Sculpture by the Sea is for you if you are after something a little different. This event becomes increasingly popular each year, stretching from Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach via the 2km Coastal Walk. The walk is steep, with steps in parts, but the walkway is sealed. However, more challenging than the walk itself is the crowd, which makes this exhibition difficult to navigate, especially around the popular artworks.
I did the Sculpture by the Sea in 2018, and every year, it gets better and better.
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Sunscreen is a must whenever you are here. It’s on for about two weeks, free, and no bookings are required. Choose your time and day with care, not only for the crowds but also for the intense sun that can be a challenge at this time of year.
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Contents
Starting at Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is a vibrant area with shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as the beach to keep you occupied. You can walk along Bondi Beach, past the Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, where you head up the steps to the show’s beginning. Sculpture By the Sea lines the walkway, and more artwork is on show in the park at the top of the headland. There are talks during the day.
As you descend the headland, you come into Tamarama Beach. Here, you can find more artwork on the beach.
I was there on the hottest Saturday of November 2018, over 30°. Add the crowds, and it seems even hotter. Drinking fountains and bottle refillers were available on the Tamarama side of the walkway. The Tamarama Surf Club raised funds by selling soft-serve ice cream, which was the most popular item, and snacks to eat. There is also a café at Tamarama Beach.
The Sculpture by the Sea Sculptures
Sculpture by the Sea is not only a must-see for locals and visitors but also a great day out for families. The sculptures vary in both design and style, as you can see.
How to Get Around Sydney
The best way to get to Bondi Beach is to take a Big Bus Sightseeing Tour. Two routes take you around all the sightseeing hotspots in Sydney, including Bondi Beach on the Blue route.
When It’s On
Check out the website Sculpture by the Sea, or check when it’s on in Sydney, 17 Oct-7 Nov 2025, and the Sculpture by the Sea in Cottesloe Beach, Perth, 6-23 March 2026. You can find details on the Perth Sculptures here.
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Terrific sculptures especially the Horison. You would make a terrific tour guide as your comments are very inviting.
Thanks Joan. It’s easy to write the fun days out.
Man, I would love to see this in person! Art + beach = pretty close to my version of heaven on earth! Sage Scott, the Everyday Wanderer
It really is something Sage especially on a fine day.
I think the first time I visited Sydney my friend who had just moved there from Malaysia mentioned ‘Sculpture by the Sea’, but at the time neither of us really understood what the heck it is (I didn’t quite get the concept of street art exhibitions then). Wish I’d paid more attention!
I know what you mean Teja and as it only happens for a couple of weeks a year, you really have to be quick to see it before it’s gone.
Bondi looks really interesting. May try to make the one in Perth. Thanks for all the info and the photos.
Thanks Sue. I hope you enjoy it if you do make it to Perth.
Oh, they sculptures look amazing. I was in Sydney last year and only just missed it. I was so bummed about that. Just ended up doing the Bondi to Coogee walk, which it was fun!
Thanks Arunima the sculptures were amazing. I was lucky to be in Sydney when it was on but with such a short window you have to be lucky to catch it. At least you got the walk without all the crowds.
What an interesting place. Had never heard about it before.
Thanks Karen. I don’t know why they don’t advertise it more unless I’m not looking in the right places.
We used to go every year when we lived in Perth and gosh they are beautiful. Such clever people out there, I take my hat off to them.
Definitely on my list of places to visit now Ruth. Hopefully next year.
This must have been such a fun event as it lets the imagination run wild :-). I have such fond memories of my visit to Sydney. Thanks for bringing them back.
You’re welcome, Kemkem. I hope that you get to see one of them somewhere in your travels.
These look fabulous – I’d love to stroll along the beach and see these sculptures. It’s so interesting that there is such a variety of different styles too.
Thanks, Coralie. These were only a small sample of all the works that were on show. Hopefully, you will get to visit one of them one day.
I’ve always wanted to see this. My sister & many friends live in Sydney & I am often seeing their posts & comments about the event. Unfortunately, I have never been at the right time of year. But who knows this year, now I am able to visit again (& fingers crossed it’s on…). the sculptures look great & that coast is a magnificent backdrop.
I hope that you can get down and see it, Sue. Hopefully, lockdowns will be a thing of the past, and everything will be back to normal by November.
This looks like a fun and interesting event, in spite of the crowds. Art outdoors is always more fun than indoors.
It is fun, Ava. There is nothing like an outdoor gallery to make it more interesting, and the Sydney beaches make for a great backdrop.