The Kimberley region of north west Australia is set to host Australia’s first international beach polo festival following ‘in principal’ approval of the concept by Broome Shire Council. The weeklong festival, to be held in Broome from 8 to 15 May 2011, is expected to attract polo players and tourists from around the world.
The cornerstone of the festival is Paspaley Beach Polo, Australia’s first and only beach polo event, which was launched at Broome’s iconic Cable Beach in May this year as a one-day, one match event. Next year, the event will be elevated to a genuine sporting league with teams competing in a round robin qualification competition to secure one of four places in the finals which will be held on the weekend of May 14 and 15. The festival’s beach action will conclude with an international test match between Australia and a visiting country.
Cable Beach is one of just five exotic locations around the world to host beach polo, along with Miami in the USA, Poole in the UK, Dubai in the UAE and Goa in India.
