www.surfersparadise.com
In 2017, the theme for the annual Sand Safari Festival celebrates "Mermaids and Mythical Creatures". The free, family-friendly event takes place at Surfers Paradise from February 4 - 26, and promises some very creative sand and sea-inspired sculptures. Follow the Sand Trail, which incorporates various sand sculptures in hotel lobbies, shopping centres and libraries across the Gold Coast from Tweed Heads to Loganholme.
Sand Dragon - image taken by writer
A big part of the iconic outdoor festival is the
Australian Sand Sculpting Championships (February 10 - 12), where Australia's most talented sand sculptors each create a huge sculpture from ten tonnes of golden sand.
Thousands of spectators are encouraged to watch the sculptors carve their impermanent works of art and vote for their favorite life size sculpture - "the king or queen of castles" which will remain on display until February 26. UK artist, Luke Egan's inflatable sculptures are also not to be missed in Cavill Mall and surrounding local sites.
Dragon detail - image taken by writer
Streets Ice Cream presents the Sand Safari Festival, which is especially recommended for budding sand sculptors and is guaranteed to inspire all your future castle building enterprises. Be sure to check out the other sand art activities and workshops taking place throughout the three weeks of this unusual festival.
