URBNSURF artificial wave park opens in Melbourne

One of the most anticipated attraction and surf sport innovations of recent years, Urbnsurf - Australia’s first surfable wave park - has opened this week in the Melbourne suburb of Tullamarine.

With waves driven by Wavegarden technology, the attraction has been more than seven years in the making for founder Andrew Ross.

Located just a three-minute drive from Melbourne Airport, the $28 million attraction is divided into three zones: the first has knee-high whitewater for beginners, the second has unbroken waves around waist-height for intermediate surfers, and the third is for experienced surfers with waves up to two metres high.

Up to 84 people can be accommodated in the pool at any one time.

Commenting on the attraction, Ross explained “whether it’s learning how to stand up on a board for the first time, or pulling in to challenging barrels without having to travel for hours or be at the mercy of the elements, Urbnsurf Melbourne is set to become a new hub for the Victorian surf community and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.”

Melbourne Airport’s Chief of Property, Linc Horton expects the attraction to be a great addition to the airport, adding “we’re working to create an elite sports precinct right here at Melbourne Airport known as Elite Park, which will service travellers, the community and wider Victoria.

“Urbnsurf Melbourne is set to play a big foundational role as part of the precinct.”

In addition to the 2.1-hectare man-made lagoon (with waves rolling in at a rate of around 1000 every hour), Urbnsurf will soon be home to the fifth outpost of Sydney cafe Three Blue Ducks, by newly-appointed Masterchef judge Andy Allen. The 250-person restaurant will champion ethical and sustainably sourced ingredients in dishes.

Group surfing lessons cost $69 for adults and $59 for children, and one-hour sessions without instruction (around 12 waves) start at $25 for adults and $15 for children. Private lessons, weekday discounts and multipacks are also available.

Non-surfers are also welcome, with the attraction offering day beds and cabanas for spectators, while hot tubs are set to arrive this autumn.

Members of Australia’s Olympic surfing team and junior surfing champions were among the first people to catch a wave at the new facility, testing out the surf over the past week.

They were joined by representatives from Melbourne Airport, Surfing Victoria, Surfing Australia and Three Blue Ducks.

Images of URBNSURF Melbourne courtesy of URBNSURF/Ed Sloane (top) and URBNSURF/Nic Stephens (below).