Major beach volleyball event set for Surf Coast debut

THE Surf Coast’s status as a destination for elite international sporting events has been bolstered, with The Great Ocean Road Beach Volleyfest preparing to grace the Torquay foreshore from November 23 to December 4.

Spread over 11 days, the beach volleyball competition will consist of three different events, welcoming more than 100 teams from around the world, including Australia’s top players.

Elephant Walk will be transformed, generating a festival-type buzz with music performances, street food and entertainment to complement the action on the court.

Community members wishing to be involved in the event can volunteer, while people interested in watching the world’s best beach volleyballers can purchase tickets, with ground passes starting from $5.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said Torquay was well placed to host another sporting fixture that would deliver global exposure.

“We’ve seen, through the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, that major international events bring incredible benefits, showcasing our region to audiences globally.

“The Great Ocean Road Beach Volleyfest has a global broadcast reach of 70 million people who are going to learn about Torquay, the official start of the Great Ocean Road – the key driver of our visitor economy which is gaining momentum again.”

Following two years of COVID-19 restrictions, Cr Stapleton was pleased international visitors were able to now soak up the Surf Coast.

“The athletes competing will stay locally and have an opportunity to experience what makes the area so special,” she said.

“Local people are a huge part of this, so I encourage you to give our guests a warm welcome when you see them out in their team uniforms. We’d love for them to have a return trip, whether that’s for a future competition or their own holiday.”

Heavy vehicle activity on Zeally Bay Road and The Esplanade was expected to start on Friday last week while the event site is constructed.

This will peak from today (Friday, November 11) until Sunday, November 13 with the arrival of 300 tonnes of sand.

“The town is going to be busy and buzzing, so to keep everyone safe, there will be speed reductions in the competition zone and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority will make overflow parking available on coastal reserves if required,” Cr Stapleton said.

Competition and activity on the site will conclude by 11pm each night, and live music will finish no later than 10pm.

Torquay business owner, Sam Learmonth from Bowlz said she “loves seeing Torquay come alive with elite sporting events like this one.

“There’s always such a sense of celebration and excitement in the town and it really helps keep our business running all year round. We are contributing vouchers to the athlete packs and can’t wait to welcome them in our business and help them fuel their bodies for the competition.”

Total prize money at the Great Ocean Road Beach Volleyfest is $500,000 (US), with equal prize money for men and women.

To buy tickets and to find out more about volunteer opportunities, head to beachvolleyfest.com.au

Competition and activity on the site will conclude by 11pm each night, and live music will finish no later than 10pm.

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