Sand sculpting championships feature 400 tonnes of sand at Frankston Waterfront
The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships will return to Frankston Waterfront from Saturday, 28th March to Sunday, 26th April 2026. The event will transform the bayside location into a large-scale outdoor sand exhibition. Organisers will use more than 400 tonnes of sand to deliver the themed display, The Enchanted Realm.
Sandstorm Events will present the 2026 championships with support from Frankston City Council. The exhibition will feature 18 large-scale sculptures and display elements. Artists will complete all works before the official opening, allowing visitors to view the full exhibition from day one.
The championship format will change for 2026. The event will feature solo sculptures only, with no collaborative entries. This structure places full focus on individual artistic skill and execution.
“We’re thrilled to be back in Frankston for the 2026 Championships,” said Sandstorm Events founder and director Sharon Redmond. “This year will be bigger and better than ever, with more fun for families and more affordable access for everyone. We’re excited to see what this year’s contenders can achieve, including some new international artists coming out to take the Aussie crown.”
The competition will include 15 solo sculptures created by 10 Australian sculptors and five international artists. Each solo sculpture will use up to 15 tonnes of sand. In addition, the exhibition will include a 50-tonne hero sculpture, a 25-tonne interactive sculpture, and a 15-tonne entry sculpture.
The Australian Champion title, named after Aidan J Graham, will be awarded to the overall winner. Judges will assess each work on technique, creativity, and execution. As a result, the revised format highlights individual mastery across the field.
Event programming and visitor features
The opening weekend will include three food trucks operating on site. While food services will be available, the event will maintain its primary focus on the sculpture exhibition. Organisers have also scheduled a dedicated Easter weekend program.
New for 2026, visitors will be able to attend sculpture talks throughout the exhibition period. These sessions will provide insight into creative processes, techniques, and artistic intent. In addition, a lighting program sponsored by Govee will run three to four times daily.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships back to Frankston in 2026,” said Frankston City Mayor Sue Baker. “Last year’s event was a huge success, drawing visitors from across Victoria and beyond, and cementing the ASSC as a cornerstone event that truly puts Frankston on the map. This year promises even more excitement, with world-class sculptures, family-friendly activities, workshops, and the Sandsational Easter Egg Hunt over Easter weekend.”
Public engagement will again form part of the event through EastLink’s People’s Choice Awards. Visitors will vote for their favourite sculpture during the exhibition period. This award recognises both artistic achievement and audience connection.
“EastLink is excited to sponsor the return of the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, an event that never fails to captivate our customers and the wider community,” said EastLink Corporate Affairs Manager Doug Spencer-Roy. “The 2026 exhibition promises to be the most impressive yet, and we’re proud to help bring this extraordinary showcase of talent and imagination to Frankston.”
Supported by Frankston City Council and delivered by Sandstorm Events, the championships continue to attract visitors from across Victoria and beyond. The event reinforces Frankston’s role as a destination for large-scale outdoor cultural exhibitions.
Event details
Location: Frankston Waterfront, McComb Reserve
Dates: Saturday 28th March to Sunday 26th April 2026
Time: Open daily from 10am to 5pm
Tickets: Available online or at the onsite ticket box