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Follow the White Rabbit to The Murray’s new 2.5-km Sand Sculpture Trail

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
Echuca Moama has transformed into a world of sand sculptures and free performances.

No story has ever been more whimsical than Alice in Wonderland, and now there’s a sand sculpture trail in Echuca Moama to match the whimsy: Wonderland on the Murray. Until March, follow the Murray River for 2.5 kilometres, taking in a series of large-scale handcrafted sand installations based on this ever-popular children’s tale.

Starting at the historic Port of Echuca, the trail starts with Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, before continuing through the Port and Aquatic Reserve with eight sculptures depicting iconic moments and characters. From there, cross the river into Moama, where the trail ends at Kerrabee Reserve, with Alice’s Tea Party.

artists working on Alice in Wonderland tea party sand sculpture for sand sculpture trail in Echuca
See Alice at the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

“With no other town in Australia offering a sand sculpture trail of this kind during the summer months, Wonderland on the Murray is set to become a must-see summer highlight, creating ‘wow’ moments for people of all ages," said Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell.

Crafted by Sandstorm Events (Australia’s leading provider of large-scale sand sculpture experiences), expect to spot many other Alice In Wonderland moments along the trail, including The Caterpillar and Cheshire Cat, The White Rabbit’s House (be sure not to eat any cakes while you’re there), Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum and The Queen of Hearts and her Card Soldiers.

“Wonderland on the Murray showcases the artistry and storytelling power of sand sculpture at its finest, and we look forward to creating a visually stunning and engaging trail," said Director of Sandstorm Events, Sharon Redmond.

Alice in Wonderland with dodo and mouse sand sculpture for sand sculpture trail in Echuca
Follow the trail for an easy 2.5 kilometres.

Besides the sculptures, the riverfront has come to life for the trail. Expect roving performers, live music and even silent disco walking tours.

“These immersive experiences really bring the sand sculptures to life, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family," said Mackrell. “It’s a real mix of attractions, and the line-up changes across each weekend. Keep an eye on the website for upcoming activations".

There’s a free silent disco of uplifting hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s at the Port of Echuca Pop Up Park, Murray Esplanade on 17 January. Or a concert by string quartet, Cedar Collective, reimagining pop and film favourites on 24 January.

“You might turn a corner and find a giant snail or a silk dancer floating through the crowd – it’s not something you see every day in Echuca," continued Mackrell.

performers at sand sculpture trail in Echuca
There’s plenty to see beyond the sculptures themselves.

The details

Dates: Open now until 9 March 2026.
Starting point: Port of Echuca
Cost: Free
Website: Find more information on Visit Echuca Moama’s website.

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Film lovers need to add these Victorian theatres to their bucket list

    Ricky French Ricky French
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    Theatres have always been a cornerstone of regional Victoria, reflecting the character and history of their local communities.

    From grand, gold rush-era masterpieces to Art Deco wonders to repurposed prisons, we’ve rounded up four of Victoria’s best regional theatres to catch a show at next time you’re travelling through.

    Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat

    Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat 
    Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat has been standing for 150 years. (Image: Michael Pham)

    A monument to the immense gold rush wealth flooding through Ballarat in the second half of the 19th century, Her Majesty’s Theatre (‘Her Maj’ to locals) celebrates its 150th anniversary as the city’s premier performing arts venue this year.

    Built in a classical style and immaculately preserved (thanks largely to a recent $16-million restoration), this Lydiard Street landmark is the oldest continuously operating theatre in mainland Australia, notable for its double balcony and a stage that slopes towards the front, making it one of the most audience-friendly venues in the country to see a show.

    The Capital, Bendigo

    The Capital Theatre, Bendigo
    The Capital in Bendigo was built in 1873 as a Masonic Hall. (Image: Michael Pham)

    Denoted by its distinctive Corinthian columns, more reminiscent of ancient Greece than regional Victoria, The Capital theatre in Bendigo has been through several iterations since the first stone was laid in 1873.

    Originally a Masonic hall, the renaissance revival-style building became a theatre in the 1890s, falling into disrepair for a time during the 1970s, before being restored and reopened (as the Bendigo Regional Arts Centre) in 1991. Today, the 480-seat venue hosts everything from comedy to cabaret to traditional theatre, dance, opera and live music.

     Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo

    a look insideBendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre
    Inside Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre, a former prison. (Image: Michael Pham)

    Bendigo has busted out as a regional performing arts hotspot, so it’s fitting that one of its newest venues is housed within a former prison. Meaning ‘meeting place’ or ‘gather together’ in the language of the local Dja Dja Wurrung people, the $26-million, 950-seat auditorium rose from within the red brick walls of the historic Sandhurst Gaol in 2015.

    It’s an eerie feeling as you approach the imposing granite facade, pass beneath the old gallows and pick up your ticket from the box office occupying a repurposed cell block. With the building playing a main character in the show, this is performative architecture at its finest.

    Rex Theatre, Charlton

    the Rex Theatre in Charlton
    The 1938-built Rex Theatre in Charlton is an Art Deco gem. (Image: Jenny Pollard)

    Regional theatres don’t come more romantic than this Art Deco gem in the river town of Charlton, in north-central Victoria. Built in 1938, the 350-seat community-owned theatre provides an essential entertainment outlet for residents in the Wimmera Mallee region, as well as visitors making the trip up the Calder Highway from Melbourne.

    The volunteer-run venue is the last remaining purpose-built cinema in regional Victoria, and hosts the Charlton Film Festival every February, plus three weekly film screenings (Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday).