Australia's Ultimate Inland Beach Bash: Volleyball, Costumes, and Sand Galore!

Coota Beach is one of Australia's most unique sporting events, and it's not even close to the ocean. In the small town of Cootamundra, about 400 kilometers from the nearest beach, locals have created their own beach volleyball festival right in the middle of town. The idea came from Simon Sutherland, who was sitting in a pub and imagined what it would be like to play beach volleyball on the street. He wanted to bring the lively atmosphere of Bali's Kuta Beach to his hometown, so he drew up plans for a tournament called Coota Beach.

Over the past 25 years, Coota Beach has grown from a small one-day event into a three-day festival that is now a highlight of the town's calendar. The festival attracts thousands of visitors, brings in about two million dollars for the local economy, and is loved by people of all ages. Pat Roberts, an 86-year-old grandmother, says she has never missed a year and enjoys cheering for her family every summer.

The event has changed a lot since it started. The first Coota Beach had just 16 teams playing on one court. Now, there are almost 200 teams and ten courts, with some teams even being turned away because there isn't enough space. To make the courts, nearly 900 tonnes of sand are brought in by truck and spread out over the street. The sand is enough to fill 70 double-decker buses.

During the festival, the town is filled with music, laughter, and excitement. Teams play 20-minute matches, and many wear creative costumes, like minions from Despicable Me or cowboys and cowgirls. The matches are a mix of indoor and beach volleyball rules, and the atmosphere is friendly and fun. In between games, staff hose down the sand to keep it cool, and everyone enjoys cold drinks and high-fives.

The festival is good for local businesses, too. Hotels and motels are fully booked, and restaurants and shops are busy with visitors. Dylan O'Neill, who runs a local inn, says every hospitality business benefits from the event. People come from all over, including a British couple who drove four hours from Sydney to join in. They say the event feels truly Australian and is a great way to meet new people.

After the festival, workers and volunteers clean up the sand, which is then given to parks, sports fields, or construction sites. The street quickly returns to normal, but the memories last much longer. For many, Coota Beach is a chance to feel part of the community. Sia Lesa, who moved from Samoa, says the event helps her feel included in the town.

Families and friends play together, and for some, it's a tradition. James Dunk always plays with his neighbors, and his son joined the team for the first time last year. Simon Sutherland's son Eamon was also excited to finally play after watching for years. Simon hopes the festival will keep growing and bring even more people to Cootamundra. He wants everyone to see how much fun a small town can offer, even without a real beach.