Meet our Sculptors
For more than 25 years, Sandstorm Events has been Australia’s leading producer of largescale sand sculpting exhibitions.
Meet the team behind Echuca Moama's Wonderland on the Murray
Sharon Redmond, Founder of Sandstorm Events, has spent over 25 years elevating sand sculpting into one of Australia’s most celebrated large-scale art forms. Known as the Sand Queen of Australia, she unites world-class artists, ambitious concepts, and memorable public experiences. Sharon leads every aspect of Sandstorm’s productions—from client vision and creative themes to artist selection, quality control, marketing, and audience engagement. Under her guidance, the company has delivered 50 major exhibitions and over 650 corporate installations nationwide. This summer, she brings “Alice in Wonderland” to life in Echuca Moama, inviting audiences into a world of imagination and wonder.
Peter Redmond is a respected Australian sand sculptor, illustrator, and graphic designer whose sand sculpting career began in 2006 in Rye, Victoria. Over 23 years, he has created large-scale works across Australia and internationally, including New Zealand, Egypt, Singapore, and the Maldives. Peter and his wife Sharon co-founded Sandstorm Events 25 years ago, delivering over 50 major exhibitions and 650 installations while nurturing emerging Australian sculptors. A past Australian Sand Sculpting Doubles Champion, Peter is known for his imagination, precision, and design expertise. As Lead Sculptor and Designer, he has crafted all concepts for the “Wonderland on the Murray” Echuca Moama Sand Trail.
Kevin Crawford is one of the world’s most accomplished and widely travelled sand sculptors, with a remarkable 45-year career. A self-described “nomadic sand gypsy,” he has worked extensively across Europe, Asia, America, and the Middle East, becoming Sandstorm Events’ most travelled artist and a respected international figure. Kevin has won more than 11 World Championships and is celebrated for blending technical precision with imaginative detail. Originally from the United States, he became an Australian citizen in 2008 and has since earned multiple national titles, including top placements at the 2025 Australian Championships. His vast experience and creative vision enrich every project he undertakes.
Jino R van Bruinessen is one of Australia’s longest-serving sand sculptors, bringing over three decades of artistic experience to the Echuca Moama Sand Trail. Born in Holland and now based in NSW, he began sand sculpting in 1992 after a commission for Sydney City Council, launching an international career spanning Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. Jino has won the Australian Sand Sculpting Championship four times, with multiple additional podium finishes, including 2nd place in the 2025 Doubles. With a background in film, TV, and design, and a vibrant creative spirit, he is a standout contributor to every project.
Yves Geraedts began his sand sculpting career in Australia 15 years ago after joining Sandstorm Events in Frankston in 2010. His creativity, refined technique, and imaginative style quickly made him a recognised figure in Australia’s sand sculpting community. Yves won the 2021 Australian Sand Sculpting Championships and later achieved 3rd in Solo and 1st in Doubles at the 2023 Championships. After years in the Netherlands, he returned to Australia in 2021 with his family and now lives in Tasmania. Also a chef and hospitality manager, Yves often blends his love of food into playful, nostalgic, and richly detailed sculptures.
Anna McCauley is Australia’s youngest professional sand sculptor and a rising talent in the national sand sculpting community. Based in Narrm (Melbourne), she grew up on sand sculpture sites, learning from her father, renowned sculptor Jim McCauley, and the Sandstorm Events team. She has contributed to numerous large-scale installations along the Frankston Waterfront, developing her own style shaped by years of hands-on experience. In 2022, Anna competed internationally with her father on the Canadian TV series Race Against the Tide, demonstrating her skill under pressure. With strong foundations, natural talent, and creative ambition, she is emerging as a standout next-generation sculptor.
A Day of Outdoor Family Fun in Rushworth
Once you’re here, you’ll quickly feel what makes Rushworth special. The easy rhythm, the open spaces, and the simple joy of time spent together. It’s a place made for relaxed days outdoors, where history meets nature.
Plan your visit around the Rushworth Easter Heritage Festival, when the town comes to life with vintage vehicles, markets, live music and old-fashioned fun.
Download your itinerary and start exploring
Morning
Ease into the day with a coffee and a bite to eat in town, before heading out to explore the Whroo Historic Area, once a thriving gold mining town. Wander through the remains of the ghost town and peer down into the Balaclava Mine, an open-cut site that operated from 1854 to the 1920s. It’s easy to imagine the buzz of the gold rush days among the old diggings and ruins.
