Some places are worth returning to over and over again, and some events are worth revisiting – even when you already know what to expect. The Sculpture by the Sea exhibition perched on the very edge of Australia, is just one of those events and iconic places.
Join me for a short stroll amongst the weird, the wonderful and the supremely clever artworks…although the same could be said about some of the audience, I guess! 😊
What Is Sculpture by the Sea?
- As the name suggests, Sculpture by the Sea is a selection of both large and small sculptures arrayed along the clifftops, and bordered by the sea. They stand proudly on promontories, dominating the view, or are tucked away in nooks and crannies.
- The diversity of sculptures is driven by the diversity of the artists. This year it seemed that there was a larger contingent of international sculptors, especially those with Asian origins.
- I also noticed a larger number of artists who received encouragement awards or incentives to participate. I guess this is a good way to develop and mentor new artists, as well as give them a very high-profile platform from which to promote their work.
- Interestingly, this very popular event nearly didn’t happen due to a lack of funding. It was only a last-minute injection of $200,000 that allowed the exhibition to proceed. What a loss that would have been for the community and tourists? Especially as it is a free event.
- I did notice a significant increase in the number of donation buckets scattered around the place as well as a range of swanky merchandise available for sale. Obviously, they are trying to fill the coffers to avoid a repeat of recent financial pressures when next year rolls around.
- Surely the commission the event organisers would earn from art sales would also help? In a marquee in Marks Park there are for sale smaller versions of the larger al fresco works. Quite a few of those had red dots on them indicating they were sold and they weren’t cheap either. So much for a cost-of-living crisis.
- From a logistics perspective, toilets are plentiful at the start, mid-point and end of the exhibition. Coffee, water and snacks are available in Marks Park too.
Where Is It?
- You could start at either end of the exhibition, but I suspect most people start from Bondi Beach as it is the easiest place to get to.
- The exhibition is spread over approximately 1.5km of a cliff path that stretches all the way to Coogee (a further 4km along the coast if you are keen).
- It is a truly spectacular path and I recommend you walk it at any time, whether the sculptures are there or not.
When to Visit?
- The event is held annually and usually runs from mid-October to early November.
- As this event is incredibly popular and is heavily promoted, I recommend you avoid visiting on weekends if you can, as that is when the crowds are at their thickest.
- An early morning or evening visit would be perfect to experience the best light and temperatures.
- Allow a good couple of hours if you really want to enjoy the works.
Why Visit?
- Why not?
- Spectacular views, with a chance to see whales.
- Equally spectacular art.
- Great exercise.
- Fresh, sea air.
- Tick an iconic Australian destination off your list.
How to Get There?
- The easiest and cheapest way to get to Bondi Beach is via a train to Bondi Junction and then a bus to Bondi Beach. Both run frequently.
- Taxis and Ubers are equally plentiful.
- Or you could drive your own car. Parking may be tricky and not free. Check the street signs so you dodge a parking ticket.
Who is it for?
- This event, and the path generally, attracts locals, Sydneysiders and a large number of international tourists.
- Children love the adventurous feel of the place and the quirky artworks that adorn the area for a couple of weeks each year.
- The large number of steps, stairs and steep paths may be challenging for people with mobility issues or families with prams.
General Comments:
- Even though it was a grey day when we visited, it was still a really enjoyable experience. The manmade artworks are a wonderful juxtaposition against the natural forms and beauty of the sandstone cliffs. It pays to keep an eye on the ocean too in case any whale families are motoring southwards towards their homes in Antarctica.
- There were quite a few artworks which really caught my eye, although I don’t think the standard was quite as high as previous years, but what would I know?
- Some favorites included: Lily by Dawn Conn.
- Ficus Maris by Ulan and Rachel
- Splotcher by Tim Storrier AM
- Vital Threads by Geraldo Zamproni
Why do some sculptures speak to me more than others? Maybe there is an official name or theory for that?
Phone Zone by Graeme Pattison created a lot of laughs and conversation amongst a certain demographic! 😊 Some of us could remember using some or all of those telephones, including the old party-line system. This installation also had a soundtrack playing a myriad of recorded messages we all have to listen to when we are placed on hold. The artist had changed some of them to include a bit of humour and cynicism we could all relate to – “you are now 116th in the queue and perhaps we will get back to you tomorrow!” 😊
Overall, Sculpture by the Sea is a really pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. It was beautiful, refreshing, and thought-provoking – all at the same time. What’s not to love?
