Elite beach volleyballers will converge on Geelong for the Beach Volleyfest next month.
The festival is returning to Victoria for the second time following the success of the 2022 Great Ocean Road Beach Volleyfest in Torquay last year.
The Geelong Beach Volleyfest will be held at Rippleside Beach from November 17 to 26 and will include elite competition in the Volleyball World Pro Beach Tour and the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour, offering spectators a variety of formats to enjoy.
The World Volleyball Beach Pro Tour features the best players in the world and the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour showcases the nation’s best players as they develop their skills and look to move onto the international circuit.
The men’s and women’s events will attract approximately 400 competitors and support crew, with fans filling the stands to cheer on the visiting teams.
“Visitors to Geelong will be treated to 10 days of exciting beach volleyball action and entertainment this November with the best players from around the world and across the country showing off their skills,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said.
“We’re proud to back Beach Volleyfest to bring the sport’s competitors and fans to Geelong and provide a pre-summer tourism boost that will support local businesses and jobs.”
The festival will be staged in a temporary event village, featuring competition courts, training courts, spectator seating, and off-court activities to engage with the community and provide sport development opportunities.
Geelong and the Bellarine will be showcased to more than 70 countries through global streaming of the event, promoting regional Victoria as a spectacular tourism destination.
“After hosting two World Volleyball Beach Pro Tour events in Torquay last year, Volleyfest in Geelong will see some of the world’s best beach volleyball back here competing against our local stars within the space of twelve months,” Volleyball Australia chief executive Andrew Dee said.