The Australia Surfing Tourism Industry is poised for steady growth, expected to rise from an estimated USD 3.4 billion in 2025 to USD 7.5 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. This expansion is fueled by surfing’s growing global popularity, the emergence of surf resorts catering to international visitors, and Australia’s iconic beaches like Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, which continue to attract surfers worldwide.
Market Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Australian Industry Size (2025E) | USD 3.4 Billion |
| Projected Australian Value (2035F) | USD 7.5 Billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 8.2% |
The market for surf tourism in Australia is growing as more travelers seek the nation's pristine surf spots. Australia is a world-renowned surfing destination with a rich culture surrounding the sport. As a result, high-end surf resorts, specialized surf camps, and guided surf tours are becoming increasingly popular across regions like the Sunshine Coast and Tasmania.
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The chart below outlines the changes in CAGR for the base year 2024 and the forecast for 2025, reflecting evolving market trends.
CAGR Values for Australia Surfing Tourism Industry (2024 to 2025)
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% in the first half of 2024, with a slight increase to 7.9% in the second half. By 2025, the growth rate is expected to reach 8% in the first half, peaking at 8.2% in the second half due to an influx of international travelers booking custom surf experiences in premium resorts like the Mornington Peninsula and Margaret River.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Value | Australia’s surfing tourism industry is estimated to generate USD 3.1 billion in 2024, contributing 70% of the region’s surfing tourism market. |
| Domestic Market Share | Domestic tourists represent 60%, with major surfing destinations including Byron Bay (New South Wales), Bondi Beach (Sydney), and Margaret River (Western Australia). |
| International Market Share | International tourists make up 40%, with key visitors from the USA, the UK, and Japan flocking to iconic surf spots like Bells Beach and Noosa Heads. |
| Key Destinations | Top surfing locations include Byron Bay, Bondi Beach, Bells Beach, and Margaret River. |
| Economic Impact | Surf tourism generates significant revenue, benefitting local economies through accommodations, restaurants, surf shops, and activities. |
| Key Trends | Growth of eco-friendly surf camps, rise in surfing retreats combining wellness, and the increase of advanced surf coaching programs. |
| Top Travel Seasons | Peak seasons include the summer and autumn months, particularly along Australia’s East Coast, where both surf conditions and weather are optimal. |
Australia’s Surfing Tourism Industry is a driving force in the Asia-Pacific region, with major hubs such as New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia drawing surfers from across the globe. Renowned locations like Byron Bay and Bells Beach continue to attract global travelers looking for top-tier surfing experiences. On the West Coast, Margaret River remains a favorite for international visitors seeking world-class waves, while domestic surfers frequent iconic beaches like Bondi Beach.
A visible trend in the market is the emergence of eco-friendly surf camps, especially in areas such as Tasmania and New South Wales, where surfers are looking for environmentally friendly practices accompanied by local surf instruction. Surf experiences that emphasize wellness, such as yoga retreats with surfing lessons, are also becoming popular in areas such as Noosa Heads and Byron Bay.
| Date | Development & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Launch of Surf & Yoga Retreat: Byron Bay Surf Retreat introduced a new "Surf & Yoga Escape," offering a blend of surf lessons, beachside yoga sessions, and mindfulness activities. |
| Dec 2024 | New Premium Surf Experience: Margaret River’s Surf Resort unveiled a luxury “Surf Concierge Package,” providing guests with custom surfboard designs, private lessons from pro surfers, and exclusive surf tours. |
| Nov 2024 | Launch of Family Surf Adventure: Surf & Sand Adventures (Queensland) introduced a family-friendly surf camp, catering to beginners, with surf lessons, family packages, and accommodation tailored to parents with children. |
| Oct 2024 | Opening of Surf Park in Sydney: Sydney Surf Park opened in Bondi, offering a year-round surf experience in a state-of-the-art artificial wave pool for both beginners and advanced surfers. |
| Sept 2024 | Hosting of National Surf Competition: The Australian National Surfing Championships in Bells Beach expanded, adding an amateur surf category to attract global tourists to this iconic spot. |
Independent Travelers Lead the Australian Surfing Tourism Segment
Independent travelers will make up Australia's surf holiday market in 2025, with 52% of the bookings. This broad shift is proof of an increased desire for independence and flexibility in surf holidays. Independent surfers are increasingly becoming interested in organizing their own holiday plans, which enables them to choose surf camps, resorts, and individual lessons that best suit their ability and liking. In contrast to mainstream tours, such independence in tailoring is a more intimate and enriching experience, which has made independent travel popular with surf tourism.
