The 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles will now be staged in Wollongong. Photo: Destination Wollongong.
Uncertainty over algal bloom affecting South Australia has led to Wollongong now hosting the nation’s premier junior surfing event, the 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles from late November.
It’s an unexpected boon for Wollongong, with about 300 competitors, officials and support staff expected to descend on the city from 28 November to 5 December, delivering an estimated $1.5 million boost to the economy.
Woonona is expected to be the main base, with the entire region on offer during the mobile event.
It’s in addition to the existing three-year agreement between Surfing Australia and Destination Wollongong, which saw Wollongong successfully stage the event last year.
It also comes on the heels of the Australian Shortboard Titles at Sandon Point in Bulli on the weekend, which was part of that agreement and will also be held in the city in 2026.
Destination Wollongong general manager Jeremy Wilshire said the titles were another great addition to a packed major events portfolio that already featured an Australian Diamonds Netball Test, the World Triathlon Championship Finals, a Spartan event and the Down Under Crossfit Championships.
“This is a great example of our ability to react quickly to opportunities in the market and work closely with industry partners and Wollongong City Council to deliver tangible benefits and showcase the city’s incredible natural assets,” Mr Wilshire said.
“Securing the Australian Junior Surfing Titles again highlights the strength of our relationships and our city’s readiness to step up when needed.
“We want to be known as a place that gets things done – and puts on one hell of a show.”
A decision to relocate from South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula was made early due to the unpredictability of conditions associated with the algal bloom.
While two thirds of South Australia’s coastline is unaffected by the algal bloom – including the southern part of the Fleurieu where the competition was due to be held – difficulty forecasting conditions in coming months may impact planning for the event.
Surfing Australia’s chief of sport – events, participation and community Luke Madden thanked Destination Wollongong and Wollongong City Council for its support of surfing and the organisation.
“The speed and commitment shown in securing this event is a true reflection of our strong partnership and shared vision,” Mr Madden said.
“As we saw with last year’s event and last week’s Australian Shortboard Titles, Wollongong offers an amazing variety of world-class beaches and waves.”
He said they were grateful to bring the major junior event back to the “wave-rich region”.
“Complementing its world-class waves, Wollongong is also home to some of Australia’s most talented junior surfers and strongest boardrider clubs, making it a great location for this event,” he said.
“It will provide significant economic impact, create sport development opportunities and provide a lasting legacy that will inspire and support the next generation of juniors coming through.”
Australian Junior Surfing Titles is an elite event that brings together more than 250 of the country’s most talented junior surfers in under 14s to under 18s and is the final major counting event on the Surfing Australia National Junior Series.
Male and female champions in the U16 and U18 divisions will earn the honour of joining the Australian National Surfing Team, The Irukandjis, at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in 2026, making this event the pinnacle of the junior surfing pathway in Australia.
It also generates extensive digital and media content, showcasing Wollongong’s coastline to audiences nationwide.
2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles will be held in Wollongong from 28 November to 5 December.
