Sunshine Coast to host heroes, The Aussies 2027
Surf Life Saving Australia have confirmed that the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships will return to the Sunshine Coast in 2027.
The marquee event on the surf lifesaving calendar, the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships – affectionally known as ‘the Aussies’ – brings together thousands of Surf Life Saving members from across the country to compete for national honours.
Returning to the Sunshine Coast for the first time since 2024, the 2027 Championships are expected to draw a significant number of visitors, delivering a major tourism and economic boost to the region.
The announcement follows the conclusion of this year’s Championships, which wrapped up on Sunday after nine days of competition on the Gold Coast.
Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir said The Aussies was the pinnacle event on the surf lifesaving calendar, bringing together members from across the country, and we’re pleased to see it return to the Sunshine Coast in 2027.
“The region has a proud history, quality beaches, and a community that embraces this event wholeheartedly. The Sunshine Coast consistently demonstrates its ability to host major events, delivering world‑class competition and an unforgettable experience for competitors and supporters.
“We’re grateful for the support of Tourism and Events Queensland and Sunshine Coast Council, whose efforts have been instrumental in securing the event’s return. We also extend our thanks to our host clubs at Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba.
“Each year, the Championships attract thousands of competitors, officials, volunteers and spectators, generating significant economic and tourism benefits, and we’re looking forward to being back on the Sunshine Coast next year.”
One of the largest participation events in the southern hemisphere, the Aussies saw over 7,500 competitors converge on this year’s event, joined by families, friends, spectators, officials, volunteers and supporters from across Australia.
Surf Life Saving Australia acknowledges the generous support of Tourism and Events Queensland and Sunshine Coast Council in securing the event’s return to the region.
Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli said surf lifesaving was part of our coastal DNA, and welcoming the Aussies back to our beaches was a chance to celebrate the people, places and values that make this movement so special.
“Our local clubs have delivered an outstanding showing throughout this year’s championships, continuing a tradition of commitment, teamwork and high performance that the Sunshine Coast is known for," Mayor Natoli said.
"Looking ahead to 2027, it’s incredibly exciting to know our athletes, volunteers and supporters will be on home sand in force, with a strong Sunshine Coast contingent expected to compete in front of their community as we welcome the nation’s finest back to our coastline.
“This event brings together thousands of competitors, families and supporters from across the country, and it does so in a way that reflects who we are as a community –active, inclusive and deeply connected to the ocean.
“We look forward to working closely with Surf Life Saving Australia to deliver a memorable championship that showcases our world class coastline, supports our local economy and, most importantly, recognises the extraordinary volunteers who keep our beaches safe.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said retaining the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in Queensland for 2027 is a coup for the state.
“Hosting major events like the Aussies cements Queensland’s reputation as a sporting events capital, and we’re excited to see the event head to the Sunshine Coast next year,” Minister Powell said.
“The Aussies deliver significant tourism and economic benefits, while showcasing Queensland’s beaches and surf lifesaving culture to competitors and supporters nationwide."
2027 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
Dates: Saturday, April 10 – Sunday, April 18
Location: Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba
The 2027 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Sunshine Coast Council.