The City That Made Surfest
On display until July 2026
Newcastle Surfest began in 1985, backed by a city that loved the beach. From the first waves at the Mattara Surf Classic in 1961 to the rise of surfing legend Mark Richards, Newcastle carved out a place in surfing history. For 40 years, Surfest has continued to grow. Today, it is the largest surfing festival in the Southern hemisphere. The list of Surfest champions includes global surfing legends whose victories have become part of Newcastle’s story.
Surfest is more than a competition. It’s a defining part of Newcastle’s identity. Discover the champions, community and culture that shaped Surfest over four decades through rare objects, archival footage and stories from the surf.
Free entry.
Surfest is more than a competition. It’s a defining part of Newcastle’s identity. Discover the champions, community and culture that shaped Surfest over four decades through rare objects, archival footage and stories from the surf.
Free entry.
Newcastle Museum is supported by Create NSW.
