7-day NSW Explorer & Surf Camp

Get ready for a epic Australian adventure for those short on time! 🇦🇺

Your journey kicks off with a splash at our legendary Surf Camp on Gerroa’s 7-mile beach. We’re here to turn you from a “wipeout wonder” into a “wicked wave wizard” in just three days, and it’s gonna be gnarly! You’ll chill at our purpose build surfers’ camp, equipped with pools, hammocks, and more DVDs than you can shake a goanna at. It’s gonna be a wave-tastic time! 🌊🏄‍♂️🌴

Then onto your board shorts and we’ll whisk you the best bits of New South Wales, starting in the vibrant Sydney. We’ll explore the mystical Blue Mountains, the foodie paradise of Hunter Valley, get up close and personal with Aussies cutest marsupial at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, meet dolphins, and conquer Mt. Tomaree, and tackle sand dunes at sunrise amongst so many other highlights.

Get ready to sip aged wine, savour craft beers, nibble on artisanal cheese, sizzling Aussie BBQs, Aussie brews at local pubs on this beachy dream trip turned into a sandy, travel reality show! 🏞️🐨🍷🍻🌅🏖️🏜️🌄🎉

At a glance

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Days 1 - 3 Surf Camp

Start your Australia adventure with our renowned three-day Surf Camp on Gerroa’s 7-mile beach, where you’ll transform from a “wipeout wonder” to a “wicked wave wizard” through four surf lessons. The program covers mastering the art of paddling, graceful stand-up techniques, riding waves with style, and understanding surf etiquette and wave reading. Stay in our purpose-built Surf Camp, conveniently located near the beach (and a local bar for emergencies), complete with swimming pools, hammocks, and hundreds of DVDs to relax in the evening, all set on Australia’s stunning coast. 🌊🏄‍♂️🌴

Days 4 - 7 New South Wales

Your New South Wales adventure take you on a diverse journey along the East Coast. Starting in Sydney, you venture into the enchanting Blue Mountains, exploring famous spots like Wentworth Falls and the Three Sisters. You get to savour gourmet delights amidst the picturesque Hunter Valley scenery and see Koalas in rehab up close. Relax on pristine beaches around Port Stephens, encounter dolphins on a boat cruise, rise early for a sunrise view from the majestic Worimi sand dunes, and hike the stunning Mt. Tomaree for breathtaking views. 🏞️🐨🍷🍻🌅🏖️🏜️🌄🎉🇦🇺

Learn to surf like a local

Have you ever looked at those gnarly waves and thought, “I could totally ride that… if only I knew how not to face plant into the beach!” Well, fret not, landlubbers! Welcome to our three-day, four-lesson surf extravaganza at the world-famous Surf Camp, where we’ll take you from “wipeout wonder” to “wicked wave wizard” in no time!

🚌 We depart Sydney as a group at 9:00 AM, so set your alarms and don’t be fashionably late unless you want to be fashionably chasing the bus down the street, arriving at out purpose built surf camp in time for lunch and your first lesson that afternoon.

🌊 Paddle Perfection 🌊
First things first, you’ll master the art of paddling. No, not like a dog desperately trying to fetch a stick in the local puddle. We’re talking about streamlined, efficient strokes that’ll have you gliding over those waves like a pro.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation:
 Twins and triples purpose build Surf Camp

Day 1: Sydney to Gerroa

🏄‍♂️ Rise and Shine! 🏄‍♀️
Ever tried to stand on a floating piece of fibreglass and foam? Yeah, it’s not easy. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. You will soon be all about the art of the graceful stand-up. We’ll have you popping up on your board faster than your perfectly toast is ejected from the toaster (with Marmite of course – don’t ask!!)

🌊 Ride the Rodeo 🌊
Dropping into waves is a bit like riding a bull, but wetter. You’ll learn to drop into those waves with style and panache. Forget about clinging to your board like a koala to a eucalyptus tree; you’ll be riding those waves like a pro rodeo jackaroo or jillaroo (read cowboy.girl in Straylian) in no time!

