Cootamundra: Welcome to Australia's hottest beach event - nowhere near the sea
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Cootamundra, a small town in Australia, hosts an annual beach volleyball tournament that has become a wildly popular cultural and sporting event. Despite being 400 kilometers from the nearest coastline, the town transforms its tar roads into a sandy oasis each year, attracting thousands of tourists and generating millions in revenue. Started by local resident Simon Sutherland over two decades ago as a way to bring the vibrant atmosphere of Bali’s Kuta to his hometown, the event has grown from a single day of competition to a three-day festival featuring ten courts, elaborate costumes, and fierce competition among teams.
The tournament, now known as Coota Beach, began in 2001 with just one court and a handful of teams. Today, it draws nearly 200 teams from across the country, with participants dressed in creative outfits ranging from minion-themed ensembles to quirky beachwear. The event has become a highlight for locals and visitors alike, with attendees enjoying live music, intense matches, and lighthearted fun under the Australian sun. Organizers work tirelessly to transport over 900 tonnes of sand—equivalent to 70 double-decker buses—to create the temporary beach setting, which is then meticulously cleaned and restored after the event concludes.
The economic impact of this quirky festival is significant, with an estimated $2 million generated for the local economy each year. The town’s population of 7,000 swells by around 3,000 during the weekend, leading to a complete booked-out scenario as hotels and accommodations fill up quickly. Beyond the financial benefits, the tournament has become a source of community pride and camaraderie, with families and friends gathering to cheer on their favorite teams. For many, it’s a tradition that surpasses even Christmas in
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026