Event History

Arising from very humble beginnings in 1983, the very first Noosa Triathlon attracted only 180 competitors, helmets were optional, wetsuits were banned and cyclists got lost on the course! However, in its 28 years of operation, USM EVENTS (USM) has developed the triathlon into a first class international multi sport and entertainment event. Every year national and international competitors and spectators flock to Queensland’s shores to witness not only Noosa’s most prominent annual festival, but also Australia’s largest triathlon event and the largest Multi Sport Festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Today, the Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival is an annual five-day hallmark event, celebrating sports participation, healthy lifestyles, fitness and fun. With an irresistible mix of sport and entertainment coupled with sun, sea and surf in one of Australia’s most popular destinations – Noosa – the event consists of various family, social and sporting activities for all ages and abilities. The feature event on the final day of the festival is the Noosa Triathlon. As the world’s second largest Olympic Distance Triathlon, behind London Triathlon, and the largest in Australia, the Noosa Triathlon has become an incredibly influential tourism destination event, presenting a unique environment, which has proven attractive to both interstate and international visitors.

Despite the quality and sheer magnitude of the event, the Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival prides itself on incorporating a more relaxed easy-going beach atmosphere typical of its location, while retaining the professionalism and competitive nature evident in larger international triathlons. Slogans such as ‘Swim, Bike, Run, PARTY!’ and ‘It’s all good’ have dubbed the festival the ‘peoples triathlon’ and are indicative of the event’s entertaining nature. Over the years the event has evolved to include a large social calendar as part of the festival to ensure that its appeal continues to grow and capture both the sporting and non sporting consumer.