Hopefully in 2026 we will be blessed with a whole new range of endless creativity, and the organisers will be a lot less stressed.
I’ll be back!
What about you? Does this sort of exhibition appeal? Any particular work speak to you?
And this would a perfect way to enjoy Jo’s company on her regular Monday Walk.
#travelinspo #BondiBeach #Sydney #TamaramaBeach #sculptures #SculptureByTheSea #artworks #coastalpaths #beachwalks #coastalwalks #seaviews #coastalvibe #worksofart #freeevents #mustsee #mustdo
Life...one big adventure 
I really would love to be there, Mel, but could you just brighten those skies a bit? So much creativity! It’s pure joy, isn’t it? My favourite bit is the Shrine. You could just leave me there, but I did think Splotcher was fun and a great bit of social commentary,
I don’t understand why it costs so much to organise? It’s an outdoor event so there’s no venue fee. Presumably the artists are funded to encourage participation but if they sell their works they’re paid twice? A small fee would help, though I know people never want to pay for something that’s been free. I’d be happy to put a fw euros in, but donations buckets don’t really work. Anyway- many thanks for the link! xx
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Sorry about the weather, Jo. Spring in Sydney can be very patchy, but there is not a cloud in the sky today and we are heading for 34C. I imagine that is more to your liking. 🙂 As far as the operations are concerned, I am not sure that the artists have to pay an entry fee, just a commission when their work is sold and I imagine the insurance cost for the event would be a killer! I had better put a dollar in the bucket to help out. 🙂
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Sorry to be picky but that’s a bit too warm. I’ll cope though xx
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Well, we are heading towards Summer here, Jo and it’s only going to get worse! 🙂 Have a good day. xx
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The shark+banana (“Sharknana”?) and the overloaded headless backpacker/explorer were among my favorites. Maybe their head had exploded because they weren’t going ultralight?
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Tim Storrier is a very famous Aussie artist and his works are very quirky. The backpacker was one of my favourites, especially with the dog sitting on the back! I don’t think he would get very far without starting to discard some of that gear!
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What a great event and set on a picturesque venue. I didnt expect so many sculptures, and such a wide variety. I think i like Ficus the best. Maggie
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Yes, the Ficus is very special. It’s a great combination of the fragility of Nature and yet a clear message of the power of Nature. Thanks for coming on this short stroll, Maggie. A bit tame for you. 😉
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Such a great exhibition. I’d have loved to see it in person.
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Pack your bags for October next year! 🙂
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Public art in all is forms was great to start with, but has become somewhat repetitive – but not his one. This is right up my street with a coastline to enjoy it on. Thanks for this one Mel. Really enjoyed it.
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That’s my pleasure, Malc. I’m glad you enjoyed this arty stroll.
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Very nice!
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I wish I could take credit for the creativity! 🙂
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What an interesting array of sculptures! You can’t say they aren’t varied and interesting 🙂
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Yep, something for everyone. 🙂
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Dolphins jumping out of a toaster… cleaver! A delightful post.
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How do their brains think up these things?? 🙂
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What a fabulous exhibition. Thanks for sharing so many photos. Cheers, Mark
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My pleasure. It really was a visual feast!
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Fun! Definitely something I would have spent time looking at. I think the iguana at the very end of your post is my favorite. Bondi Beach pool looks about as empty as it was when we swam in it, by the way. Does it ever get crowded, I wonder?
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Aussie equivalent to an iguana = bearded dragon, except it is not showing off its beard in this installation. 🙂 Yes, I think the pool does get really busy, especially in Summer and especially in the mornings. I suspect it was a tad warmer that day than when you went for a dip! 🙂
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This is so cool, and I especially love the lizard at the end! I’ve done this walk before and loved it, but there were no sculptures sadly. Thanks for sharing!
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That’s my pleasure and yes, it is very cool. If only I had even half of their artistic talent! 😉
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The creativity of people, right? Here are some wonderful sculptures – those fish stacked on top of each other are just beautiful (oh, and the dolphins jumping out of the toaster too). But the shark coming out of the banana … I wonder what the artist was thinking when he/she was creating that 😉.
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What was he thinking? Or what was he drinking?? 🙂
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Wow, these are great! My favorites are your opening image of the school of fish and Lily. It looks like she’s ready to leap and dive in.
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Yes, Lily was my favourite. I love that her body is less than perfect, but she is going to dive in anyway. More power to her! 🙂
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