On your way back into town, stop at the Growlers Hill Fire Observation Tower for sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. The perfect spot for a photo or just to pause and take it all in.
Afternoon
Settle in for lunch at Motofinish Café, where the roast beef and gravy rolls are guaranteed to be a hit or pick up fish and chips from Rushworth Golden Nugget for a picnic on the shores of Waranga Basin.
The basin is a local favourite for fishing, especially if you’re chasing red-fin. It’s also great for boating, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and gentle walks by the water. Or simply throw down a picnic rug and let the afternoon drift by.
Stretch your legs along the Waranga Rail Trail, a peaceful track following the old railway line through bushland and farmland between Rushworth and Murchison. Walk or ride the whole 19km trail or just a section and soak up the fresh country air.
Before you head off, treat everyone to a well-earned scoop (or two) from The Cottage Ice Cream Shoppe.
Stay nearby
Book with Lake Waranga Caravan Park for a relaxed, family-friendly stay by the water, or enjoy comfort in town at the Rushworth Motel.
A Day of History Exploration in Rushworth
If you love towns with character, and stories etched into the walls, Rushworth is your kind of place. Once a bustling gold rush settlement, this heritage township is now a peaceful haven for curious travellers who like to take their time and uncover the past one building at a time.
Download your itinerary and start exploring
Morning
Start your day with a coffee and freshly baked pastry from the Rushworth Bakery, the perfect fuel for a day of exploration.
Step straight into history with a stroll through Rushworth’s Historic Township along the self-guided Heritage Walk. Admire the beautifully preserved gold rush architecture. Wide verandahs, red brick facades, and elegant details hint at the town’s 1850s boom. Each stop tells a story, from miners and merchants to the early settlers who shaped the community.
Take time to explore local stores. The Rushworth General Store is filled with homewares and unique finds, Glasgow House Gallery Antiques and Collectables invites you to discover treasures from another era, and Angie Russi Handcrafted Ceramics showcases one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the surrounding countryside.
Afternoon
Recharge with lunch at Gus & Ollie’s, a welcoming spot known for its creative, flavour-packed dishes. And yes, their coffee is divine.
After lunch, take a short drive to the Whroo Historic Area, once a thriving gold mining town. Gaze down on the Balaclava Mine, an open-cut site that ran from 1854 until the 1920s. The ruins of this ghost town give a fascinating glimpse into Victoria’s gold rush past.
On your way back into town, stop at the Growlers Hill Fire Observation Tower for sweeping views of rolling hills and farmland. The perfect place to pause, take a deep breath, and capture a photo of the countryside.
Ready to move? Walk or cycle the Waranga Rail Trail, a 19km path winding through quiet bushland, open farmland and around Waranga Basin.
Stay nearby
Extend your visit with an overnight stay to fully enjoy Rushworth’s historic charm. Choose lakeside camping and cabins at Lake Waranga Caravan Park or enjoy the comfort and convenience of the Rushworth Motel in town.
A Day to Connect with Nature in Rochester
If you want a day where the river slows you down, the trees whisper, and time feels softer, this is the one. You’ll get your nature fix, your art fix, and that satisfying feeling of discovering something peaceful and real.
Download your itinerary and start exploring
Morning
Pack your gear, fishing rods, kayaks, SUPSs, bathers, whatever helps you unwind outdoors.
Start your day surrounded by calm waters at Greens Lake, a peaceful local favourite for fishing, paddling or simply soaking up the stillness. The gentle sounds of birdlife and the shimmer of the lake make it the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
When you’re ready for lunch, head back into town for something tasty. Enjoy a relaxed meal at The Cafe or pick up classic fish and chips from Rochy Fish Shop and find a shady spot by the Campaspe River for a laid-back picnic.
Afternoon
After lunch, take a moment to admire the Rochester Silo Art, where three local endangered species, the Azure Kingfisher, Squirrel Glider and Growling Grass Frog, are brought to life in stunning detail. It’s a proud showcase of the region’s creativity and connection to the environment.
Treat yourself to something sweet and a perfectly brewed coffee at the Rochester Bakery, just a short stroll away.
Once you’re refreshed, wander down the Campaspe River Trail for a gentle walk through native bushland. Listen for kookaburras, watch for gliders, and enjoy the slow rhythm of the river. If you’d rather be on the water, launch a kayak from the all-abilities pontoon and drift under the river gums, it’s Rochester at its most peaceful.
