Gold Coast Secures School Sport Australia Triathlon & Aquathlon Championships for 2026–2028

Gold Coast Secures School Sport Australia Triathlon & Aquathlon Championships for 2026–2028
The Gold Coast has been confirmed as the host city for the School Sport Australia (SSA) Triathlon & Aquathlon Championships from 2026 to 2028. The inaugural SSA Triathlon event was first held in Adelaide, South Australia in 1991
Announced today at Broadwater Parklands, the Championships will welcome more than 500 students and their families each year, travelling from across Australia to compete in one of the country’s most dynamic coastal cities. The Championship will be staged from 16–20 March 2026, with competition perfectly timed to lead into the internationally renowned T100 Gold Coast Triathlon World Tour weekend, giving students the unique chance to connect with the broader triathlon community.
Major Sporting Opportunity for Students and the City
The Championships reinforce the Gold Coast’s standing as a key location for representative school sport, following the success of the 2024 inaugural School Sport Australia Games.
Experience Gold Coast played a key role in securing these SSA events which have delivered and will continue to deliver significant economic benefits to the city.
Across four days of competition, athletes will not only vie for national honours but also enjoy unique cultural and community experiences. Many families are expected to extend their stay to enjoy the Gold Coast lifestyle and attend the T100 Gold Coast Triathlon event that weekend.
Mayor Tom Tate, City of Gold Coast, said: “All eyes will be on the Gold Coast as we host the National School Sport Australia Triathlon and Aquathlon for the first time. Our record as a destination of choice for top flight school sports carnivals has been a driving factor in securing this fantastic event.
“In 2024, we hosted the inaugural School Sport Australia Games, and we now welcome the best youth triathletes and aquathlon competitors to battle for honours. Given our world-class facilities and plenty of local support, it will be an unforgettable experience for all students.”
Phil Reeves, Executive Officer of School Sport Australia, said: “We are thrilled to confirm the Gold Coast as the host city for the School Sport Australia Triathlon & Aquathlon Championships for the next three years.
“These Championships are not just about competition — they are about creating pathways, building friendships, and showcasing the exceptional talent of young Australians.
“SSA vision is to provide exceptional student experiences through the provision of representative school sport and placing this event as a lead into the T100 Gold Coast will deliver that in spades”.
Tim Harradine, CEO of AusTriathlon, stated:
“AusTriathlon is proud to support the School Sport Australia Triathlon and Aquathlon National Championships to be held on the Gold Coast as part of the T100 event weekend.
“This exciting collaboration not only enhances a world-class triathlon experience but also shines a spotlight on the emerging talent shaping the future of our sport.

“A heartfelt thank you to Experience Gold Coast and the City of Gold Coast for their continued support and shared vision—together, we’re showcasing the vibrant, active lifestyle that makes this region the perfect home for triathlon.”
Event Details
Event: School Sport Australia Triathlon & Aquathlon Championships
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Years: 2026, 2027, 2028
First Event Dates: 16–20 March 2026
Participants: Over 500 students, plus officials and families from all over Australia
This event will precede the T100 Triathlon World Tour (21–22 March 2026)