Murray River Councillors Bianca Hurn, Kylie Berryman and Mayor John Harvie.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Guests gathered at the Riverboat Dock Echuca on Friday, December 12 to officially launch Wonderland on the Murray.
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The event brings to life beloved characters from Alice in Wonderland, beginning at the Riverboat Dock where Alice tumbles down the rabbit hole.
A team of five sculptors from Sandstorm Events spent two weeks crafting eight intricate sand sculptures, now showcased along the Murray River banks throughout Echuca-Moama.
Uncle Rick Ronnan performs the smoking ceremony.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The opening ceremony began with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony before Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell shared a few words.
Cr Mackrell said the event would bring something different to the Echuca-Moama communities.
“What an exciting project we have and it's a privilege of launching this tonight,” he said.
Port of Echuca’s Gerard Oman poses with a sculpture of Alice falling down the rabbit hole.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
“It's truly something and ... it's different for the both of our sides, over the river and for us here as well.
“This project has transformed public spaces into a fascinating and fun family adventure.”
Visitors to Wonderland on the Murray can follow a trail from the Riverboat Dock, through the Port of Echuca and the Aquatic Reserve, before crossing the river to the Moama Soundshell for the finale.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Along the way, a wide range of characters are on display, including the Caterpillar and the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit’s House, and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.
Visitors will also spot the White Rabbit racing to his tea party and the Queen of Hearts and her Card Soldiers.
Across the river in Moama, Alice will emerge from the rabbit hole at Kerrabee Reserve before hosting her famous tea party at the Moama Soundshell.
Murray River Council Mayor John Harvie.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Murray River Shire Mayor John Harvie said the community has had a major influence on the project.
“What I'd like to highlight is how this project has been shaped by community from the very beginning,’’ he said.
“Over the past months, we've taken this concept out into our town, in conversations with traders, local groups, business owners and residents and what we're seeing is a genuine eagerness to get involved to help bring this trail to life.
“That enthusiasm has truly activated our clean towns in the lead up to the event.”
James Reade, Paul Jarman, Matthew McPherson and Rob Amos were among the guests at the opening ceremony.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The project was a joint collaboration between Campaspe Shire Council, Murray River Council and the Campaspe Port Enterprise, with the support of more than 35 local businesses and community organisations.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the Wonderland on the Murray trail throughout the summer months, until early March 2026.
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