GOLD COAST
WORLD SURFING RESERVE
AUSTRALIA
About the reserve
The story, the process, and how the Gold Coast is protected today
​Photo by Geoff Charters
TIMELINE
Photo credit - Swilly
Why the Gold Coast
Sixteen kilometres of sand-bottom point breaks, running unbroken from Burleigh Point to Snapper Rocks. Few coastlines anywhere offer that combination of consistency and quality — and fewer still can claim the surfing pedigree that comes with it, from world champions to the birthplace of Australian surf lifesaving.
That's what earned the Gold Coast its place alongside the 14 other reserves worldwide, chosen from a global field for the strength of its waves and the depth of community behind them.
Photo credit - Josh Bystrom
How it's protected
Locally managed, community led Recognition is only half the story — the reserve is actively managed under the City of Gold Coast's Surf Management Plan, with a dedicated Advisory Committee serving as the reserve's Local Stewardship Council. It's this ongoing, local oversight that keeps the reserve's waves, breaks and surrounding environment protected for the long term.
Global Network — 14 Reserves
Gold Coast, Australia
16km of point breaks, Burleigh to Snapper and all the surf breaks in bewteen
Guarda Do Embaú, Brazil
A world-class left-hand barrel where the
Rio da Madre meets the ocean
Oriente Salvaje, El Salvador
Wild dry tropical forest backing some of Central America's best waves
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
One of the most powerful and demanding waves on the planet — the newest reserve, dedicated in 2026
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
A powerful beach break framed by ongoing coastal forest restoration​
North Devon, United Kingdom
30km of cold-water coastline — the UK's first
World Surfing Reserve