This surf development course will be held across the Illawarra region on some of the most breathtaking beaches with amazing waves. You will stay in the seaside town of Thirroul at the Beach Motel which is located in the town center and directly across the road from the beach.
Thirroul is 71 kilometers south of central Sydney or a one hour and 15 minutes train trip or an hour drive. There are three different beaches that you can surf depending on conditions at Bulli Beach, North Wollongong, and the National Surfing Reserve, The Farm.
Surf locations
Bendalong
Around 220 kilometers drive South of Sydney, on New South Wales' pristine South Coast region, and hidden by a highway and a mountain range is the beautiful little seaside village of Bendalong. It takes about three hours by car, a little more by bus, and about four week, if you want to walk. It is known by most Sydney-siders who surf but unknown to others.
What gives Bendalong its charm is the fact that it's so close to Sydney; however, barely anyone goes there. It’s surrounded by a national park to the west so there is much Australian Wildlife and to the east. It has six most beautiful beaches with epic waves. Bendalong is stuck out in the ocean on a peninsular used to be called "red head."
To the north, there is the tranquil beach called Washerwomans that is absolutely perfect for learning. South of the point is Bendalong main beach which has perfect a-frame style beach that breaks right along it and catches almost every piece of swell that the ocean dishes up. Further south again, three minutes drive, is undeniably the most beautiful beach of all.
Conjola Beach sits at the entrance of Lake Conjola which glistens on sunset and is a beach break for all levels. But the main attraction at this location is Green Island which is a 500-meter long left-hand point break. Ond of the south coast's hidden treasures, it has perfect walls that seemingly run forever.
Bulli Beach
Bulli Beach is on the Northern end of the Wollongong City coastline. It’s only about an hour drive south of central Sydney making it a perfect destination for a trip out of the city. Driving south along the Grand Pacific Drive, you can get a glimpse of the beautiful coastline, stop, have some lunch at best pub Scarborough Hotel, and sit on beautiful Bulli Beach.
Coming from the south, it's only about 15 minutes drive from Wollongong City center making it a perfect beach to escape the crowds. Looking to the west, you will see a beautiful cliff top escarpment where you will often see the "crazy" jumping off with hang-gliders.The surrounding point breaks make for a big surf scene in the area. There is also a beautiful tourist park right on the beach for anyone who wants to stay a bit longer.
To top it all off, Bulli Surf Life Saving Club is one of Australia’s strongest clubs with over 600 members who help maintain a safe playground for all beach users. With surrounding parks, a couple of lovely cafes with Ruby’s and Bulli Beach Cafe, and a bike and skate walkway the length of the beach, it's the perfect place to spend a day with a surf lesson included.
North Wollongong Beach
Welcome to Wollongong City’s premier beach location. Situated in the heart of Wollongong, North Wollongong Beach, and North Beach surrounded by cafes, parks, bars, and restaurants.They are an ideal location for anyone seeking some sunshine and a day at the beach. There are a bike track and a walking path that runs along the ocean and are great for a few people watching.
There are free barbecue facilities, wading pools, and rock pools. There are great waves. Apart from the surrounding delights, there are a chilled vibe, plenty of free parking, and an excellent surf school. North Wollongong Beach is amazing.
The Farm
They are no cows on this farm. There used to be, though, which is how this beach got its name. The old farm that used to be here is now called Killalea State Park and the only history that can be seen are a few foundations of barns from a bygone era that used to stand here.
While past surfers used to make the trek to the old farm and pay 20 cents at the gate to get in, it is now hidden from the road by a large housing estate that anyone can get to. Managed by State Parks, it is a beautiful mix of manicured grassland, lagoons, rolling hills, a campsite, and two sensational surf beaches.
One of these beaches is called "The Farm," for obvious and recently explained reasons. Another is called "Mystics" aptly named after the fogs that roll over the cliffs in winter time from which mystical and perfect waves appear.
While mystics is strictly for advanced surfers only due to its incredible power and thick hollow barrels, "The Farm" has a much more forgiving set-up and presents beautiful lines of swell and turns them into peaks right down the beach. The south end has the main break for the more advanced, but only a five-minute walk up to the north end will give you long shallow rolling waves which are perfect for beginners.
Nearby places
- Sydney - 1 hour
- Wollongong - 15 minutes
