Geelong will be buzzing with activity when international and national competitors descend on Rippleside Beach for Beach Volleyfest from 17 to 26 November, made possible by the Allan Labor Government.
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 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.
The festival will be staged in a temporary event village, featuring competition courts, training courts, spectator seating, and off-court activations 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.
Geelong Beach Volleyfest joins Victoria's stellar calendar of sporting events this year including the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, FIFA Women's World Cup, Bledisloe Cup, NHL Global Series Melbourne and more.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"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."
"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."
As stated by Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee
"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."
"With the generous support of the Victorian Government, Geelong Volleyfest will continue the momentum from October's World Championships in Mexico into a fantastic domestic and international season which will culminate when Australia's best take to the courts under the Eiffel Tower at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."
As stated by the Member for Lara Ella George
"We're supporting exciting events in Geelong and we look forward to welcoming an influx of competitors and fans for the Geelong Beach Volleyfest at Rippleside Park this November."
As stated by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
"Geelong Beach Volleyfest will showcase our city and region to viewers from around the world through global streaming, helping to boost awareness of Geelong and the Bellarine as a visitor destination."
As stated by Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
"This fantastic event gives visitors even more reason to head to Geelong to discover everything there is to love about our great city and surrounds."
As stated by Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
"Local hotels, restaurants, cafes and other businesses are set to benefit from this international and national sporting event held right here in Geelong with support from the Government."