Stay a little longer
As the sun sets, settle in for a hearty country dinner at the Criterion Hotel, where the locals are friendly and the meals hit the spot.
If you’re staying the night, settle in at one of these welcoming spots:
Rochester Motel
Rochester Riverside Holiday Park
Rochester Caravan Park
The next day
Extend your adventure beyond riverside calm and into the rolling hills and vineyards around Toolleen.
On your way, take a short detour to Colbinabbin to admire the six painted silos that tell stories of local life and community spirit. Pop into the Colbinabbin General Store Co-op for brunch or a homemade treat and browse local produce and crafts.
Next, make your way to Toolleen, a quiet pocket of Victoria known for its high-quality shiraz. Here’s a few wineries you might like to visit:
Domaine Asmara - a boutique winery and distillery offering handcrafted wines and small-batch spirits.
Peregrine Ridge - perched high on the eastern side of the Mount Camel Range with sweeping views of the valley below.
Shiraz Republic – a laid-back cellar door serving wine and its own craft beer, made onsite.
Once you’ve had your fill of wine country, you can either loop back to Rochester or head on toward your next destination, carrying the quiet, the colours and the calm with you.
Visit in early spring to see golden canola fields transform the landscape. Wander through the blooms and snap the perfect shot at the Cornella Canola Walk.
A Day of Art & History in Rochester
Discover a town where art, history and community come together along the banks of the Campaspe. From towering silo murals and sporting legends to shady river walks and country hospitality, Rochester offers the perfect mix of creativity and calm, all just a short stroll apart.
Download your itinerary and start exploring
Morning
Start your day with a freshly brewed coffee from 7 Beans as you make your way into town.
First stop, the Rochester Silo Art, a breathtaking tribute to three local endangered species: the Azure Kingfisher, Squirrel Glider and Growling Grass Frog. Standing beneath these towering artworks, you’ll feel the town’s pride painted into every brushstroke.
From here, head to the Rochester Sports Museum, located in the old railway station. This one-of-a-kind collection was created by local Mitiamo legend John Forbes, whose love of sport and storytelling shines through more than 4,000 pieces of memorabilia. You’ll find everything from Adam Gilchrist’s wicket-keeping gloves to Martina Navratilova’s tennis dress, each item with its own story to tell.
Before you leave, grab a Mural Map to guide your afternoon adventure through town.
Visiting Wednesday or Friday? Discover the stories that shaped Rochester at the Historical & Pioneer Society Museum.
Afternoon
When it’s time for lunch, settle in at the Rochester Hotel for a hearty pub meal, or grab a pizza from Rochy Pizza and enjoy a relaxed picnic by the Campaspe River. The shady gums and gentle ripple of the water make the perfect backdrop for a slow-paced afternoon.
With your Mural Map in hand, take a wander through town to discover more than 50 murals, sculptures and wood carvings scattered through the streets. Don’t miss Mural Park, home to the annual Rochester Mural Festival, where new artworks bring the town to life each autumn.
Stay a little longer
As the sun dips behind the gums, enjoy dinner at the Shamrock Hotel, a friendly local favourite filled with history and character.
If you’re staying the night, settle in at one of these welcoming spots:
-
Rochester Motel
-
Rochester Riverside Holiday Park
-
Rochester Caravan Park
The next day
Grab a takeaway breakfast from Willow’s Café at Ampol, then hit the road to Colbinabbin, where six painted silos tell the story of community and connection.
Next, make your way to Rushworth, a historic gold rush town lined with charming heritage buildings and a welcoming country vibe. Take a stroll down the main street, explore local shops, and feel the echoes of the past in every weathered brick and timber beam.
Continue to Girgarre, home to the Gargarro Botanic Garden, a stunning new space blending art, nature, and community spirit. The cafe here is the perfect spot to stop for lunch, think fresh local produce and views that invite you to linger a little longer.
Afterwards, head to Kyabram, where the Water Tower Art and Town Hall Gallery showcase local talent and regional pride. From towering murals to intimate exhibitions, you’ll find creativity in every corner.
Round out the day in Tongala, a town that wears its art on its sleeve, literally. More than 30 murals splash colour across fences, shopfronts, and laneways, each one telling a story of country life, history, and humour.
Then, as the sun begins to dip, make your way back to Rochester. By now, you’ll have seen the region’s creativity unfold one wall at a time, each stop adding another brushstroke to a bigger picture of country character, community and heart.