🏨 Accommodation 🏨
After a day of riding waves, it’s time to crash at our purpose-built Surf Camp. We promise it’s much comfier than trying to sleep on the beach. Surf Camp is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the beach and the local bar, perfect for beersies at sundown and talking like a pirate. We’ve got a swimming pool, hot showers, hammocks for your lazy lounging needs, internet to keep your Insta game strong, laundry for those sandy clothes, and a café to refuel your post-surf munchies. And if you’re feeling fancy, we’ve got private, twin, and family room upgrades! For those who prefer a more chill vibe, we’ve got plenty of quiet spaces to unwind.

🍽️ Meals 🍽️
We know surfing can turn you into a ravenous beast, so fear not! All your meals are included at Surf Camp, and we serve up enough food to make even a great white shark feel full. We’ve got tasty and healthy options galore, including vegetarian delights. Got any other dietary requests? Just let us know, and we’ll make sure your tummy stays happy!

🏄‍♂️ Surf Gear 🏄‍♀️
No need to bring your dad’s old, crusty wetsuit or that banged-up, dinged surfboard from the ’90s. At Surf Camp, you’ll be decked out in top-of-the-line Rip Curl wetsuits that are so cozy, you might consider wearing them to bed. Plus, our custom-designed beginner soft-boards are like the training wheels of the surf world. They practically ride the waves for you! And don’t worry about sunburn; we’ve got SPF 30+ water-resistant sunscreen on deck! Oh, and did we mention the epic daily photos and videos? They’re like the highlight reel of your newfound surf stardom! So grab a seat, relax, and let the good times roll like waves on a never-ending swell! 🤙🏄‍♂️🤙🏄‍♀️

Meals: all meals
Accommodation: Twins and triples purpose build Surf Camp

Day 2: 7-mile beach Gerroa

Our last day at surf camp and this morning is all about🏄‍♂️ Surf Etiquette & Psychic Wave Reading 🏄‍♀️ We can’t teach you how to communicate with Neptune, but we can teach you to read those waves like a fortune teller reading tea leaves. Plus, we’ll make sure you’re well-versed in surf etiquette so you don’t accidentally steal someone else’s wave karma!

After just one more amazing post-lunch feeding frenzy we then head north returning to Sydney in time to hit the bar that evening and tell tall stories about the 12 footer that nearly munted you, but instead, you rode the barrel and carved off the top lip. Rad bro!

Meals: breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Twins and triples Sydney inner city hostel

Day 3: Gerroa to Sydney

Welcome to Aussie, mate

Alright, folks, get ready for your adventure heading north up the infamous East Coast of Australia that’s as fun as a kangaroo in a jump-off! We kick things off in the land of Oz’s most fabulous city, Sydney.

Once we’ve established that we’re all in good company, it’s time to get down to business, and by business, we mean the kind that involves exploring the stunning Blue Mountains. Why are they called “blue,” you ask? Well, it’s not because they’re feeling sad; it’s because they’re often covered in a mystical blue haze – kinda like an Avatar sequel.

Our day in the Blue Mountains will have you taking on Wentworth Falls hike and striking a pose with the iconic Three Sisters. Don’t worry, though; we’re not going to turn you into the next Bear Grylls. We’ll save some energy to be back in Sydney by evening, and that means it’s time to check out the Harbour City’s world-famous nightlife.

Picture yourself sipping on a cocktail with the Sydney Opera House as your backdrop, and the Harbour Bridge lighting up the night sky – it’s almost as if the city itself is saying, “Welcome to the Aussie, mate!” 🌄🎉🇦🇺

Included activities: Wentworth Falls hike, Sydney nightlife explorer
Accommodation: Twins and triples Sydney inner city hostel

Day 4: Sydney, Blue Mountains

Koalas in a food sandwich.

Pack your bags and say goodbye to beautiful Sydney, because you’re about to dive headfirst into a foodie wonderland that’s so delicious, even your taste buds will do a happy dance! We’re off to the Hunter Valley, a place where skyscrapers are swapped for rolling hills, and instead of sidewalks, you’ll find wineries, cheeseries, and breweries. It’s like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but for grown-ups who appreciate a fine glass of wine more than a golden ticket. Sip on a glass of perfectly aged wine, indulge in the artsiest of craft beers, nibble on artisanal cheeses, and savouring gourmet chocolate amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Hunter Valley.

