The Noosa Festival of Surfing is an iconic event that celebrates surf culture and is the largest event of its kind in Australia.
The festival, which has been taking place in a world surfing reserve, Noosa Heads, for decades, is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the sport.
Noosa Festival of Surfing 2026 Dates, Event Categories, Skate Fest, QLD
Join us on the 13th – 22nd March 2026 at First Point as we celebrate 35 years of this iconic surfing festival held in Noosa Heads, Queensland.
The Noosa Malibu Club founded it back in 1992. It started as an amateur surfing competition, previously known as the Noosa Malibu Classic. Club members then invited their friends to surf the famous right-hand breaks at Noosa, but eventually, the event grew in popularity for local longboarders. By 1996, they introduced a professional surfing division and changed their name to the Noosa Festival of Surfing by 1998.
Today, this festival celebrates the heart of surfing in Noosa, aptly so, as it has been a famous surfing location since the ’50s. Visitors come from near and far to witness more kinds of surfing during the event, including dogs hanging ten, tandem surfers, bodysurfing, professional longboarders, and so much more.
The energy is palpable, with crowds cheering them on from the festival village where a terrific party occurs. There will be a beach bar, cold drinks, a relaxed vibe, activities, and lots of great food and music, so there’s truly something for everyone, even spectators.
Everyone is encouraged to try surfing during the festival. All are welcome whether you’re a senior, junior, or in-between. Competitions are held in the following categories: Men’s Logger Pro, Women’s Logger Pro, Noserider, Men’s Open, and Women’s Open.
Noosa’s perfect waves and barrel sections are ideal for sharing the ocean with friends and having a great time in and out of the sea.
The Noosa Festival of Surfing is a legendary surfing event you shouldn’t miss.
Getting There
People join us worldwide, coming by train, plane and car from near and far. To help you navigate your way around the globe, to the Sunshine Coast and even around Noosa Heads, we have compiled a collection of information on routes and transport.
The primary surfing site is at First Point, Noosa Heads, with the beach bar in front of the Noosa Surf Club. We also have events occurring at nearby locations.
Limited parking is available around Hastings Street and along Noosa Parade. However, we highly recommend using public transport, ride-sharing services or other forms of transport such as an e-bike.
BY AIR
From overseas, Brisbane Airport is the most direct major international airport, with regular flights to and from most global destinations. Sunshine Coast Airport is only 30 minutes south of Noosa Heads but has only limited international connections.
From across Australia, Sunshine Coast Airport provides flights from most major cities with the following airlines:
JetStar
Qantas
Virgin Australia
Air New Zealand
BY ROAD
From Brisbane Airport, you can take a Greyhound Coach to the heart of Noosa Heads, or book with Noosa Festival supporters Con-X-ion Transfers, who will take you directly to your accommodation.
Con-X-ion offers all Festival competitors a 10% discount on their standard fares and is also happy to transport boards. Simply quote SURF16 for phone bookings or enter in the Promo Field section online.
Directions (From South)
- Follow Pacific Hwy M1 towards Brisbane
- Take Gateway Mwy, continuing on M1
- Merge with Bruce Hwy north to Sunshine Coast
- Remain on Bruce Hwy(M1) for approx. 90km
- Take Exit 194 State Route 70 Sunshine Mwy, to Buderim/Mooloolaba
- Continue on State Route 70 Sunshine Mwy, following signs for Noosa Heads
Directions (From North)
- Follow Bruce Hwy M1 south towards Brisbane
- After Federal, continue for 6 minutes/8km
- Take Exit 230A, onto Elm Street, towards Cooroy
- At Cooroy, turn left onto Cooroy/Noosa Road. Continue for 11km
- Remain on Bruce Hwy(M1) for approx. 90km
- Turn right onto Beckmans Road
- At the last roundabout, turn left onto Noosa-Eumundi Road and follow signs for Noosa Heads
FREE GO NOOSA WEEKEND BUSES
Lastly, getting around Noosa is fairly easy. There are ample taxi, ride-share and ferry options that will take you to all the hotspots!
There is also the FREE GO NOOSA WEEKEND bus service, which offers a relaxed and convenient travelling experience that helps locals and visitors better access busy locations at peak traffic and parking times.
For timetable information on routes 626, 627, 628, 629, and 63,2 visit Translink or call Translink on 13 12 30.
Please note: Routes 620, 622, 630 and 631 travel outside of the Noosa Shire Council area and are not included in the free service.
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