More than 1,000 visitors attendees expected as Surf Life Saving WA announces the return to Bunbury for the 2025 Country Carnival.

Bunbury will play host to one of the largest events on the West Australian surf life saving calendar as Surf Live Saving WA’s annual Country Carnival returns in 2025.

The event, which will be held over the Australia Day long weekend, is expected to attract more than 1,000 athletes, spectators, and event support staff to the City.

Surf Life Saving WA President Heidi Gan said the success of recent carnivals hosted by Bunbury demonstrated the city’s capacity to host a sporting event of this scale.

Bunbury played host to the County Carnival from 2021 to 2023 before the event moved to Geraldton in 2024.

“We are excited to be returning for what will no doubt be another exceptional weekend of surf sports on our south-west coast,” said Ms Gan.

“Our Country Carnival continues to be one of the most popular on our annual calendar, with members travelling from our 31 clubs across WA to contest a range of events.”

The two-day event, to be held at Back Beach, the home of the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club, runs from Saturday, 25th – Sunday, 26th January, and will see athletes from seven years old through to masters compete in a range of events, including the iconic Ironman, beach sprints and flags, ski and board races, and surf boats.

“I’m thrilled to see Surf Life Saving WA’s annual Country Carnival returning to Bunbury in 2025 and I know our locals will be happy too,” said City of Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel.

“With a proud and successful history of this event being held at our beautiful Back Beach, I can’t wait to welcome the hundreds of athletes, spectators and support staff back to our wonderful city.

“Thank you to Surf Life Saving WA, event organisers and those who supported the 2025 carnival being held in Bunbury, we know it’s the perfect location for an event such as this.”

Ms Gan expressed her appreciation to the City of Bunbury for its support of both the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club and Surf Life Saving WA in bringing this event back to Bunbury.

For those interested in attending, accommodation options can be explored at www.visitbunburygeographe.com.au