Adventure

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Included experiences

7 Mile Beach, Gerroa — 8 two-hour surf lessons, Monday to Friday
Surf course — paddling, standing up, dropping in, trimming and turning
Sydney — Friday drinks at Side Bar before the overnight coach
Byron Bay — two days of free surfing with boards and hardboards supplied
Byron Bay — a night out at the town's pubs and bars

Surf Camp Australia The Search One Way Adventure

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1, MONDAY: SYDNEY TO SURF CAMP

The trip leaves Wake Up Hostel in Sydney at 9am on Monday, heading about two hours south to Surf Camp at Gerroa, a small village at the mouth of the Crooked River. You settle into a shared room metres from the beach, eat, then pull on a Rip Curl wetsuit and pick up a beginner softboard for your first 2-hour lesson. Seven Mile Beach runs south from the village of Gerroa inside a national park, and in January 1933 Charles Kingsford Smith used its hard sand as the runway for the Southern Cross's flight to New Zealand.

Overnight: Gerroa (Surf Camp, shared dorm cabins)

DAYS 2 TO 4, TUESDAY TO THURSDAY: THE SURF COURSE

These are the full surf days, two 2-hour lessons a day between meals cooked at camp. The course builds from paddling and standing up to dropping into waves, trimming and turning, with lessons on surf etiquette, ocean knowledge and board design, so you can read a strange beach for yourself by the time you reach Byron. Seven Mile Beach National Park behind the dunes has kangaroos and kookaburras, and dolphins often share the line-up. Between sessions there's the pool and the hammocks, and at sunset the local pub up the road looks over the ocean. The daily photos and videos make for a good laugh in the evenings.

Overnight: Gerroa (Surf Camp, shared dorm cabins)

DAY 5, FRIDAY: LAST LESSON AND THE OVERNIGHT COACH

Friday brings your eighth and final lesson, then you head back to Sydney with your new surf mates, arriving in the early evening. From there you board an express overnight coach north. Byron Bay is more than 700 km up the coast by road, and travelling through the night saves a full day for surfing.

Overnight: Overnight coach to Byron Bay

DAY 6, SATURDAY: FREE SURFING IN BYRON BAY

You wake up in Byron Bay, below Cape Byron, the most easterly point of mainland Australia, where the lighthouse has stood since 1901. Home for the night is Wake Up Hostel Byron Bay, right next to the beach, with a kitchen, pool and games room. There are no lessons here. You have unlimited use of surf gear, including hardboards if you want to step up from the softboard, and you choose where to paddle out. In the evening, Byron's pubs, bars and clubs are a short walk away, or keep it quiet. One breakfast and one dinner are included in Byron.

Overnight: Byron Bay (Wake Up Hostel Byron Bay)

DAY 7, SUNDAY: LAST SURF AND FAREWELL

A last morning in the water, then the trip finishes in Byron Bay on Sunday afternoon. It's one way, so you make your own plans from here, whether that's further up the coast or back to Sydney.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Wake Up Hostel Sydney; arrive by 8:45am to sign in.
Departure time: 9am every Monday.
Finishes: Byron Bay, Sunday afternoon. This is one way; you make your own way on from Byron.
Suits: Absolute beginners through to intermediate surfers. Not set up for travellers with access needs.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian and vegan meals are available at camp. Tell us about any other needs when you book.
Accommodation note: Surf Camp rooms sleep 6 or 7, with hot showers, a pool, hammocks, internet and laundry; private or double rooms can be requested when you book. Wake Up Hostel Byron Bay is next to the beach.
Please note: Friday night is spent on the overnight coach to Byron Bay. Exact Friday times are confirmed when you book.

What is included

8 surf lessons of 2 hours each, Monday to Friday
4 nights at Surf Camp in 6-7 berth rooms
1 night at Wake Up Hostel Byron Bay
All meals at Surf Camp, plus one breakfast and one dinner in Byron Bay
Rip Curl wetsuits, custom beginner softboards and SPF 50+ sunscreen
Unlimited board hire in Byron Bay, including hardboards
Free photos and highlight video from camp
Rip Curl discount
Transport Sydney to Surf Camp to Byron Bay by bus, train and overnight coach

Not included

Surf lessons in Byron Bay (board hire only)
Travel back from Byron Bay
Other meals in Byron Bay

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.