But hold on to your taste buds, because we’re not done yet! Next stop: Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. This place isn’t just about cute koalas (though you’ll see plenty of those furry fellas), it’s about providing state-of-the-art care to our sick, injured, and orphaned koalas. We’re talking top-notch healthcare for the marsupial elite! And to get a truly unique perspective on these cuddly creatures, we’ll be climbing the “Skywalk,” where you’ll feel like a koala yourself as you peer into their natural habitat from the treetops.

Now, back to the food front (because it’s a foodie sandwich today, and we’re the filling). We’re cranking up the heat with a top-notch Aussie BBQ this evening. Grab your tongs and get ready to chow down on sizzling sausages, mouthwatering steaks, and all the delicious fixings (there is even a mean vegan barbie for those in need too). 🍇🍷🥩🍤🐨

Meals: breakfast and dinner
Included activities: Gourmet goodies tastings, Koala sanctuary
Accommodation: Eco-cabins

Day 5: Sydney - Hunter Valley to Port Stephens

Sun, sea, sand and chilling

Ah, Australia’s east coast – where the motto has always been “sun, sea, sand, and chilling.” Today, we’re turning that dream into a full-blown, sandy reality show! Say hello to Port Stephens, a gem on Australia’s coastline that’s like the beach equivalent of finding a ten-dollar bill in your old jeans pocket.

Picture this: your ankle-deep in the crystal-clear waters, the waves gently caress your toes as if they’ve been waiting for you to arrive and grace them with your presence. And then, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, you find yourself face to fin with dolphins. We’re talking about meeting these intelligent, graceful creatures in their natural habitat on a boat cruise. They’ll probably swim circles around your excitement levels.

We round the day off with legendary Mt. Tomaree Walk. Trust us; the views from the top are so breathtaking they’ll make you question why you ever bothered with mundane things like office cubicles and traffic jams.

So, pack your sunscreen, your sense of wonder, and your best sea shanty (or preferably not). Today’s the day when you turn the beachy daydream into a reality so epic, even the sun will be throwing some extra rays your way in approval. Welcome to Port Stephens, where the sun, sea, sand, and chilling are more than just a motto – they’re a way of life! 🏖️🌊🐬⛰️🌞🤣

Included activities: Wild dolphin boat cruise, Mt Tomaree walk
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Eco-cabins

Day 6: Port Stephens

When beachy dreams of sand dune conquests come true

As the sun peeks over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, you’ll find yourself standing at the top of the majestic Worimi sand dunes at sunrise. Worimi are the largest moving coastal dunes in the entire southern hemisphere. It’s a view so breathtaking that even the dunes themselves will be like, “Wow, we look good in this light!” And don’t worry, if you happen to tumble down a dune or two, just remember, you’re not falling; you’re simply practicing your sand acrobatics!

After our sandy escapade, it’s time to refuel, and what better way to do that than with breakfast amongst the trees at our eco-lodge? You’ll be sipping your coffee, listening to the birds chirping their morning serenade, and probably finding a grain or two of sand in places you didn’t even know existed.

After breakfast we head back toward Sydney, and what a trip it has been knowing that our beachy dreams of sand dune conquests have come true. Your U. crew will drop you back in Sydney in time to wet your whistle on some of the finest Aussie brews with a toast to the memories made and the ones yet to come?🏄‍♂️🌞🍻🎉🐨🇦🇺🌆🌅🍃🏖️🏜️🌄🤣

Included activities: Worimi sand dunes
Meals: breakfast

Day 7: Port Stephens to Sydney

We can help you!

This itinerary is a guide only. Given the spontaneous nature of our trips, our lack of control over the weather,
and many other factors that can effect a group, where we go and what we do each day may vary.

