Kings and queens of the castle, get ready to converge on Surfers Paradise as the annual Sand Safari Arts Festival returns to celebrate all things sand, sea and sport, transforming the iconic foreshore into a family-friendly fantasy sandscape from February 9 to 24.

This popular free event features the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, drawing thousands of spectators to admire some of Australia’s and the world’s most talented sculptors as they intricately carve life-sized masterpieces over the course of the weekend. Through arts, literature and education, the 2019 theme for Sand Safari highlights the importance of one of life’s real treasures – friendship!