The Sand Safari Arts Festival

Surfers Paradise

Luckily for me where I live on the Gold Coast there are multiple public art displays held throughout the year. The latest that I attended being the Sand Safari Arts Festival of 2020 along The Esplanade at Surfers Paradise.

I’d never been to anything like this on the Gold Coast so I was excited to see some amazing artwork lit up under the evening sky.

The Sand Safari Arts Festival is a sand sculpting competition in which, in 2020, 15 world-renowned sculptors came together to present their own unique take on some classic fairy tales.

Using 270 tonnes of sand, 15 fairy tales were brought to life and put on display for the public’s viewing pleasure. And while the prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd had already been decided by the official judges there was plenty of voting taking place for the peoples choice award. My favourite of the night was Puss In Boots, a charismatic portrayal of a charismatic cat.

The timing of the Sculpture Festival is set to lead into Story Fest, a series of literary experiences held throughout the Gold Coast over the coming few months.

As the theme of the Sculpture Festival was fairy tales, it was a great way to introduce both children and adults alike to the coming literary events.

A great choice for the festivals location, the sculptures were displayed along The Esplanade at Surfers Paradise and there is a lot more to see once you’ve passed through the sand sculptures.

On one side of The Esplanade were the Beachfront Markets, held every Friday, Sunday and Wednesday night; and on the other side are the many shop fronts, restaurants and other popular establishments of Surfers Paradise, one of which we dined at while listening to a talented local busker.

And although the sculptures were amazing and the markets were interesting, the beach running along the entire strip was equally as lovely to look at. Lit up in pinks and purples as the sun set slowly, it was great to see people strolling the shoreline and enjoying the ocean.

As always, I think public art displays are a fantastic way to bring together culture and stunning locations that attract both locals and tourists alike to get out and enjoy the area, and this Sand Safari Arts Festival was no different.