Better than Pipeline? Try these epic Queensland surf events and competitions
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By Danielle Reckless
If riding a wave is the greatest feeling in the world, witnessing your favourite pro surfers shred must be a close second.
Whether you’re competing or spectating, Queensland surf events are incomparable in and out of the water. We’re talking gnarly waves during the day, a line-up of entertainment at night, and endless summer vibes.
Not to mention that these comps are hosted in some of our state’s prettiest beach towns.
Try these major Queensland surf events on for size - and if it gets you inspired to find your own surf break, discover some of the state's best here.
Usher Cup World Club Challenge: 17 - 19 January 2025
Where: Coolangatta, Gold Coast
Snapper Rocks is one of the world's most iconic surf spots - right here on the Gold Coast - and it's the HQ of many surf comps each year. Including the Usher Cup World Club Challenge - a unique event where the best surfers from 48 national and international boardriders clubs battle it out for a $60K prize pool.
It's a team-focused showdown unlike any before. And for the first time in World Club Challenge history, there won’t be any individual category.
Come down to watch the world's best - alongside music, skate sports and art.
Gold Coast Open: 14 - 16 February 2025
Gold Coast Open, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
Where: Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
It’s no mistake that the biggest Queensland surf events are hosted at the state’s surf haven: the Gold Coast. And February's Gold Coast Open offers non-stop action, hang-tens and the opportunity rub shoulders with the most elite surfers in the world in beautiful Burleigh Heads.
The three-day event will see some of the best surfers from all corners of the globe battle it out against Australia's surfing stars. There’ll also be live bands, skate pipe shows and jams, clinics and sunrise yoga sessions.
Get the full Gold Coast Open guide here.
Stay: Make the most of a long weekend in Burleigh Heads and check into beachfront accommodation.
Play: Stroll the coastal route around Burleigh Head National Park, grab a waterfront sundowner at Burleigh Pavilion, and try these famous Moreton Bay bug rolls. Then, venture further afield to discover these incredible experiences around the Gold Coast.
Surf: Chase waves at the mouth of Tallebudgera Creek, paddle around the headland for more surf breaks and swells, or discover the handful of surf spots along Burleigh Beach.
Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final: 8 - 9 March 2025
Where: Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle is one of the most highly anticipated events on the Surfing Australia calendar, with the Grand Final being held in Burleigh. After eight state qualifying rounds, 42 clubs will come together to battle it out to become Series 12 Australian Champions.
Noosa Festival of Surfing: 14 - 23 March 2025
Noosa Festival of Surfing, Sunshine Coast
Where: Noosa, Sunshine Coast
Noosa is undoubtedly one of the most stunning surf destinations in Queensland with national parks, picture-perfect beaches, and pristine surfing conditions. So special, it’s a designated World Surfing Reserve.
And surfers head to the Noosa Festival of Surfing every year to hone their skills, show off new moves, keep up with the latest styles and trends, and have a great time.
From under 15 years to over 70; from longboards to finless, this festival is a surfing buffet for everyone. You’ll catch dogs hanging ten, and tandem surfers too. Find your spot on the sand and let this event transcend your understanding of what surfing is all about. The festival also includes the World Surfing League Noosa Longboard Open – enter for your chance to qualify for the world champs.
If you’ve never been before, check out our event guide here.
Stay: Take your pick of Noosa's huge range of accommodation.
Play: Your days will be booked solid with festival activities, heats, and entertainment, but when hunger strikes it's time to devour the best of Noosa's dining scene.
Want to try a different kind of water sport? Trade board for kayak and head to the Noosa Everglades where you can paddle across 60km of river and lake systems. You won’t find waves here, but you’ll find natural beauty (in one of only two everglades environments in the world!).
Surf: First Point is a popular local's spot but it can get a little crowded, even when the festival is over. For bigger breaks, venture across the river to Noosa North Shore.
Noosa has a lot to offer beyond the festival, so it’s worth extending your stay to soak up seaside village vibes. To get you started, here’s how you can spend 48 hours in Noosa and what to do if you have the kids in tow.
Gold Coast Pro: 3 - 13 May 2025
Gold Coast Pro, Coolangatta. Photo by @66dob
Where: Coolangatta, Gold Coast
Snapper Rocks. It's the world's most famous right-hand sandy point break and a favourite location for the globe's best surfers - and home of the annual Gold Coast Pro, presented by Bonsoy in 2025.
This is the big daddy of Queensland’s surf events. We’re talking worldwide TV coverage, elite athletes, and mind-boggling things done with a board. Coolangatta's coastline always puts on a good show, so join the thousands of spectators on the sand to catch all the action.
Stay: You'll find a range of accommodation from Coolangatta to Kirra Beach, all within walking distance to the competition hub. Mantra Coolangatta Beach, Kirra Beach Apartments and Kirra Beach Tourist Park are popular options.
Play: Coolangatta’s good vibes, quiet coves and casual dining will keep you occupied for at least a weekend - here’s a great guide to fill your days.
A short 30-minute drive north takes you to the heart of the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise. But if you can drag yourself away from the beach, trade salt for fresh water at the ancient Springbrook National Park to experience cascading waterfalls and nature trails.
Surf: Coolangatta may be a small beach town, but it serves up some big waves. None more iconic than at Snapper Rocks where the Gold Coast Pro is held. For longboarders, Little Mali is a reef break-off Rainbow Beach Bay. Greenmount Beach is favoured by experienced wave chasers. So if that’s you, then you’ll also love the breaks off Kirra Point.
Kirra Longboard Klassic: TBC 2025
Where: Kirra, Gold Coast
This longboard event brings together like-minded amateur surfers across a weekend of cultural, entertainment, lifestyle, and environmental activations and high-performance surfing with international competitors.
Whether you're competing or soaking up the vibes, Kirra Longboard Klassic is an awesome southern Gold Coast event to check out - and stay awhile.
Stay: Chill out at Kirra Beach Tourist Park, go retro with a boutique stay at La Costa Motel, or kick back with apartment style living at Nirvana by the Sea or Kirra Beach Apartments.
Play: Explore the best of this serene slice of coastline with our 48-hour guide to Kirra. Be sure to start your day with a coffee at siblings@Kirra, and end it with a sunset beer at Kirra Beach House.
Surf: Catch the breaks right here at Kirra Point, or head out to explore nearby at Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads.
Surfing State of Origin: 15 - 16 November 2025
Where: Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
The best surfers from Queensland and New South Wales go head-to-head for state pride and bragging rights at Burleigh Heads. Get all the details here.
Looking for more sports and festivals in 2025? Catch the action of Queensland's top events here.
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