Surfest is the largest surfing festival in the southern hemisphere. Over 700 competitors from more than two dozen countries attended the event.
Surfest will commence at the Reflections Cadet Cup at Bonny Hills and conclude at the scenic Merewether Beach.
Surfest 2025 Newcastle, Dates, Heats, Prize Money, Program & Times
In 2025, Surfest Newcastle Australia is made possible through the support of Burton Automotive, the NSW government and Destination NSW, the City of Newcastle, Reflections Holiday Parks, Newcastle Business Community crowdfunding and Newcastle and Hunter regional businesses.
In 2025, Surfest Newcastle Australia will feature the Burton Automotive Pro and the Newcastle Racecourse Women’s Pro (WSL Qualifying Series 5000 events), the Burton Automotive Pro Junior (WSL Junior Qualifying Series 1000 event), and six supporting events.
The surfing festival will be held at Port Stephens and Newcastle City beaches, with the WSL QS5000 events at Merewether Beach, a recognised Australian National Surfing Reserve.
Surfest started in 1985 when Newcastle’s residents desperately tried to eliminate the industrial image and showcase the beauty of Newcastle’s beaches and surf breaks to people outside the region. The first competition (the BHP Steel International) was the richest professional surfing event in the world at that time. This notoriety drove competitors and spectators to the iconic event, and for more than three decades, Surfest has become Australia’s largest surfing festival.
Each year, Surfest offers 12 different surfing events during the competition. Visitors coming to spectate should note that this is much more than just an excellent surfing competition – it is a celebration of the city of Newcastle, its residents and their relationship and culture with the Australian beaches.
Aside from the surfing, a pop-up market runs on selected days during the event. The market showcases a variety of handmade items and art produced by local artists. Of course, a market would not be complete without a diverse range of delicious treats and food from food stalls and restaurants nearby.
Surfest’s reach extends beyond those present at the event. Through a webcast, the fun and excitement of Surfest can be shared with the rest of the world. So whether you are a keen surfer or spectator, Surfest has something for everyone to enjoy!
Getting to Surfest
Public transport is the best way to get to Surfest, with buses running regularly to Merewether Beach. You can tap on and off your Opal card, credit/debit card, or linked device. With your credit/debit card or linked device, you get the same fare and travel benefits of an Adult Opal card.
Light Rail
Newcastle light rail operates frequently through Newcastle’s city centre. Event goers using the light rail can connect with route 12 at Hunter Street at Florence Street – a short walk from Newcastle Interchange or connect with route 21 at Customs House, Watt Street – a short walk from the Newcastle Beach stop.
Ferry
The ferry operates between Stockton and Queens Wharf, with services every 15 minutes during peak periods and every 20 minutes throughout the day and at weekends.
Event attendees can connect with the Route 21 service at Customs House, Watt Street, a short walk from the Newcastle Beach stop.
Air Travel
Fly direct to Newcastle for the Surfest:
It’s easy to fly directly to Newcastle for Surfest. Leave the driving behind and fly direct to Newcastle Airport from Brisbane, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra and Ballina/ Byron Bay. You can also connect to more than 65 destinations with just one stop.
Transport to and from Newcastle Airport:
Getting to the beach is easy. Newcastle Airport is an easy 30-minute drive from Merewether Beach. See below for your transport options to and from the Airport. Travel hassle-free and let Newcastle Airport Information Services arrange your door-to-door airport transfers—surfboards are no problem!
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