Queensland’s first surfing museum, Surf World Gold Coast, opens its doors at Currumbin on Saturday, 27 June.
The museum celebrates the history and contribution of surfing and beach culture. A topic of discussion for many years, the museum has come to fruition in the last 12 months.
Chair of the steering committee, Mal Sutherland, said the exhibition opening followed months of hard work.
“We have over 100 boards showing the evolution of design and technology from the 1930s through to today, photographs of early surf scenes and current work by world-renowned surf photographers. This is just some of the collection,” he said.
The museum is located on the 1st floor of Honeyworld, opposite Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and entry will cost just $9 for adults, $5 for children and $20 for families.
“We have been very fortunate to secure a space in this building with the assistance of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. There is a great synergy between “beach and bush” and both the sanctuary and museum see the benefits to be gained in co-locating these attractions.”
Besides the partnership with the Sanctuary, Surf World Gold Coast has also partnered with its sister museum Surf World Torquay to share its name and branding.
The museum has an another avid supporter in the local Divisional Councillor, Cr Chris Robbins.
“The experience of riding down a curling wave on a board on one of our iconic beaches has captured the imagination and spirit of generations of locals and visitors alike,” Cr Robbins said.
“Surfing and surf culture is integral to life on the Gold Coast and we now have a place to showcase this.”
Mr Sutherland said Cr Robbins had supported the project ‘from day one’.
“Without her support and financial contribution we would not be where we are now.”
The doors open for the first time on Saturday, 27 June after a ‘soft’ opening at 10am. “It will be wonderful to cut the ribbon and accept our first visitors,” Mr Sutherland said.
Surf World Gold Coast would like to acknowledge its partners – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, National Trust of Queensland ,Gold Coast City Council and Connecting Southern Gold Coast.