The 18-year-old finished second in Tuesday's Port Stephens Pro to secure a spot in next season's elite field, having missed qualification by one heat last year.

A runner-up finish in this season's Roxy Pro France as a wildcard was proof that the hype surrounding the NSW talent was deserved, with Callaghan now the youngest Australian qualifier since a 16-year-old Tyler Wright in 2011.

Callaghan thought she had to win the NSW tournament to earn qualification but was relieved to know her loss to CT tour regular Niki Van Dijk hadn't cost her.

"Finishing second never felt so good," Callaghan said.

"I came second as a wildcard in France on the CT recently, but I think this one feels even better than that.

"My friends and family on the beach knew that I was on (the CT tour) but didn't tell me, so it was such a surprise when I came in.

"I've wanted to be on the CT since I was a little girl and I know it's where I'm meant to be."

Van Dijk's victory ensured her spot on the elite tour next year regardless of how she fares in this month's finale in Hawaii, while Costa Rican 19-year-old Brisa Hennessy also qualified for the main event after making the semi-finals.

"Knowing I'm safe on the CT next year is so huge," Van Dijk said.

"It was such a reality check for me as every heat I had was against someone who was looking to qualify or re-qualify, but I knew I did too so it made it really intense.

"I can head to Maui and just try to enjoy it and hope that the reduction in pressure will allow me to surf my best."

The Hawaii Women's Pro will run from November 25, with series leader Stephanie Gilmore in the box seat to win her seventh world title.

Australian Associated Press