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Learn to surf

Learn to Surf in Port Macquarie: Beaches, Prices and Schools

Quick answer

Soul Surfing in Port Macquarie charges $60 for a two hour lesson and $110 for a 75 minute private, and its five day intensive is $210. Town Beach is rated 5 out of 10 on Beachsafe, but never swim or surf in the river next to it. Kids can join Nudie SurfGroms for 5 to 12 year olds. Prices were checked on 17 October 2026.

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Port Macquarie has several patrolled beaches close to town and two surf schools we list, one of which says it runs lessons seven days a week, all year round. Here's what you need to know, from Surf Life Saving's Beachsafe pages and the schools' own websites, checked on 17 October 2026.

The beaches

Town Beach. Beachsafe rates Town Beach 5 out of 10. It's popular with board riders thanks to its sand bars and protection from south winds. For beginners and swimmers, the advice is simple: "Stay on the inner bar and between the flags or in the southern corner. Do not swim in the river." The river next door is deep with strong currents.

Flynns Beach. Rated 6 out of 10. Beachsafe says it's a popular spot for locals, with beachfront parking, and that you should "definitely stay between the flags and away from the rips and rocks." Rocks dominate the surf at the southern end.

Lighthouse Beach. Rated 6 out of 10 and described as "attractive but potentially hazardous owing to the frequent rips and deep trough." Gorgeous for a walk, better left until you've got some experience.

What lessons cost

Soul Surfing publishes its prices in full:

  • Kick start your surfing: $60 for a two hour lesson
  • Three two hour lessons: $170
  • Five two hour lessons: $275
  • Five day intensive course: $210
  • Private lessons: $110 for 75 minutes

Port Macquarie Surf School doesn't list prices on its lessons page, so book or enquire through its site for current rates. It offers private lessons for individuals, families or groups, group lessons, and a range of programs.

So in Port Macquarie, expect about $60 for a two hour group lesson and around $110 for a private session, based on Soul Surfing's published rates.

Kids vs adults

Kids: this is where Port Macquarie really shines. Port Macquarie Surf School runs Nudie SurfGroms, a national junior program for 5 to 12 year olds, plus after school and before school programs. It also runs a Surfing Waves for Autism program tailored to autistic children. Soul Surfing has an after school program for kids from 5 years up, at $265 for a 10 week term.

Adults: Soul Surfing's two hour kick start lesson is a good first step, and its five day intensive is great value if you're in town for a week. Port Macquarie Surf School also runs surf camps for advanced beginners and intermediates who want to fast-track their progress.

Families: Port Macquarie Surf School's private lessons are pitched at individuals, families or groups, so you can book a session together.

What a first lesson looks like

Soul Surfing describes its kick start lesson as being for beginners or anyone needing a refresher, and it runs for two hours. That's a good length for a first session: long enough to get comfortable, short enough that you're not exhausted.

Expect a beach briefing on the flags, rips and the river (Beachsafe's warning about the river next to Town Beach is one your instructor will repeat), some practice on the sand, then time in the white water on a soft board. Standing up and riding broken waves toward the beach is the goal for day one.

If you're in Port Macquarie for a week, Soul Surfing's five day intensive ($210) works out at $42 a day, which is the best per-lesson value we found in the whole series.

Tips

  • Never swim or surf in the river mouth next to Town Beach. Beachsafe is clear on that.
  • Port Macquarie Surf School says it runs lessons seven days a week, all year round, so winter lessons are an option.
  • Book school holiday programs early.

Quick answers

How much is a surf lesson in Port Macquarie? Soul Surfing charges $60 for a two hour lesson and $110 for a 75 minute private lesson.

Are there programs for kids? Yes. Nudie SurfGroms (5 to 12) and after school programs at Port Macquarie Surf School, and Soul Surfing's after school term program for kids 5 and up.

Where should beginners avoid? The river next to Town Beach. Beachsafe says don't swim in it.

Port Macquarie surf schools on Tydal Surf

See Port Macquarie Surf School and Soul Surfing Surf School, or the Port Macquarie surf schools page.

Sources