There are few events more quintessentially Australian than surfing on white-tipped, rolling waves beneath that glorious golden sun. The people of Kingscliff agree, and that's why they continue to host one of the country's leading surfing competitions, the Australian Longboard Surfing Open!
Have you booked your Kingscliff holiday accommodation for the event yet?
The competition itself is a five-day event held in the township of Kingscliff, located on NSW's gorgeous Tweed Coast (just south of the Gold Coast). If the last time you saw a surfing event in Kingscliff was during the mid-80s, chances are you may remember the Surfing Open for its original name: 'Malfunction'.
Back then, the competition was a way for like-minded surfers to get out on the waves and have some fun. The modern iteration of the event still very much resembles that laid-back, 'have fun' attitude, but on a far larger and more professional scale.
The competition attracts some of Australia's surfing pros, such as Harley Ingleby, but also legends from surfing's past. Some of the major names who have attended the event are Ray Gleave and Phyllis O'Donnell.
From March 25-29 there are loads of great surfing divisions to cheer for, including some specialty events. For example, have you ever watched riders on 8-foot boards try catch the waves, or witnessed an over-60s surfing competition? Make sure to hang around to watch the SUP (stand up paddle board) events as well, to see how a true pro handles those paddles.
But wait, there's more!
"The competition attracts some of Australia's surfing pros, such as Harley Ingleby, but also legends from surfing's past. Some of the major names who have attended the event are Ray Gleave and Phyllis O'Donnell."
There are also plenty of events to gawk at between surfing competitions. Kingscliff will come alive with art, films and market stalls throughout the week. In addition, on the Saturday afternoon you can grab your camera and check out (or compete in, if you book in advance) the Miss Beach Girl tournament, where beautiful women compete to win two return airfares to Singapore!
In support of mental health awareness, and in conjunction with community group ONEWAVE, the weekend will also host a Fluro Friday event. Fluro Friday is where all those looking to support mental health awareness can join in on the Friday morning dressed entirely in fluro, then swim, surf, ride inflatables or do yoga to help promote this great cause.
Of course, to make the most of the Australian Surf Open you'll want a comfortable hotel to sleep in at night. Make your first Kingscliff accommodation stop at Mantra on Salt Beach, a short six-minute drive south of the town centre. This sensational hotel features numerous hotel rooms with their own ensuite bath and FOXTEL, as well as a modern selection of spa suites consisting of one or two bedrooms. If you're looking for a swim, but not in salt water, try out the heated rock pool available onsite, or dive into the lagoon-style swimming pool.
To help keep up your holiday fitness levels, an exercise room is also available at Mantra on salt, as well as tennis courts and bicycle hire.
You could also stay in the fantastic luxury spa retreat Peppers Salt Resort & Spa. This spectacular hotel features one of the largest day spas in the entire country, The Spa at Salt. It offers a range of treatments in its 16 world-class spa rooms, all perfect for indulging your body after a hard day's surfing, swimming and cheering. The rooms are equal in quality too, starting with sophisticated hotel rooms and ranging all the way up to multi-bedroom spa suites.
Have you booked your hotel accommodation for Kingscliff's annual surfing extravaganza yet?
Kingscliff offers a relaxing beach-side escape and is renowned for its sensational surf...Read More »
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