Cootamundra: Australia's Beach Extravaganza in the Heart of the Outback
ByLana Lam
Cootamundra, a quaint town nestled in the Australian Outback, has become the unlikely host to one of the nation's most vibrant beach events, defying the odds by bringing the beach party vibe to a place nowhere near the sea. It all began with a simple idea sparked over a pint in the local pub.
Simon Sutherland, a 51-year-old resident, envisioned transforming the town's tar road intersection into a beach volleyball court, inspired by the lively atmosphere of Bali's Kuta, a popular Australian holiday destination. His idea was bold and unconventional, but it caught on like wildfire.
Fast forward 25 years, and the Cootamundra Beach Volleyball Tournament has evolved into a three-day festival, becoming a cultural and sporting highlight on the town's calendar. It attracts thousands of visitors, generating an estimated $2 million in revenue and bringing the community together in a unique celebration.
A Beach Bash in the Outback
On a Saturday afternoon, the tournament transforms the town into a vibrant beach bash. The air is filled with the sound of pop and rock music, and the sun-soaked courts are alive with costumed players and spectators. Teams like Holy Blockamole and Itsy Bitsy Spiker showcase their skills, diving and spiking with enthusiasm, while the minions team, complete with yellow-painted faces and beach-themed attire, adds a touch of whimsy.
The rules blend indoor and beach volleyball, creating a unique and exciting playing field. The matches are fast-paced, with teams of six serving, spiking, and blocking for 20 minutes. The atmosphere is electric, with high-fives, laughter, and the sound of cold drinks being poured.
From One Court to Ten
The event has grown significantly since its inception in 2001, when 16 teams played a handful of matches on a single court. This year, nearly 200 teams competed over three days, with 40 teams turned away due to high demand. The transformation of the asphalt landscape into a sandy oasis is a week-long endeavor, involving almost 900 tonnes of sand, enough to fill six blue whales or 70 double-decker buses.
James Graham, the owner of the quarry supplying the sand, humorously admits that the town's request is the strangest he's ever received. The council workers then flatten the sand into an inland beach, ready for the first games on Friday.
A Boost for the Local Economy
The tournament has become a significant economic boost for the town. Lee-Anne Hogan, the organizer, estimates that the town's usual population of 7,000 swells by 3,000 over the weekend, with every hospitality business in town benefiting. Dylan O'Neill, the owner of the Southern Comfort Motor Inn, confirms this, displaying a 'No Vacancy' sign with pride.
A Unique Australian Experience
The event attracts visitors from far and wide, like British couple Guy Wilkinson and Lizzie Ellison, who drove four hours from Sydney to compete. They appreciate the 'true rural experience' and the 'unique Australian' vibe, describing it as 'super fun and friendly.'
A Community Builder
The Cootamundra Beach Volleyball Tournament is more than just a sporting event; it's a community builder. Sia Lesa, a recent immigrant from Samoa, found a sense of belonging in the town through the tournament. She arrived on the day of the tournament and played in the afternoon, feeling a rare connection to the community.
James Dunk, a long-time participant, has played every year for a decade, always with a team made up of three sets of neighbors. Last year, his son joined the team, marking a rite of passage for the young man. Sutherland's son, Eamon, 14, finally got to play after years of watching, his team's name, Spiked and Served, emblazoned on his singlet.
Expanding Horizons
As the sun sets and players dust off their sandy feet, Simon Sutherland reveals his ambitious plans to expand the shoreline of Coota Beach, envisioning it as big as the Elvis Festival in Parkes, which attracts tens of thousands of fans annually. He believes that the more people they can draw to Cootamundra, the better, encouraging them to 'come and see what we've got to offer.'
Cootamundra's beach extravaganza is a testament to the power of community and creativity, transforming a small town in the Outback into a vibrant, beach-loving destination, one sandcastle at a time.
