The art festival, which will run until February 26, will include the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships – you’ll be in awe of the life-sized masterpieces, intricately carved by some of Australia’s most talented sculptors. The championship, which is a key event for the festival, will feature creations carved from ten tonnes of sand with a ‘mermaids and mythical creatures’ theme. You’ll have the chance to watch the sculptors work their magic on the foreshore from February 10 to 12, with the awe-inspiring sand carvings to stay on display until February 26. The festival will kick off with the intriguing Sand Trail, which will see the art of sand sculpting extend well beyond the shores of Surfers Paradise with more than 12 works of art popping up in hotel lobbies, libraries and shopping centres from as far south as Coolangatta and as far north as Loganholme.

We’re pretty pumped to hear that the UK’s renowned ‘inflatablist’ Luke Egan, aka Filthy Luker, will be returning to exhibit his extravagant, bold and clever art activations throughout Surfers Paradise. Remember the giant green inflatable tentacles that took over The Islander resort in 2016? Yep, that’s Filthy Luker’s handiwork – and he’s back this year so get set to be mesmerised by everything from oversized schools of squid to hanging jellyfish … keep your eyes peeled! Sand Safari 2017 will feature also bold murals, inspiring photography and pop-up galleries, plus there will be plenty of fun for the kids including sand art and workshops on the beachfront. Jump over here for all of the event details … then let’s get sandy, folks!