Refugees who fled war-torn Syria and Iraq have been given a taste of a classic summer tradition, with their first swim at an Australian beach.

More than 100 of Queensland's newest residents dived headfirst into the surf adventure at Caloundra, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

Refugee agency MDA brought the group to the beach, including 13-year-old Patil Stepan who arrived in the state two months ago and had never before felt the ocean.

She laughed and squealed as she ran into the waves for the first time.

"It is very beautiful and I am very happy," she said.

"I love my new home in Australia."

Mr Ghazal's son Joe also beat the heat at Kings Beach. ( Supplied: MD )

Syrian refugee Joseph Ghazal fled his home town of Aleppo with his sons and wife, after his home was destroyed.

"We lost everything during five years from the war," he said.

"And we left everything because of the death around us, everything is bad."

The Ghazal family with surf lifesaver Emily Neal, who gave them pointers for beach safety. ( Supplied: MDA )

He said his first swim in Australia represented freedom and hope for a new life.

"Here everything is very good, the people are very friendly," he said.

"Everything is changed for us as we start our new life, now everything is OK."

The refugees were also given a crash course in beach safety, with lessons on swimming between the flags and how to avoid crocodiles and sharks.

The group of refugees were taken to Kings Beach in Caloundra by refugee agency MDA. ( Supplied: MDA )