65 tonne Super Mario inspired sand sculpture unveiled …

A towering 65 tonne sand sculpture inspired by the world of Super Mario has today been unveiled at the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships 2026 in Frankston, Victoria, to celebrate the upcoming release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, in cinemas April 1.

Open to the public from March 28 to April 26, the monumental installation forms part of the immersive Enchanted Realm experience, bringing the magic of the Mushroom Kingdom to life. Visitors will encounter intricately carved depictions of iconic characters including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi and the formidable Bowser, in a visually striking tribute to one of the world’s most beloved franchises.

The sand sculpture itself was brought to life over six days by a team of highly skilled Australian and international artists, combining technical precision with creative storytelling. Crafted from an extraordinary 65 tonnes of sand, the piece spans 7.5 metres in length and stands 3.5 metres high, making it one of the centrepiece attractions of this year’s Championships.

Sharon Redmond, founder and director of Sandstorm Events, said the installation was designed to create a moment of wonder for visitors of all ages.

“This year, we wanted to push the boundaries of what’s possible with sand and create something truly unforgettable. The Super Mario inspired sculpture is not only technically ambitious, but it taps into a sense of nostalgia and joy that resonates across generations. Seeing it come to life at this scale has been incredibly special.”

The sculpture coincides with the premiere of the next chapter in the global Super Mario phenomenon. Following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed more than $1.3 billion worldwide, Illumination and Nintendo reunite for an all-new, action-packed adventure.

In The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are drawn back into action after settling into life in the Mushroom Kingdom. A mysterious call for help reveals the unexplored past of Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), launching the group on a sweeping intergalactic journey across new worlds, filled with unexpected alliances and high-stakes adventure.

Universal Pictures ANZ Marketing Director Suzanne Stretton Brown said the collaboration offered fans a unique way to engage with the film.

“Following the incredible global response to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, we’re thrilled to bring fans a new way to experience the magic of this next chapter. This ‘larger-than-life’ sculpture captures the adventure, imagination and heart of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and is a fantastic celebration of its upcoming release.”

Designed to captivate audiences of all ages, the installation offers a unique opportunity to experience the nostalgia, imagination and energy of the Super Mario universe in breathtaking detail, just in time for its next cinematic chapter.

The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships will run from March 28 through April 26, inviting families, art lovers and visitors alike to explore a world of large-scale sand artistry.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket box on arrival. To find out more information, please click here