Noosa Surfs onto World Stage

Having been on the shortlist for classification by National Surfing Reserves, an increase in support from the community really churned up the waters. A committee was established and they ramped up the campaign during the Noosa Festival of Surfing to get Noosa across the line. Held at First Point, this surfing hot spot was hoping it wouldn’t wipe-out when it came to achieving the ultimate honour. There are only a select few destinations in Australia that have managed to achieve this feat, and Noosa’s reputation for fantastic surf means it is now one of them.

To qualify as a National Surfing Reserve, proposed reserves must meet a range of criteria, including a reputation as a nationally- or globally-significant surfing spot or be home to an outstanding range of surf breaks as well as possessing unique environmental characteristics and the passion to protect them. Proposed reserves should also boast a rich surfing culture and history and be backed by strong community support. The surfing at Noosa was a fierce contender for the title and, when selected, joined the ranks of some of the country’s most iconic surf sports including Kirra, Currumbin, Snapper Rocks and Burleigh Heads.

Throughout Australia there are only a few other surfing destinations which have achieved National Reserve Status including Manly-Freshwater in Sydney, Crescent Head and Angourie on the NSW North Coast and Yallingup in Western Australia. However only Sydney’s Manly-Freshwater has achieved the illustrious position of World Surfing Reserve. Considered Australia’s birthplace of surfing, its historical significance in the board riding sport secured its place on the world stage. Similarly, Noosa officials hope to use the National Surfing Reserve status to achieve the ultimate, World Reserve status.