A prestigious World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS) event will headline Newcastle Surfest again in 2027.
After hitting the local waves with Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp on Saturday 13 December, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced the NSW Government – via Destination NSW – had secured the global showdown for Australia’s oldest and largest festival.
The deal strengthens the city’s reputation as an incomparable surfing destination.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp and NSW Premier Chris Minns enjoying a surf in Newcastle at the weeeknd. Image: Supplied
It also reflects the state’s commitment to turbo-charging visitor expenditure from $52 billion to $91 billion by 2035.
But, in order to achieve the goal, 48% needs to come from the regions.
That means investing in events such as Surfest and capitalising on new tourism infrastructure, like Newcastle Airport’s international terminal, which provides direct access for international athletes, media and fans from all over the world to the Hunter.
“Newcastle boasts some of the best beaches in NSW,” Mr Minns said.
“It’s just another reason why it is a must-visit destination.
“Securing this event for 2027 reinforces Newcastle’s standing as an international surfing hub and extends an open invitation for visitors to experience everything the coastal city has to offer.”
Surfest, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, comprises grassroots, amateur and elite contests across Newcastle and the Hunter region.
Now, more than 80 male and 48 female surfers will compete for a coveted spot on the WSL Championship Tour.
The event’s expected to reach a global broadcast audience of more than 3 million viewers, too.
“Surfest is part of Newcastle’s DNA,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.
“So, securing the event for 2027 is a great win for our community.
“It means more visitors, more business for our local shops and more jobs right across the region.
“We’re continuing to build the Hunter into a place people want to visit again and again.
‘Showcasing our great waves, stunning scenery, laid-back lifestyle and strong sense of community… everything that makes this region so special.”
Mr Crakanthorp echoed his colleague’s sentiments.
“Surfest is part of Newcastle’s soul,” he said.
“It brings our community together, celebrates our beautiful coastline and showcases the passion and talent of our local surf scene.
“Bringing the Challenger Series to Surfest gave the event a massive boost in audience and showcased Newcastle as a fist-rate surfing destination.
“I am stoked that the Minns Labor government will be continuing to support it in 2027.”
City of Newcastle (CN) CEO Jeremy Bath was equally-delighted.
“Many people would have forgotten that when Surfest started in 1985, it was with council on board as the foundation sponsor,” he said.
“Four decades later… and CN is still supporting surfing, this time via the 2026 and 2027 WSL Challenger Series events.
“Surfing builds on our reputation as a major events destination in what is an increasingly highly competitive market for the tourist dollar.”
However, the last word belongs to WSL APAC president Andrew Stark.
“Newcastle Surfest has a long and rich history,” he said.
“We’re extremely proud to partner with the NSW Government and CN to ensure the event continues as an international WSL Challenger Series host into 2027.
“We are warmly welcomed to the Newcastle region each year.
“So, we look forward to continuing to build on the event’s success, showcasing the world’s best surfers, while also shining a light on Newcastle on the global stage.”
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