Gold Coast action at Burleigh Heads
Queensland Surf Events Calendar 2026
Queensland Surf Events 2026 brings the year’s biggest competitions, WSL qualifiers and festivals to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and regional breaks. Dates can change with swell and weather, so always check official sources closer to each event.
Queensland’s surf season kicks into high gear from January to March, delivering the best combination of consistent swells, warmer water, and major competitions. This is when you’ll find World Surf League qualifiers, grassroots festivals, and state titles lighting up the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa. Whether you’re chasing pro action, entering as an amateur, or just soaking up the vibe as a spectator, our 2026 calendar keeps you in the loop with dates, venues, and tips. Dates can shift with swell and weather — always double-check with Surfing Queensland or the event organisers closer to the time.
- Best time for big pro events → Jan–March & May
- Want grassroots & club vibes → April–September
- Book accommodation 2–3 months ahead for Burleigh Heads & Noosa during major events
- Follow Surfing Queensland on Instagram/Facebook for last-minute changes
For the latest official beach conditions and safety information, check Beachsafe.
Queensland Surf Events 2026 Calendar
January – March (Peak Pro & Festival Season) 🔥
Gold Coast Open (QS 4000)
Location: Burleigh Heads
Typical dates: 18–22 February 2026
World-class QS event with international pros and strong local presence. Great spectator atmosphere with live music and beach vibes. Now often aligned with or followed by the WSL Championship Tour event at Snapper Rocks (Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, 1–11 May 2026).
Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final
Location: Burleigh Heads
Dates: 7–8 March 2026
Australia’s biggest grassroots club event — 42 clubs battle it out in a high-energy, team-based format with big crowds, live music, and party atmosphere. 42 clubs battle it out in front of big crowds with live music and a festival atmosphere. Watch live on 9Go, 9Now or MySurfTV.
Noosa Festival of Surfing (35th Anniversary)
Location: Noosa Main Beach / First Point
Dates: 13–22 March 2026
Australia’s largest longboard & lifestyle festival. Longboard, Logger Pro, SUP, and fun divisions for all ages. Includes yoga, music, surf films, and beach parties — more festival than hardcore comp. Australia’s biggest longboard & lifestyle festival with SUP, yoga, music, and family events alongside the surfing comp.
QLD State Titles / Grommet Pro Series (various rounds)
Locations: Rotates between Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and sometimes Central QLD
Scattered through Jan–March (junior & open divisions). State-level championships showcasing rising QLD talent. These events are a fantastic chance to see future Australian pros in action and support grassroots surfing.
April – September (Amateur & Regional Season) ❄️
Various Boardriders Club Rounds & State Series Events
Locations: Gold Coast (Burleigh, Currumbin, Snapper), Sunshine Coast (Noosa, Dicky Beach), and occasionally North Stradbroke or Moreton Island
Ongoing through winter — club comps, masters, women’s, and longboard events.
Parko’s Junior Pro & Other Junior Events
Location: Sunshine Coast (various venues) — April 2026
High-level junior competition showcasing some of Queensland’s brightest young talent.
Features exciting heats for under-18s and under-16s, with top performers often progressing to national and international levels.
Australian Interschools Surfing Championships
Location: Gold Coast, QLD — 13–15 May 2026
School teams from across Australia compete. One of the biggest school surfing events in the country and a fantastic spectator weekend.
QLD State Surfing Championships (various disciplines)
Location: Sunshine Coast — May 2026
Shortboard, longboard, SUP, and other divisions. The premier state-title event that crowns Queensland’s best surfers across all age groups and categories.
May – WSL Championship Tour 🔥 Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro (CT Event)
Dates: 1–11 May 2026
Location: Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta (may move to Burleigh depending on conditions) The biggest event on the Queensland calendar — top 50 male & female pros battling it out on one of the world’s most famous point breaks. Free spectator viewing from the beach and headland.
October – December (Off-Season & Pre-Season) 🍂
Smaller local events, club carnivals, and pre-season warm-ups. Great time for relaxed surf trips with lighter crowds before the summer build-up.
For the latest confirmed dates, livestreams, results, and entry info visit:
- Surfing Queensland → surfingqueensland.com.au
- World Surf League → worldsurfleague.com
- Live conditions during events: Surfline (cams & forecasts)
Pro Tip: Book accommodation early for Burleigh Heads / Noosa during major events — demand spikes fast! 🏖️
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Last updated: May 2026
When is the main surf season in Queensland 2026?
The peak competition period runs from January to March, with additional events through winter and spring depending on swell.
Where are the biggest surf events held in Queensland?
Most major contests take place on the Gold Coast (especially Burleigh Heads, Snapper Rocks and Kirra) and the Sunshine Coast.
Are the 2026 surf event dates final?
No. Dates and venues can change due to swell, weather or organizational decisions. Always check the official Surfing Queensland, WSL or event websites closer to the time.
Can spectators attend Queensland surf competitions?
Yes. Most events are free for spectators and offer excellent viewing from the beach or nearby headlands.
Are Queensland Surf Events 2026 free to watch?
Most beachside contests and festivals are free for spectators. Only a small number of major WSL or ticketed events require paid entry — always check the official event page.