URBNSURF artificial wave park opens in Melbourne

January 10, 2020

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).

9th January 2020 - Surf Stadium Japan advances construction of American Wave Machines powered surf facility

19th December 2019 - URBNSURF Melbourne starts pre-opening media campaign

17th December 2019 - Paris 2024 chooses Tahiti as site for Olympic surfing events

4th December 2019 - URBNSURF Melbourne partners with Surfing Victoria

18th November 2019 - Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program receives additional support from Kieser Australia

14th November 2019 - URBNSURF Melbourne to open in January

25th September 2019 - New online surf coaching platform launched in Victoria

18th July 2019 - Sustainable restauranters to open F&B outlet at new URBNSURF Melbourne

16th July 2019 - URBNSURF Melbourne prepares to launch as Australia’s first surf park

6th April 2019 - Perth surf park plan in doubt after bid for use of Crown land rejected

7th September 2018 - World Surf League stages first Tour event using artificial wave technology

20th December 2017 - Melbourne Airport launches challenging new children’s playspace

4th August 2016 - New sports confirmed for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

7th April 2016 - Melbourne Airport location for first surf park in Australia

17th May 2011 - Essendon seeks $15 million to help build new Melbourne airport home

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