The world’s best surfers head to the Gold Coast in May to battle it out at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro presented by GWM. Held at Snapper Rocks in Coolangatta, this World Surf League Championship Tour event brings elite competition and a vibrant festival atmosphere to the coast. It’s a chance to watch 60 of the planet’s top surfers competing in free, spectator-friendly heats, with live music and plenty of activity in Coolangatta during the comp window.
The 2026 Gold Coast Pro runs from 1–11 May. The event is Stop 3 of the WSL Championship Tour’s regular season, with 36 of the world’s best male surfers and 24 of the world’s best female surfers competing. This is the 50th anniversary season for the World Surf League, adding extra significance to the event.
The 2026 Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro
The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro marks the return of the Championship Tour to Snapper Rocks after 2025’s event was relocated to Burleigh Heads. The break at Snapper has recovered well and is set to deliver the consistent performance waves the event is known for.
Free entry for spectators makes this one of the most accessible surf competitions on the professional calendar. During the comp window, Coolangatta’s beachfront comes alive with live music, local food vendors, and the energy of world-class surfing action. Whether you’re a dedicated surf fan or just keen to soak up the Gold Coast vibe, there’s plenty to experience.
One standout storyline: Stephanie Gilmore, the legendary local surfer and eight-time world champion, is competing as a wildcard. Gilmore grew up surfing the Gold Coast and has a storied history at this break, making her 2026 return a significant moment for Australian surfing.
Event Website: worldsurfleague.com
Event Background
The Gold Coast Pro is one of the longest-running professional surfing competitions in Australia. It began in 1952 as the Coolangatta Surf Classic, named after the Gold Coast suburb where it was first held.
In the early days, it started as a small local contest but quickly grew in popularity and prestige. By the 1970s, it had become an important event on the fledgling World Surfing Tour, attracting major Australian and international names like Nat Young and Ian Cairns.
Through the 1980s and 90s, the event continued to build its reputation. It played a role in the rise of Australian legends like Mark Richards, Tom Curren, and Occy. Big crowds would pack the beaches to watch the world’s best carve up Gold Coast pointbreaks.
In 2000, the event was renamed the Gold Coast Pro to better reflect its stature on the international calendar. By then, it had become a marquee Australian stop and a launchpad for champions including Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning. Over the following decades, surfing greats like Carissa Moore, Gabriel Medina, and Stephanie Gilmore have all left their mark at Snapper Rocks, cementing the Gold Coast Pro as one of the most prestigious stops on the world tour.
Where to stay in Coolangatta
It’s best to book early for the Gold Coast Pro as Coolangatta fills up fast. Here are my top picks
Mantra Twin Towns features 2 swimming pools, a hot tub, tennis courts, fitness centre with steam room, outdoor barbecue areas and the popular restaurant, Signatures. It’s a short walk to the beach and the Twin Towns Services Club is directly across the road.
Greenmount Hotel isn’t the newest of options in Coolangatta although it offers one of the most superb locations near to the beach and Pat Fagan Park at perhaps the cheapest rates to be found on the coast. The hotel features a sauna, restaurant with buffet breakfast, outdoor pool with a waterslide and a hot tub.
Located across from Coolangatta Beach on the Gold Coast. These air-conditioned apartments have spacious private balconies with stunning ocean views. Room options include studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom penthouse. Facilities include a pool, sauna, hot tub, fitness centre, BBQ and garden.
Also, check out our hand-selected top 10 Coolangatta Resorts & Apartments.