Cootamundra will host one of Australia’s most unusual summer events this month that turning its town centre into a temporary beach for the annual Coota Beach Volleyball Carnival even though it is about 390km from the nearest coastline.
Organisers said the 2026 tournament will run from 13 to 15 February in Murray Street with the event website showing the competition is sold out and a waitlist is open for cancellations.
A NSW Government events listing also shows match days across the first weekend with extra dates listed for 20 to 22 February and a note telling people to check timings with the organiser.
The NSW listing said Cootamundra brings in more than 900 tonnes of sand to build 10 courts in the middle of town, creating an inland beach feel that brings together players, spectators and local businesses.
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A report of the 2025 carnival said more than 3000 people came to the town with a record 193 teams taking part along with an all schools event involving more than 600 students from across the region.
That story also described the clean-up after the last matches with council crews working to turn Murray Street back into a normal through road.
It said 450 tonnes of sand were taken away for council use on sports fields as part of ongoing maintenance to make playing surfaces safer with residents urged to take care around truck and machinery movements.
The carnival has built a name for itself well beyond the district. A Guardian photo feature on the 2024 edition reported more than 1,300 players and 2,500 spectators travelled to Cootamundra with over 800 tonnes of sand spread along Murray Street to form 10 courts for three days of competition.
