The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, proudly sponsored by EastLink, are set to return bigger and better to the bayside suburb of Frankston, Victoria, from Saturday 28 March to Sunday 26 April 2026, transforming the waterfront into a world-class outdoor sand spectacular, supported by Frankston City Council and their Destination Event Attraction Program (DEAP).
Set to be the most ambitious Championships yet, the 2026 event presented by Sandstorm Events will feature 18 large scale sculptures and display features, carved from more than 400 tonnes of sand; with artists working around the clock over eight intensive days to bring the theme, The Enchanted Realm, to life – where fairytale castles, majestic dragons and mythical creatures will capture the heart of every story.
“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 2026 Championships will showcase 15 solo sculptures, with no doubles, placing the spotlight firmly on artistic mastery and the coveted Aidan J Graham Australian Champion title. The artist line up will include 10 Australian sculptors alongside five international artists, reinforcing the event’s appeal to both global and Australian audiences.
Each solo sculpture will use up to 20 tonnes of sand, with an additional 50 tonne hero sculpture anchoring the exhibition, a 25 tonne interactive sculpture designed specifically for hands on, family engagement, and a 15 tonne entry sculpture welcoming guests to the event. For the very first time, all sculptures will be completed prior to the official opening, ensuring visitors can experience the full exhibition from day one.
The opening weekend will feature three food trucks, adding to the festival atmosphere while keeping the focus firmly on the art. The event will once again feature a special Easter weekend, packed with family-friendly activities and interactive experiences.
“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. It’s a celebration of creativity, talent, and community, and not to be missed.”
New for 2026, visitors will be able to attend sculpture talks, offering rare insights into the creative process, techniques and stories behind each piece.
A spectacular light show, proudly sponsored by Govee, will run three to four times daily, dramatically transforming the sculptures into an illuminated wonderland , creating moments of surprise and delight for the whole family.
Returning as a major event highlight, EastLink’s People’s Choice Awards will once again invite the public to vote for their favourite sculpture, encouraging audience participation and celebrating the connection between artists and the community.
“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, the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships continue to be a cornerstone cultural event for the region, attracting visitors from across Victoria and beyond, while reinforcing Frankston’s reputation as a leading destination for major outdoor events.
