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

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.

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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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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn Pride Jocelyn Pride
    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso, and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack. Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal, is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.