Mr Abbott donned his wetsuit and took to the waves at North Mollymook during his week-long family vacation, saying, "you wouldn't see Kevin Rudd out here".

While waiting for a set to roll in, he told fellow surfer and photographer Dean Dampney of Milton, "if we all did more of this (surfing) I wouldn't have to worry about the 'other thing' as much".

“He was genuinely completely stoked on being a surfer and seemed very much

relaxed and at home both suiting up to go surfing, and getting out there,” Dean said.

During his stay in the region, Mr Abbott was spotted on the beach, shopping and eating out at the Mollymook Golf Club.

"This was my first stay at Mollymook and I can understand why it's such a favourite with so many people,” he told the Times.

“I've been told not to tell too many Sydneysiders about Green Island and Golf Course Reef - but I fear the secret is already out."