Giant mirrored faces distort the coastline, brightly coloured figures stare out across the surf, and a multi-headed black serpent rests among the rocks as Sculpture by the Sea returns to Sydney’s eastern beaches.
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the much-loved outdoor exhibition has transformed the two-kilometre Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk into an open-air gallery, with around 100 sculptures by Australian and international artists scattered across the shoreline, headlands and parkland.
Running until Monday, 2nd November, the free exhibition turns a familiar coastal walk into a series of unexpected encounters. Visitors will find oversized Scrabble tiles spelling out “DREAM”, a giant red question mark standing against the sand, and a wooden shark tail emerging from the rocks.
Some works demand attention from a distance. Others reward a closer look. Against the changing backdrop of the ocean and sandstone cliffs, the sculptures take on different forms as visitors move along the trail.
Mirrored faces, neon figures & unexpected artworks
Reflective surfaces feature prominently throughout this year’s exhibition. Oversized mirrored heads distort the surrounding landscape and the people looking at them, while metallic cursive forms catch the sunlight.
On the beach, life-sized figures in glossy primary colours face the waves. Elsewhere, a colourful mosaic sculpture of a woman overlooks the surf, while intricate installations turn everyday objects into surprising sculptural forms.
One work features a large sphere constructed from clear wine glasses and badminton shuttlecocks, transforming familiar materials into an elaborate geometric arrangement.
The exhibition also makes room for pointed social commentary. A field of pastel-coloured, candy-like hearts carries troubling phrases including “boys will be boys”, “just a one off” and “only shoved her”. The contrast between the playful appearance of the sculptures and their confronting messages gives the installation a darker edge.
Together, the works move between humour, spectacle and social critique, with the coastline providing a constantly changing backdrop.
The sculptures to look out for
Among the featured works is Dominique Sutton’s Pegasus, a three-metre-high sculpture made from weathering corten steel and inspired by the mythological winged horse.
Leonardo Cumbo’s The Breath of Aeolus takes a more delicate approach. Depicting a child blowing a soap bubble, the sculpture combines Carrara marble, bronze and stainless steel to explore balance and movement.
Another powerful work is Sweethearts, an installation confronting domestic violence. Featuring 56 hand-polished concrete hearts, the work honours the women lost to violence in Australia this year, with each heart representing a life lost. Its understated materials and poignant subject matter offer a sobering counterpoint to the exhibition’s more playful and visually spectacular sculptures.
Harrie Fasher and James Rogers are the 2026 Transfield Invited Artists, with the programme supporting major new works for the exhibition.
The best way to experience the trail is to take your time. Look at sculptures from different angles where the path allows, notice how the materials respond to the light, and pay attention to the way each work interacts with its surroundings.
Sculpture by the Sea celebrates 30 years
The 2026 exhibition marks three decades since Sculpture by the Sea first brought contemporary sculpture to Bondi in 1997.
The inaugural event was a one-day exhibition featuring 64 artists and attracting approximately 25,000 visitors. Since then, it has grown into a major annual cultural event, bringing contemporary art to a public setting beyond traditional gallery walls.
Moreover, easy access remains integral to the showcase. Visitors do not need an admission ticket or specialist knowledge of contemporary art to take part. The exhibition welcomes everyone from dedicated art lovers to beachgoers who stumble across an unexpected sculpture during their coastal walk.
Explore the exhibition & sculpture inside
The full exhibition stretches approximately two kilometres between the southern end of Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach. Allow around two to three hours for a relaxed visit with time for photographs and viewing stops.
The route includes stairs, slopes and narrow sections, so visitors looking for a shorter outing can concentrate on Marks Park, which hosts a substantial collection of outdoor works.
Marks Park is also home to Sculpture Inside, a free indoor exhibition in a temporary marquee featuring smaller works by emerging, established and international artists. Open daily from 10am to 6pm until November, it offers a closer look at the materials and craftsmanship behind the sculptures, with works available to purchase.
Visitors can use the official mobile exhibition guide through their phone’s browser without downloading an app. It includes a GPS-enabled map, artist information, artwork photographs and voting for the iShares People’s Choice Award and Kids’ Prize.
The remaining Aqualand Artist Talks take place on 24th–25th October and 31st October–1st November, offering opportunities to hear artists discuss their ideas and creative processes.
What to know before you go
Sculpture by the Sea runs until Monday, 2nd November 2026. Both the outdoor exhibition and Sculpture Inside are free, with the organiser suggesting voluntary donations of $5 per person or $10 per family.
Public transport is recommended, as parking is limited around Bondi and Tamarama. Visitors can take a T4 train to Bondi Junction and connect with route 333 towards Bondi Beach. Route 381 also links Bondi Junction and Tamarama.
The full coastal walk is not step-free and has limited wheelchair access. Marks Park is the recommended option for visitors seeking a more accessible experience, with mostly flat grass and accessible toilets.
Weekdays generally offer more room to view the sculptures than busy weekends. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and sun protection, and allow extra time for crowded sections of the trail.
For a longer outing, combine the exhibition with a meal or a beachside break in Bondi. Whether you’re drawn to the mirrored faces, unexpected materials or provocative installations, this year’s Sculpture by the Sea offers a fresh way to experience one of Sydney’s most recognisable stretches of coastline.
Key details
- What: Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi
- When: 16th October – 2nd November 2026.
- Where: Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, including Marks Park
- Entry: Free
- Sculpture Inside: Daily, 10am–6pm
