THANKFULLY it took less than 1001 nights to build the latest attraction on Frankston’s foreshore telling the tales of Aladdin, Sinbad the Sailor, Ali Baba and the forty thieves and other Arabian Nights stories.
Twenty skilled sculptors put in more than 5000 carving hours over 30 days using 3500 tonnes of brickies’ loam sand to build the Sand Sculpting Australia exhibition illustrating the stories of the Arabian Nights.
Sandstorm Events director Sharon Redmond says the exhibition is open to visitors until 25 April.
“Our aim is to capture the imagination and provide a unique experience that reappropriates the natural environment and encourages people to enjoy it in a new way,” she said.
“This summer, you’ll be transported back in time to explore the ancient and ever-so-magical stories of the 1001 Arabian Nights, made completely from sand.
“You can see Aladdin fall in love with Princess Jasmine and trick the Genie of the Lamp with his three wishes.
“Take a journey with Sinbad the Sailor on his seven magical adventures as he meets mystical monsters and fantastical creatures; then, ‘Open Sesame’, go deep with Ali Baba into the cave filled with jewels and gold.”
The annual sand sculpting exhibition is hosted at the Frankston waterfront, 510N Nepean Highway until 25 April; Monday-Friday 10am-4pm daily and 10am-6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Adults $14, concession $11, children (3-15 years old) $9, children under 2 free entry. A super pass for children is $18.
More than 130,000 people visit the exhibition in Frankston each year.
See sandsculpting.com.au or call 0426 280 603 for more exhibition details.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 9 January 2018