West Australian surf lifesavers will descend on Bunbury this weekend as Surf Life Saving WA’s annual Fuel to Go & Play Country Carnival returns to Back Beach.

Over two days, more than 1,000 athletes and 400 volunteers from 21 WA surf life saving clubs will take on a host of events, including the iconic Ironman, beach sprints and flags, ski and board races, and surf boats.

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

Surf Life Saving WA President Heidi Gan OLY said they were excited to be returning to Bunbury for what will no doubt be an action-packed weekend of surf sports.

“Our Country Carnival continues to be one of the most popular on our annual calendar, with members aged 7 to 70 plus, travelling from across the State to compete,” said Ms Gan.

“We have competitors and their families from as far as Dampier in our north and Esperance in our south for what will be a fantastic weekend of competition and camaraderie.”

City of Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said he was looking forward to the always-popular event being back in Bunbury at the weekend.

“It’s always awesome to see so many people down at our Back Beach, taking advantage of our incredible beaches and coastline, whether it’s the athletes, support staff or even the hundreds of spectators who always show up,” Mayor Miguel said.

“I know our community, including our accommodation and hospitality venues, will welcome all visitors to Bunbury for the weekend, so I hope they get a chance to take in all our beautiful city has to offer.”

The two-day event, to be held at Back Beach, the home of the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club, will run from Saturday, 25th – Sunday, 26th January.

The Fuel to Go & Play Country Carnival is proudly partnered by Healthway, promoting the Fuel to Go & Play health message and supported by the City of Bunbury.

Related News

More stories you may like

Explore the latest news and updates from Surf Life Saving WA.

Safety & Rescue

Boost to shark hazard mitigation welcomed

Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) has welcomed this morning’s announcement by the Hon. Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Fisheries, of an additional $3.7 million in funding as part of the government’s Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy.

Read more
Safety & Rescue

Extension of lifesaving services in response to tragedy at Sorrento Beach

In the wake of last Friday's tragedy at Sorrento Beach, first and foremost, SLSWA extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and loved ones of Greg O'Neill. As Western Australia's peak coastal safety authority, SLSWA works closely with major stakeholders to help develop and deliver the WA Government's Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy, focusing on lifesaving and surveillance services.

Read more
Safety & Rescue

Helicopter patrols return ahead of summer

Surf Life Saving WA’s (SLSWA) Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service has returned to the West Australian coastline, watching over beachgoers until April 2027.

Read more
Safety & Rescue

Surf Life Saving WA recognises lifesavers ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day

Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, SLSWA is paying tribute to the lifesavers behind the nearly 1,000 rescues performed on WA beaches each year.

Read more
Safety & Rescue

Boost to shark hazard mitigation welcomed

Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) has welcomed this morning’s announcement by the Hon. Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Fisheries, of an additional $3.7 million in funding as part of the government’s Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy.

Read more
Safety & Rescue

Extension of lifesaving services in response to tragedy at Sorrento Beach

In the wake of last Friday's tragedy at Sorrento Beach, first and foremost, SLSWA extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and loved ones of Greg O'Neill. As Western Australia's peak coastal safety authority, SLSWA works closely with major stakeholders to help develop and deliver the WA Government's Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy, focusing on lifesaving and surveillance services.

Read more
Safety & Rescue

Helicopter patrols return ahead of summer

Surf Life Saving WA’s (SLSWA) Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service has returned to the West Australian coastline, watching over beachgoers until April 2027.

Read more
Safety & Rescue

Surf Life Saving WA recognises lifesavers ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day

Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, SLSWA is paying tribute to the lifesavers behind the nearly 1,000 rescues performed on WA beaches each year.

Read more