- The Western Australia Margaret River Pro returns to WA's South West
- 2025 event attracted close to 4,700 visitors to the region and injected more than $6.2 million into the local economy
- Events form part of the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy to support local jobs and businesses, boosting the tourism sector
The iconic Western Australia Margaret River Pro has returned to WA's South West, bringing the world's elite surfers to the region for another standout global event.
Thousands of spectators, fans and support crews will descend on the Margaret River region from 16-26 April to watch the WA leg of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, where both men and women athletes will compete for championship points.
Supported by the State Government through Tourism WA for more than 25 years, and more recently through Royalties for Regions, the 2025 event attracted close to 4,700 visitors from outside the region and injected more than $6.2 million into the local economy, supporting local jobs and businesses across the South West.
The 2026 season celebrates 50 years of professional surfing competition, with the global tour comprising of 12 events across nine countries, including the Margaret River Pro, the second stop on the 2026 WSL Championship Tour. The South West is renowned for its stunning coastline and more than 75 world-class surf breaks.
The Pro showcases the Margaret River Region to audiences around the world through its global media coverage and online broadcast, as well as through the social media profiles of celebrity surfers like Molly Picklum, Caitlin Simmers, Carissa Moore, Jack Robinson, Gabriel Medina, talo Ferreira and Steph Gilmore.
Hosting events like the Western Australia Margaret River Pro aligns with the Cook Labor Government's strategy to support the tourism sector, drawing visitors and creating vibrancy in the region, all while building on Western Australia's annual calendar of events and solidifying the State's reputation as the fastest-growing events destination in the South East Asia region.
The Cook Labor Government has secured the future of the Margaret River Pro until 2028 under a multi-year sponsorship agreement with World Surf League.
Find out more at www.worldsurfleague.com
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Western Australia Margaret River Pro is one of the highlights in our events calendar each year, contributing to the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification agenda, and promoting the South West region and the State's iconic coastline to the rest of the world through the World Surf League's global broadcast.
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to have supported this event for more than 25 years, particularly as it continuously brings thousands of visitors to Margaret River, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy, supporting local jobs and local businesses.
"I encourage all visitors who are in the region for the event to soak up what the South West has to offer - world-class wineries, restaurants, breweries, artisan crafters, stunning natural landscapes and famous surf breaks."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Margaret River Pro showcases our State's strong connection to surfing and the incredible coastal lifestyle we enjoy here in Western Australia.
"Events like this inspire participation by encouraging more young people, especially those in our South West communities, to get involved in surfing and develop lifelong connections to the sport.
"By backing events like the Margaret River Pro, we're strengthening communities, getting more people active, and promoting healthy lifestyles right across Western Australia."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The return of the Margaret River Pro marks a major boost for the local economy, bringing thousands of visitors and supporting a wide range of jobs across the region.
"With support from the Cook Labor Government, the event continues to showcase the South West's unique attractions to a global audience.
"This ongoing commitment ensures a win for local businesses and sustainable employment opportunities for communities throughout the region."
As stated by South West Minister Don Punch:
"I am really pleased to see the Margaret River Pro return to the South West, delivering a significant boost for local businesses, tourism operators and workers right across the region.
"This iconic event brings thousands of visitors into the South West, injects millions into the local economy and showcases our stunning coastline to the world, creating lasting benefits for our communities."