The development of web booking platforms, such as Surf Australia Travel, has also been a factor. They allow surfers to browse through a huge number of options-be it upscale surf schools in Byron Bay or far-flung surf retreats in Western Australia. Travelers can read extensive reviews, see pictures, and book their vacations directly, all while having the freedom of creating their perfect surf experience. This self-planned method frees surfers up to select exact surf locations with regard to quality of waves, level of challenge, and attendance, allowing them to maximize every moment spent surfing.
For most independent surfers, places like Bells Beach, renowned for hosting world-class waves, are still top destinations. But increasingly, there's a desire to visit less crowded, off-the-beaten-path surf venues. Tasmania's Bruny Island, for instance, is emerging as a secret favorite among extreme surfers seeking unexploited waves in a more peaceful environment. Surfers gather in these secluded places not only because of the incredible surf opportunities but also to be able to submerge themselves in local culture. The quiet and seclusion in these lesser-touristed areas enable free-spirited travelers to tune in with nature and enjoy surfing in a genuine and intimate fashion, free from the distractions of congested tourist spots.
Surfers between 25-35 years old are a vibrant and influential segment of Australia's Surfing Tourism Market, which is projected to represent 38% of the market by 2025. The age group is especially attracted to Australia's beach resorts, including the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and Noosa Heads, where they can not only enhance their surfing abilities but also experience the relaxed, vibrant lifestyle that these places offer. They like a combination of relaxation and activity, and thus places like the Gold Coast are a perfect fit. They can surf world-class breaks during mornings and spend afternoons engaging in local crafts, experimenting with new Australian cuisine, or simply unwinding at luxury wellness retreats.
Independent travel is strongly favored in this age category because it permits them the opportunity to craft their own individual surf experience. Surfers in this age bracket generally prefer to book surf holidays in combination with other cultural activities, including observing native paintings, undertaking eco-tours, or visiting local food festivals. This trend towards independence from rigid tour packages allows them to tailor their holidays to surfing as well as leisure purposes. They could, for example, take a few days of honing skills at Gold Coast surf camps and then venture out to explore adjacent nature parks or take a day trip to experience the hinterlands.
Accommodation-wise, surfers in this group prefer boutique hotels, luxury surf resorts, and surf lodges. They are attracted to places that offer a mix of comfort, community, and social interaction opportunities. Most surf resorts in destinations such as Byron Bay are constructed to provide a social environment where like-minded travelers can exchange surf tips, experiences, and form long-term relationships. These surfers appreciate the social element of their travels, enriching them with shared passion and the opportunity to meet other surfing enthusiasts.
Australia's Surfing Tourism Industry is fairly competitive, with established firms such as Mojosurf Australia, Surf Camp Australia, and Australian Surf Tours. These major players are supplemented by an increasing number of regional surf camps and resorts providing customized experiences for specialized tourist segments.
2025 Market Share of Australia Surfing Tourism Players
Leading players include Mojosurf Australia, Surf Camp Australia, and Australian Surf Tours, followed by smaller surf destinations in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia offering unique and customized surf experiences.
The industry is segmented into Domestic and International tourists.
The market is analyzed by gender (Men, Women).
Segmentation includes Independent Traveler, Tour Group, and Package Traveler.
The industry is segmented into Below 25 years, 25-35 years, 35-45 years, and Over 45 years.
The Australia Surfing Tourism Industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2035.
The market is expected to reach USD 7.5 billion by 2035.
Key drivers include the rising popularity of surfing as both a sport and leisure activity, increasing demand for surf-centric travel, and the development of eco-friendly surf camps and wellness retreats.
Notable players include Mojosurf Australia, Surf Camp Australia, and Australian Surf Tours.
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Australia Surfing Tourism Market
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