Sydney’s most famous catwalk isn’t on a runway—it’s carved into the cliffs between Bondi and Tamarama. Each spring, the coastal walk morphs into an open-air gallery, where waves crash on one side and monumental sculptures rise on the other. Half a million people pour in to see 100+ works from artists across the globe, transforming two kilometres of coastline into something that feels more Cannes than Coogee. Think sunrise joggers weaving past six-metre steel towers, toddlers debating abstract form with seagulls, and golden hours so cinematic you’ll swear you’re in a Terrence Malick film. Come for the spectacle, stay for the hidden gems—tiny bronze figures in the grass, a collectors’ tent where you can actually buy something to take home, and an app that turns your walk into a curated, choose-your-own-art-adventure.
Video
Video credit: Filmed and edited by Gareth Carr for Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2024. Take a first look at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2024—Australia’s iconic coastal exhibition where over 100 works transform the Bondi to Tamarama walk into a world-class outdoor gallery.
Location
South end of Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach, NSW 2026.
Website: sculpturebythesea.com
Dates
17 October – 3 November 2025
Annual | 18 days | Sculptures by sunrise, selfies till sunset.
Price
Free entry. Voluntary donation encouraged: $5 per person or $10 per family. Every tap helps fund the artists and the installation circus that gets 100+ sculptures onto a cliffside.
The BioHax take
Bondi does blockbusters, and Sculpture by the Sea is the annual cultural stampede. It’s a coastal runway where ideas strut against a Pacific Ocean backdrop. Sunrise brings joggers and surfboard-toting locals; by noon it’s prams, tourists, and power-dressed art dealers jostling for angles. Weekends? Chaos. Weekdays? Pure magic. Do the lap with the app in one hand and a flat white in the other, then duck into Marks Park for Sculpture Inside—an indoor gallery tent that’s less about selfies and more about serious art crushes.
Who it’s for
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Dawn patrol walkers chasing golden-hour shots
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Design nerds and architecture tragics
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Families who can negotiate snacks mid-sculpture trail
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Teachers wrangling excursion groups
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Collectors with an eye for small-scale treasures
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Visitors chasing culture with a salt-air soundtrack
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Sculpture by the Sea / Aqualand. A white astronaut sculpture by artist Milarky 2024 set against a Bondi sunrise.
What’s on offer
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100+ sculptures from 18 countries lining the 2km Bondi–Tama cliff path
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Sculpture Inside at Marks Park: free entry, daily 10am–6pm, small-scale works for collectors and dreamers
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People’s Choice voting with a $10K artist prize and audience giveaways
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Artist talks each weekend, best experienced flopped on a beanbag in Marks Park
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Aqualand artist videos online to prime your palette
Plan your visit (transport & crowd hacks)
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Go midweek to dodge the crush. Saturdays feel like a festival.
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Public transport is king: train to Bondi Junction, then hop a frequent bus to the beach.
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Special event clearways are in place; Bondi parking is a unicorn hunt.
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App perks: interactive map, artist info, audio guides, donation tap-and-go.
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Download the Sculpture by the Sea app before you go:
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Features include: interactive exhibition map, artist and artwork listings, audio tours (small fee), People’s Choice and Kids’ Choice voting, and Tap’n’Go donations.
Accessibility and easy routes
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Marks Park = best access point (flat lawns, toilets, Sculpture Inside tent).
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Blue Route avoids stairs; Purple Route adds slopes and moderate stairs.
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Accessible drop-off at Kenneth Street & Marks Lane.
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Pram-friendly and mobility guidance available; Marks Park has accessible toilets.
Official Sculpture by the Sea Bondi map: showing the coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Tamarama. It highlights easy and moderate walking routes, stair counts, very steep sections, and areas closed due to rockfall. Key facilities are marked along the trail, including toilets, accessible toilets, ramp access, drop-off points, water bubblers, cafés, first aid, and recycling bins. Marks Park is shown as the main hub with Sculpture Inside, reception, tactile tour meeting point, and accessible facilities. Tamarama Beach and Icebergs are included as entry points, with bus and coach drop-off zones clearly marked.
Sculpture Inside (collect, or just swoon)
17 Oct – 3 Nov | 10am–6pm daily | Marks Park Marquee. Small works from exhibiting artists—an intimate counterpoint to the clifftop giants, and a chance to buy art you can actually fit in your lounge room.
People’s Choice and Kids’ Choice
Vote via the app for your favourite. People’s Choice nets the artist $10,000; kids can cast their own ballot for a $5,000 prize and enter to win sculpture-inspired goodie packs.
