Sand Sculpting in Frankston

It was a beautiful day in Melbourne, reaching the mid 20C's and with barely a cloud in the sky. So rather than sit inside all day watching more Aussies getting knocked out of the tennis, I decided to go for a drive. I headed down the bay to Frankston to see the Sand Sculpting Festival. To be honest, it's pretty nice place to just walk along the Waterfront area of Frankston, and I walked up the pier and along the beach a bit.

Oliver's Hill Frankston

Although I've been living in Melbourne for nearly 8 years, this is the first time I've visited the Sand Sculpting festival which has been held in Frankston for the past 5 years. The theme of the sculptures was "Under the Sea" and it attracted sculptors from across the World.

Logo Sculpture by Kevin Crawford

There were 15 sculptures ranging from cute to futuristic. The detail was absolutely crazy and the inspiration for the sculptures ranged from famous novels (20000 Leagues Under the Sea) and Gods (Poseidon) to Beatlemania (Octopus Garden) and video games (Battlefish). My personal favourite was an inctircately carved Seaport Village.

Seaport Village by Jino van Bruinessen and Peter Redmond

Detail from Seaport Village

Detail from Seaport Village

Of course, the quality of all the sculptures was unbelievably high. With the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships taking place in Surfers Paradise in February (the 15th for anyone who wants a Valentines Day treat for a loved one...a trip to Queensland!) I guess it was a good warm up event. I'll leave you with some favourite images of mine from the day, while I'll upload more (74 photos!) to my picasa album. Undoubtedly the best name used by the sculptors was Baldrick Buckle! I would thoroughly recommend a visit to Frankston to check this festival out. It is great, and walks along the front are a bonus, and it runs up to 28th April so you got plenty of time! Unfortunately I will be out of town for the Mordialloc Gnome Festival, but maybe in years to come!

Atlantis by Sandis Kondis and Sue MacGrew

Battlefish by Jakub Zimacek and Leo Vamvalis

Detail from Mechanical Whale by Jaap Tichler

Atlantis by Sandis Kondis and Sue MacGrew

Dolphin Dance by Meg Murray

Poseidon by Martijn Rijerse and Hanneke Supply

Detail from 20000 Leagues Under the Sea by Baldrick Buckle

Mermaids by Karen Fralich

The "Bergs" by Michela Ciappini

The detail was amazing: look at the hands trying to open a way out!