Forget subtle promo runs, a 65 tonne Super Mario sand sculpture has just landed on the Frankston waterfront.
This one is about as over the top as you’d expect from a franchise that’s built its empire on mushrooms, warp pipes, and fun, it was unveiled as part of the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships 2026, the massive installation is tied to the upcoming ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, which hits cinemas on April 1st. And yeah, it’s less “cute nod” and more full scale takeover.
65 tonnes of Mushroom Kingdom energy
Built over six days by a mix of Australian and international artists, the sculpture stretches 7.5 metres long and 3.5 metres high, it’s packed with familiar faces too. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, and Bowser all carved into something that looks like it shouldn’t physically hold together.
The whole thing sits inside the event’s new ‘Enchanted Realm’ theme, which leans hard into fantasy, think castles, dragons, and mythical creatures, now sitting alongside Nintendo’s most recognisable crew.
“This year, we wanted to push the boundaries of what’s possible with sand and create something truly unforgettable,” said Sandstorm Events director Sharon Redmond (per press release).
“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.”
A very on brand lead in to the next film
The sculpture lands just ahead of ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, the follow up to the billion dollar juggernaut that was The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
This time around, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) get dragged back into action when a call for help reveals more about Princess Peach’s past, from there it goes full intergalactic. New worlds, new alliances, and the kind of high stakes insanity you’d expect.
Universal Pictures ANZ marketing director Suzanne Stretton Brown framed the sculpture as part of that build up:
“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.”
The Super Mario Galaxy trailer
More than just one giant sculpture
The Championships themselves start tomorrow (March 28th) and run through to April 26th, featuring 16 large scale works, interactive installations, and even a 25 tonne walk through sculpture dubbed ‘The Wings of Enchantment’.
Tickets and more information for this one can be found here.
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