Surfing on the Sunshine Coast
Surf’s up and sun’s out all year round at
Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast.
Order your free
Jasons Sunshine Coast RoutePlanner now.
Take a break to try the breaks at these famous surf beaches – there’s one for every surfer here. If you’re a short board rider then check out
Sunshine,
Coolum,
Kawana,
Maroochydore,
Noosa, Cartwrights,
Mooloolaba Spit,
Alexandra,
Kings and
Moffats at
Caloundra. Long board riders will find the Malibu waves at Noosa, Alexandra Headland or Moffats Headland and sail boarders should head for
Golden Beach. Body boarders will have fun anywhere! You can learn to surf or hone your skills at a surf school, take part in a local competition or fund raising event or just do your own thing. You don’t even need your own gear - most surf stores hire boards and wetsuits. And when you don’t feel like getting wet, there’s plenty to see and do – surf shops, boutiques and galleries for some retail therapy, a smorgasbord of restaurants and cafes offering tantalising local cuisine, and some of Australia’s best festivals, theme parks and outdoor adventure activities.
Serious surfing action – check out the surf competitions:
- Billabong North Shore Classic
September
Serious surfers take note – this competition is the newest event on the Billabong QCC calendar. Join the locals on the pristine beach breaks at Maroochydore for a weekend of hard and fast board riding. For more information contact Surfing Queensland on (07) 5520 1165 or visit the website www.surfingqueensland.com.
- Brothers Neilsen Junior Surf Challenge
October
Here’s an event for both experienced and aspiring young surfers. Held on the Sunshine Coast, it follows the Second Chance Surfing Australia format which guarantees all surfers at least two rides. The Under 16 and Under 18 divisions are divided into advanced and intermediate/beginner for both boys and girls. So novice surfers don’t need to worry – all surfers who competed in the FCS Queensland Junior Titles are automatically in the advanced division. This is a great opportunity for those who have never competed before as well as being an elite event for the more skillful surfers.
- Yaroomba Classic
October
Join the Coolum Boardriders Surf Club for their annual Yaroomba Classic on the Sunshine Coast.
Surfin’ safari
The Sunshine Coast has over 70kms of unspoiled beaches and uncrowded waves and one of the best ways to enjoy it is on a fully guided surfing trip. A two-day one-night Sunshine Coast Surfing trip offers the most comprehensive surfing lessons for both total beginners and advanced surfers and includes transport, meals, accommodation, surfing lessons, surfboards, wetsuits and sunscreen. Visit Sunshine Coast Surfing Trip
Learn to surf
If you are looking for some of the best surfing lessons that Australia has to offer, then you’re at the right place. Surfing Queensland Coaching Academy - Sunshine Coast offers the most comprehensive lessons that cover surf awareness, surf survival and riding technique. They cater for large or small groups and individuals. Their friendly experienced coaches provide a wealth of knowledge of all aspects of surfing, and all equipment is provided.
Row for Cancer
September
The Maroochy River is the venue for this inaugural event being organised by the Sunshine Coast Health Foundation to raise funds for local research projects being conducted by the Sunshine Coast’s newly opened Cancer Centre. The competition includes events for surf boat rowing, single ski, double ski, double kayak, K4 kayak, single and team outriggers, single scull, double scull, coxed 4 and corporate teams. This is a great day for spectators too, who can watch the action from the food and wine festival in Cotton Tree Park.
Fun in the sun on Fathers Day
Dads are really just big kids at heart so give Dad a treat with a day at Australia Zoo. And if he’s a bit of a dare-devil he could win some great prizes with the adventure activities specially designed for Dad’s Day. Kids will love the free rides, face painting and colouring competition and the whole family can enjoy a free sausage sizzle. Don’t miss this one. Visit our Beerwah Travel Guide.
Food, wine and fashion
September
Take a beach-free day and head to the hinterland for the Sunshine Coast Fashion and Food Fiesta. This is the first of what is planned as an annual Spring event at Eumundi, already famous for its fabulous street markets. There’ll be lots of food stalls and wine sampling from the region’s boutique wineries, as well as more relaxed dining experiences at local restaurants and cafes. The fashion parades will showcase some of the best of established local designers as well as providing an opportunity for young and up-and-coming fashion designers to display their talents. A highlight will be the Wearable Art Competition. Definitely a great day out for the whole family.
Beach Sculpture
September/October
Beachcombing takes on a whole new meaning at Caloundra on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. This is where a special group of artisans will be gathering for Sand Sculpting Australia, the largest sand sculpting event in the southern hemisphere. Disney characters, including Cinderella, Mickey Mouse and friends, will be part of displays that feature scenes from new and classic Disney and Disney Pixar films. As well as the amazing sculpture exhibition the events include a range of activities for the whole family, such as screenings of Disney and Disney Pixar films, a how to sand sculpture presentation by the experts, sand workshops, Disney story-telling for the kids, Disney animation classes and plenty of rides.
Coolum Kite Festival
October
Australian and international kite flyers come together each year to provide a colourful spectacle in the skies over Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast. Held at pristine Stumers Creek, this annual Spring festival includes roving entertainment, interactive workshops, kite stalls, visual art displays, a downwind kite surfing event and food stalls offering an array of international cuisine. Make sure you stay on to the evening for the spectacular displays of skydiving, lantern parade and live music.
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