Wonderland on the Murray is in full swing, bringing a vibrant mix of free entertainment to Echuca's sand sculpture trail throughout January and February. Visitors can look forward to roving performers, live music, and even silent disco walking tours, all designed to surprise and delight along the riverfront.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell encouraged locals and visitors to make the most of the attractions.
"These immersive experiences really bring the sand sculptures to life, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family.
"You might turn a corner and find a giant snail or a silk dancer floating through the crowd - it's not something you see every day in Echuca," Cr Mackrell added.
January Wonderland Experiences:
Saturday 10 January - Gastropodia - Roving Snail - 10am - 1.30pm
A gigantic hairy snail, with their impish rider perched atop, slimes their way along the trail in the Port of Echuca. Watch out for Gastropodia on the trail between 10am to 10.30am; 11am to 11.30am; 12 noon to 12.30pm; and 1.00pm to 1.30pm.
Sunday 11 January - Marquisa D'or - 10am - 1.40pm
Gracious, flirtatious, and ever so cheeky, the "Marquisa D'or" blends stillness and clowning with her 17th-century artistry, drifting about like a noblewoman who's taken a wrong turn in Wonderland. Watch out for the Marquisa D'or on the trail from 10am to 10.40am; 11am to 11.40am, 12 noon to 12.40pm; 1.00pm to 1.40pm
Friday 16 January - FireLily Dance - 10am - 12.30pm
From mesmerising modern circus with bespoke visuals to breathtaking, stand-out silk displays, the close-knit FireLily team delights in wowing audiences of all ages. Enjoy captivating live entertainment featuring ethereal silk dances, enchanting winged wanderers, and the whimsical flower lady.
Saturday 17 January- Dancing Down the Rabbit Hole: A silent Disco Journey with Guru Dudu - 11am - 2pm
Will be based at the Port of Echuca Pop Up Park, Murray Esplanade
Guru Dudu's Silent Disco is a free, immersive experience invites you to slip on your supplied headphones and enter a shared audioscape filled with uplifting hits from the '70s, '80s, and '90s.
As Guru Dudu's joyful commentary guides you along part of the trail, you'll find yourself swept up in an experience that's as fun and freeing as it is unforgettable.
Saturday 24 January - Cedar Collective Concert - 6.30pm - 7.30 and 8.30pm - 9.30pm
Violinists Jessica Leigh and Sara Barbagallo, violist Edmund Mantelli, and cellist Sarah Wang will guide you through a vibrant, one-hour musical adventure where the familiar becomes fantastical.
In this topsy-turvy world, pop and film favourites are reimagined for string quartet, transformed as if by the Queen of Hearts herself.
Cr Mackrell said the activations are designed to surprise and delight along the trail.
"It's a real mix of attractions, and the line-up changes across each weekend. Keep an eye on the website for upcoming activations so you don't miss out," he said.
Gastropodia, Marquisa D'or and FireLily Dance can be found around the sculptures at Riverboat Dock and Port of Echuca, while the Cedar Collective Concert and Guru Dudu Silent Disco Tours will be based at the pop-up park in the Port of Echuca.
For a map of the trail and details of everything Wonderland on the Murray, head to www.visitechucamoama.com.au/wonderland-on-the-murray
