Surf Life Saving Queensland Championships confirmed for Maroochydore

Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) have announced the 2026 Queensland Championships are heading to the Sunshine Coast for the grand finale of the 2025–26 season.

Maroochydore will host both major events, proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council:

• Youth State Championships: 16–22 February 2026
• Senior and Masters State Championships: 27 February to 1 March 2026

A pinnacle event on Queensland’s surf sports calendar, the State Championships attracts thousands of surf lifesavers from across the state, competing in one of Australia’s most iconic and fiercely contested carnivals.

SLSQ CEO Dave Whimpey said following the cancellation of the 2025 Championships due to Cyclone Alfred, the surf community is eager to return to the sand and surf, with anticipation building for what promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet.

“The Queensland State Championships have such a rich history, and we’re thrilled to bring the event back to Maroochydore in 2026," Mr Whimpey said.

“The Sunshine Coast has always been an outstanding host, and with strong local support we’re confident the event will see more of the atmosphere we experienced in 2023 with thousands travelling to the event from all across the State.”

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Driving tourism through major events

In 2023, more than 3,200 athletes took part across the Senior and Youth Championships at Mooloolaba, with over 2,000 competitors travelling from outside the Sunshine Coast region, highlighting the event’s significance to both the sport and the local tourism economy.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli welcomed the return of the thrilling Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships to the Sunshine Coast in 2026, noting our region would also proudly host The Aussies in 2027.

Mayor Natoli said the championships would be a showcase of surf sports that would attract thousands of competitors, officials and supporters.

“This is a win-win for our region as locals will get to see the best in action on our beautiful Maroochydore beach and businesses would benefit from the influx of visitors for February, a time of the year that is traditionally a little quieter.

“We know the Sunshine Coast is the host with the most when it comes to elite sporting events, and this is another great opportunity for us to shine.’’

The Championships will see athletes compete in a full range of surf sports events, from iconic surf and beach races to relays, lifesaving competition, and team events – celebrating the athleticism and lifesaving skills at the heart of the surf lifesaving movement.

This event is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council through the Major Events Sponsorship Program. This program helps deliver the Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Strategy, which aims to generate $86 million in economic benefit for the region through increased visitation and local spending.