URBNSURF Melbourne prepares to launch as Australia’s first surf park

URBNSURF Melbourne, Australia’s first surf park, is preparing to fill its lagoon and have its first waves breaking in the coming months, ahead of opening to the public this summer.

URBNSURF Melbourne is the first surf park in the world to feature Spanish engineering firm Wavegarden’s next-generation 'Cove' technology. Within its crystal-clear, two-hectare surfing lagoon (similar in size to the MCG), URBNSURF Melbourne can produce up to 1,000 perfect, ocean-like surfing waves every hour, ranging from 0.5 metres to two metres in height.

Set to pioneer a new, safe and inclusive way to surf, URBNSURF can customise the experience to suit all ages and abilities – from gentle, rolling whitewater for learners and beginners, through to steep, barrelling waves that will challenge even the most experienced riders.

With the push of a button, the size, shape, power and frequency of the waves can be adjusted to suit all abilities - from first-timers through to elite athletes. Across the four main surfing zones, participants can learn to surf as part of a structured lesson or undertake a surf session to 'free surf', each hour.

With state-of-the-art sports lighting, URBNSURF Melbourne will be open day and night, year-round.

Located on Airport Drive, Tullamarine, 16 kilometres north of the Melbourne CBD, URBNSURF Melbourne can accommodate up to 84 surfers per hour across four different surfing zones.

Complementing the surfing action, the innovative sports, leisure and entertainment venue will also offer visitors unique food, music, art and cultural experiences, lagoon-side amenities including hot tubs, beach cabanas and a children’s playground, and relaxing, landscaped spaces to enjoy with family and friends.

As a passionate, lifelong surfer, URBNSURF founder Andrew Ross said the aim in bringing this new experience to Australia is to help everyone surf more: “Surfing is a sport and pastime enjoyed by millions of Australians, but getting in the water is often limited by geography, weather conditions, and having the time to chase waves.

“URBNSURF unlocks these limitations by providing a safe, convenient and accessible alternative – it’s the perfect supplement for Melburnians, who have to travel hours to surf on the coasts and will be a must-do for interstate and international visitors.

“Our goal is to have our guests walk away from a day spent at URBNSURF Melbourne stoked, whether they’ve ridden their very first wave, scored perfect barrels with their friends, or shared a delicious meal with their family in a unique and relaxing setting. For us, it’s about inspiring the progression of modern surfing in a way that’s authentically Australian, respectful of the sport’s heritage, and protective of the environment.”

The Three Blue Ducks, led by renowned chefs and avid surfers Darren Robertson, Mark LaBrooy and Andy Allen, will open their fifth restaurant (and their first in Melbourne) at URBNSURF Melbourne this Summer, in line with the park’s opening. The restaurant will include indoor and alfresco seating, and will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering visitors impressive views of the surf park.

URBNSURF Melbourne will also feature a hardware-led surf shop, Lagoon Supply Co., a fully-equipped surf rental centre, a surf academy offering tailored coaching and training, wellness activities, regular festivals and events, and much more to be announced.

URBNSURF Melbourne will open to the public this summer.

For more information go to www.urbnsurf.com

Images: The URBNSURF/Wavegarden technology in action (top, courtesy of Filipe Toledo/Wavegarden Pacotwo), aerial view of URBNSURF Melbourne (centre) and artist impression of venue facilities (above).