Kingscliff is set to come alive with surf, music and coastal energy this winter as the world’s largest women’s surfing festival returns to the NSW North Coast.
Seas The Day Women’s Surf Festival will take over Kingscliff Beach from 20th–21st June 2026, drawing thousands of surfers and spectators for a weekend that blends competition with community, wellness and live entertainment.
Meanwhile, backed by $110,000 in NSW Government funding, the event continues to cement its place on Australia’s surfing and events calendar.
Now in its fourth year, the festival has quickly become a flagship celebration of women in surfing, open to everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. The competition welcomes women of all ages and skill levels, creating an inclusive, pressure-free environment where even parents can paddle out and support younger surfers in the under-14 division.
Surf festival with music and beachside culture
Off the sand, the program expands into a full-scale coastal festival. Surfers can enjoy open-air surf film screenings, live music and panel talks led by professional surfers and voices across wellness, sustainability and photography. Hands-on workshops—including yoga, breathwork and ice baths—aim to bring the ocean lifestyle to life beyond the waves.
The Celebrity Surf Challenge, one of the festival’s biggest crowd-pullers, returns this year, bringing together world champions, Olympians and media personalities for a light-hearted but high-energy showdown in the surf.
The event’s rapid growth reflects a broader shift in participation. In 2025, Seas The Day attracted more than 15,000 attendees and saw a record 314 women compete, which is a clear sign of rising interest in women’s surfing across Australia.
More women’s sport in NSW
Additionally, the NSW Government’s support aligns with its broader Play Her Way strategy, which aims to remove barriers and create more opportunities for women and girls in sport. The initiative is part of a multi-million-dollar investment into participation, safety and long-term engagement across the state.
Moreover, Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the festival encourages more women to get involved in sport by creating an inclusive environment. “Seas The Day creates a welcoming space for women to try surfing or take their skills further, without pressure,” he said. “It’s about participation, confidence and community.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison added that the festival continues to build momentum as both a sporting and cultural event. “It’s more than a competition—it’s a celebration of connection, wellbeing and opportunity for women and girls,” she said.
A travel boost for the North Coast
For the North Coast, the impact makes waves beyond the shoreline. Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin highlighted the role of events like Seas The Day in supporting regional tourism and local businesses.
“Kingscliff has become a natural home for this festival, showcasing not just incredible surf breaks but the strength of the local community,” she said.
Surfing Australia CEO Chris Symington described the event as a standout moment on the national surf calendar, pointing to the continued rise of women’s surfing. “The level of participation and engagement we’re seeing reflects just how strong the sport has become,” he said.
With free entry and a packed weekend program, Seas The Day will once again draw visitors from across NSW and beyond, offering surf spectacle and a laid-back beachside festival.
Seas The Day Women’s Surf Festival runs from 20th–21st June 2026 at Kingscliff Beach.