Sustainability snapshot
This event is walkable, free, and powered by community donations. Public transport is encouraged, digital guides replace paper maps, and funding flows straight back to artists and staging.
Photo credit: Helle Rask Crawford, Togetherness, and Mela Cooke, High Tide, Sculpture by the Sea Bondi 2024. Photos by Gareth Carr and Stuart Spence. Sculptures “Togetherness” by Helle Rask Crawford and “High Tide” by Mela Cooke, both featured along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk during Sculpture by the Sea 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sculpture by the Sea free?
Yes. Entry is free, but a voluntary $5 per person / $10 per family donation is encouraged to support the artists and staging of the exhibition.
When is Sculpture by the Sea 2025 on?
The exhibition runs from Friday 17 October to Monday 3 November 2025. Sculptures are viewable all day, but kiosks, app support, and Sculpture Inside are open 10am–6pm.
Where is Sculpture by the Sea held?
The 2km walk runs from the southern end of Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach, with highlights in Marks Park where Sculpture Inside is also located.
How many sculptures are on display?
More than 100 works by artists from 18 countries will be installed along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk.
How do I get there?
Take the train to Bondi Junction (T4 Eastern Suburbs line) and switch to buses heading to Bondi Beach. Walking from the junction to the beach is another option. Driving is discouraged as parking is extremely limited.
Is there parking at Bondi?
Parking is very limited. Special event clearways and road closures will be in place during weekends, so public transport is the best option.
What’s the best time to visit?
Weekdays are quieter. Weekends see very heavy crowds, especially mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Early mornings and evenings also offer great light for photography.
Where should I start the walk?
Start at Bondi Icebergs for the classic cliffside approach, or at Marks Park if you want easier access, fewer stairs, and the Sculpture Inside marquee.
What is Sculpture Inside?
It’s a free indoor exhibition located in Marks Park, open 10am–6pm daily, showcasing small-scale works by exhibiting artists. Many pieces are available for purchase.
Are there guided tours?
Official guided tours are not offered in 2025, but the free Sculpture by the Sea app includes maps, artist information, and optional paid audio tours.
Is Sculpture by the Sea accessible?
Marks Park is the most accessible area, with flat lawns, toilets, and a designated drop-off zone. There are also easy-route maps for reduced mobility and prams. Some sections of the coastal walk include stairs and steep slopes.
Can I bring my kids?
Absolutely. Families are welcome and there’s even a Kids’ Choice Prize where children can vote for their favourite sculpture. Prams are easier to manage around Marks Park and Tamarama.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs on leads are allowed along the coastal walk, but check local council signage for restricted areas around the beaches.
Can I touch the sculptures?
Most sculptures are look-only. Signs and the Kids’ Guide indicate which works are safe to touch—many polished or delicate surfaces cannot be handled.
Are there food and drink options?
Yes. Wholegreen Bakery runs a café at Marks Park, and Tamarama Kiosk serves food and drinks overlooking the beach. Bondi itself is full of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Can I buy a sculpture?
Yes. Start with Sculpture Inside for smaller pieces, or speak directly with staff about acquiring outdoor works.
Are there artist talks?
Yes, artist talks run each weekend during the exhibition. Times and details are available in the app.
Can schools attend?
Yes. In 2025, artist-led workshops are paused due to funding, but schools can register for self-guided excursions. Maps, risk management plans, and teacher resources are provided.
What are the awards at Sculpture by the Sea?
Major prizes include the Aqualand Sculpture Award, the Helen Lempriere Scholarships, the People’s Choice Award, and the Kids’ Choice Prize.
What happens if it rains?
The exhibition continues rain or shine, though some access routes may be slippery. Bring appropriate footwear and a rain jacket if the weather turns.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and layers if you’re visiting early morning or evening. The coastal wind can be chilly.
Can I cycle the route?
No, bicycles are not permitted on the sculpture walk. Bike parking is available at Tamarama and Marks Park.
How do I volunteer?
Volunteers are welcome to support the event. Roles include guiding visitors, providing information, and assisting with operations. Volunteers receive a t-shirt, gift pack, reference, and free public transport during the exhibition.
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Good to know
Volunteer program
Be part of the art circus—volunteer for the exhibition. Perks include a t-shirt, references, and free public transport to and from site.
Eat and stay near the walk
Fuel stops: Wholegreen Bakery pop-up at Marks Park or Tamarama Kiosk overlooking the surf. Stay local with The Blue Hotel in Bondi, offering special rates for Sculpture by the Sea visitors.
Article originally published: 20 September 2025, by Editor