Always included: 

  • Covered by the Travel Guarantee Fund in Denmark
  • 100% climate-neutral travel
  • Professional travel experts and local guides
  • We do all the planning for you
  • Personalized meetings before departure
  • 24/7 emergency telephone
  • Your own personal travel profile with program, add-ons, flight tickets etc.
  • Packing list and advice
  • Advice and assistance with booking flights
  • Possibility of purchasing cancellation and travel insurance
  • All entrances and fees for experiences
  • All tour accommodation

 

Transport:

  • Bus
  • Ferry
  • Boat
  • Jeep
  • Surfboard

 

Experiences:

  • Purpose built surf camp with swimming pool, hot showers, hammocks, internet, laundry and cafe
  • Quality Rip Curl wetsuits to keep you warm or protect you from the sun while learning to surf
  • All surf lessons
  • Daily photos and videos plus highlights video
  • Capture a photo with the iconic Sydney Opera House & Sydney Harbour Bridge as your backdrop
  • Explore the Blue Mountains, hike to Wentworth Falls and Three Sisters
  • Cheese, wine, chocolate, vodka and brewery tastings
  • Famous Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
  • Boat trip and wild dolphin safari
  • Mt Tomaree and Worimi sand dune visits

Please note the night before the departure for Surf Camp and the night we return to Sydney are not included in the price. However, your U. Crew can book you into our preferred place of staying or we can arrange something else if you have a preference.

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U.Impact! Experiences

Local characters off the beaten track

One of the most amazing things about Australia that many visitors miss, either because they don’t get off the beaten track, or because they are just too shy is this incredible breed called “the ocker” – which is slang for someone from Australia. We have made an absolute concerted effort to craft local experiences off the beaten track with our mates in Australia. You will get to meet real Aussies who will share a yarn and schooner. Some of them we will even let you pat and feed, but we don’t worry we won’t let them off the leash (joking!!!). Unique to U. will meet awesome folk in country towns plus the wonderful peoples of the First Nations who share with us rich stories and tales. This is not a joke – we are really proud at how local we have taken this trip!

Incredible wildlife… in the wild

You know we are against holding animals in captivity just for entertainment or unscrupulous tourism operators who use cruel methods just to tame or herd wild animals into human proximity. But Australia has some of the most incredible array of zany wildlife anywhere in the world. So we have gone over and above to create a trip that has every opportunity to encounter, without encroaching, on platypus, crocodiles, dolphins, whales, koalas and kangaroos in the wild. Be prepared to be wowed and amazing at these beautiful creatures wild in their natural habitats.

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER WHEN USED WELL

Your expected footprint on this trip: 0.09 tons of CO2

(not including flights). Find out more about our commitment to net-zero travel and how you can lower your footprint.

Transport: 203.98 kgs 995 kms kms at 20.5 kgs per 100km Accommodation: 54.4 kgs 7 nights at approx. at 13.6kgs per night Food (and party): 4.9 kgs Approx. 700g per day

Your local investment on this trip: AUD$1,694

The average expected amount our U.Traveller’s spend that goes directly into the local economy.

Find out more about our love for supporting local businesses

Why Choose a U. Trip

  • The only tour company carbon calculating and offsetting every part of your U.Trip, as part of your cost! From the flights, to all carbon costs associated with your accommodation, activities, meals and transport.  This means you are choosing to travel responsibly with a company dedicated to putting People + Planet first!  U. have simplified the decision making so you can focus on just choosing the best trip for your adventures!
  • More inclusions, head to head, than other trips meaning you get more value for your spend, you see more and you experience more!
  • Invest in yourself and your future with a U.Trip that seamlessly combines the fun, excitement and adventure of gap year and backpacker travel with Impact Experiences that add value to your ‘self’ and your CV.
  • U. creates the opportunity for you to challenge your own understanding of the world with first hand experiences of local communities and the challenges facing them.
  • A team with over 100 years collective travel experience

Would you like one of our U.Team to give you a call?

Let us know when and we will make it happen.

We can help you!

Would you like one of our U.Team to give you a call?

Let us know when and we will make it happen.

We can help you!

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