Four decades of Surfest will be immortalised at Merewether Beach, with a vibrant new mural marking the 40th anniversary of the iconic Newcastle event.
The 40-square-metre artwork, supported by the City of Newcastle, is currently taking shape on the wall of Merewether Surf Life Saving Club.
Newcastle artist Mitch Revs is bringing the project to life, capturing the characters, colours and coastline that have defined Surfest for generations.
The mural features surfers carving through big waves, the much-loved Merewether Ocean Baths, a surf photographer, hang gliders, local wildlife and a nod to the long-running Surfboard Club based on this famous stretch of coast. It aims to reflect the energy, diversity and community spirit that continue to shape the event and the beach itself.
The project is a tribute to the festival’s long-standing impact on the region. Council’s early backing in the 1980s helped launch Surfest, and the event’s continued growth has played a major role in lifting Newcastle’s profile, attracting visitors and shifting the city’s image well beyond its industrial roots.
Today, Surfest stands as the largest surfing festival in the southern hemisphere, championing men’s and women’s competitions, junior divisions and the Indigenous Classic.
Revs set out to create a mural that captures the joy and inclusivity of the festival, families on the rocks, surfers of all levels, dogs being walked along the sand and everyday beachgoers enjoying the coastline.
He also paid tribute to long-time organiser Warren Smith, acknowledging his decades of commitment that have helped shape Surfest into a global drawcard.
The mural forms part of a four-month celebration marking 40 years of Surfest, with more than 800 competitors from around the world taking part in nine events across February and March.
Festivities will peak when the World Surf League Challenger Series returns to Merewether from March 9–15. Streaming details for all events are available via surfest.com.
