The short version: the 2027 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, the Aussies, run from Saturday 10 April to Sunday 18 April 2027 at Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba. That is nine days of surf sports across three beaches, with clubs, competitors, officials and families arriving from all over Australia. The last time the Aussies came to these beaches, in 2024, organisers expected more than 8,000 competitors. Beds close to the venues go early.
If you are planning for a club group, a family of competitors or a couple of supporters, it is worth looking a little further south. Caloundra sits about 25 to 30 minutes' drive from all three host beaches, and it is a calmer place to sleep, eat and recover between sessions.
What the Aussies are
The Aussies are the national championships of Surf Life Saving Australia: beach sprints and flags, board, ski and surf boat races, swims, and the team events that clubs train for all season. Juniors, opens and masters compete across the week, so many families stay for most of it.
For 2027, Surf Life Saving Australia, Sunshine Coast Council and Tourism and Events Queensland confirmed the event for the three host clubs at Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba. Your club's team manager will have the competition schedule. Check which beach your age group races on before you book, because it changes how much driving you do each day.
Why stay in Caloundra for the Aussies
Sleep. The Mooloolaba and Maroochydore foreshores will be the busiest places on the coast that week. Caloundra keeps its normal rhythm, so evenings are quiet and mornings are easy.
Parking and gear. Skis, boards and kit bags are easier with secure underground parking and a lift than with street parking near the beach.
Recovery. After a day on the sand, a heated pool, spa and sauna help. At Caloundra Escape they are on the Level 12 rooftop, looking over Pumicestone Passage.
Food without the queues. Bulcock Street and the Esplanade have cafés, a supermarket, takeaway and sit-down dinners within a few minutes' walk. See our best restaurants in Caloundra.
Getting to the venues
All three host beaches are north of Caloundra via the Sunshine Motorway or Nicklin Way. Allow 25 to 30 minutes, more on finals days. Mooloolaba is the closest of the three, and Maroochydore is the furthest north. If your events start early, leave before 6:30am and you will usually beat the traffic and find parking.
Planning tips for clubs and families
- Book early. The dates are fixed and the field is national, so the closest accommodation fills first.
- Split the week if you need to. Some families stay for the junior days only, others for the full nine days. A two-bedroom apartment for four works well for a family or two athletes and two supporters.
- Plan a rest day. If your events allow it, spend a free afternoon on Caloundra's calmer beaches. Bulcock Beach has flat Passage water and the Kings Beach ocean pool is right there for an easy swim.
- Check the weather. April is usually warm, with water still in the mid 20s, but autumn weather on the Sunshine Coast can change quickly.
Where to stay
Caloundra Escape Apartment is a privately owned two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment at 111 Bulcock Street, two minutes' walk from Bulcock Beach. It sleeps four: a queen room with ensuite and a second room with two singles that zip into a king. Every direct request is approved personally by the owner.
Check your dates on our availability calendar, or compare areas in our guide to where to stay in Caloundra.
Quick answers
When and where are the Aussies 2027?
The 2027 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships run from Saturday 10 April to Sunday 18 April 2027 at Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.
How far is Caloundra from the Aussies venues?
Caloundra is roughly a 25 to 30 minute drive south of Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore, depending on traffic and which beach your events are on.
Is there accommodation for a small team or family near the Aussies?
Yes. Caloundra Escape Apartment on Bulcock Street sleeps four in two bedrooms with two bathrooms, secure underground parking and a Level 12 rooftop pool, spa and sauna for recovery.
Photo: Surf ski carnival, Alexandra Headland SLSC, by Celcom via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5).
