Tips for Enjoying Bondi’s Sculpture by the Sea Sydney

Every spring, the coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama turns into an open-air gallery. Sculpture by the Sea is back for its 28th year, and 2026 is a milestone one too: it’s 30 years since the very first exhibition was held on this same stretch of coast.

Around 100 sculptures from Australian and international artists will line the two-kilometre walk, free for anyone to wander through. The exhibition usually draws around 450,000 visitors over its run, making it the world’s largest free outdoor sculpture show.

One name worth watching this year is Japanese artist Keizo Ushio, who’ll be showing his 50th piece in the exhibition’s history

Sculpture By the Sea will run from 16 October until 2 November 2026

Sculpture by the Sea is one of the biggest outdoor events on the Sydney calendar and is the biggest free public art exhibition in the world.

Sculpture by the Sea unofficially, for me at least, marks the beginning of “beach season” which in Sydney starts officially on 1 December. 

We went along this morning, the first Saturday and day three of the event. Arriving at 7am after 40 minutes trying to find parking we were surprised at how few people were actually walking on the path considering the parking nightmare. I think many of the cars were there for surf lifesaving events. Sundays might be a better bet.

Some work from previous years

The best thing about going on the first weekend is that lots of people don’t realise it has started.

My advice for the best day possible at Sculpture by the Sea

1. Go early in the morning – The sunrise over the ocean is worth the early wake up even without the sculpture, but you will be rewarded with a lot more space to enjoy the works if you attempt to arrive before 8 am!
   
2. Try to go on a weekday if you can. Avoid the last weekend at all costs!
   
3. Do not take your car – If you do, expect to park several blocks from the ocean and walk the last part. Buses operate from Coogee, Bronte, and Bondi, so there is no need to experience the headache of parking here during the festival. You can view a map showing all your public transport options and plan before you go.
   
4. Consider going on a day that is a little overcast – the sculptures can look fantastic with a dramatic stormy sky and the less hardy will stay away waiting for better weather.
   
5. Don’t expect to walk quickly; people stop to take photos in the middle of the path, some are considerate, some not so much – expect it and keep smiling.
   
6. Try not to touch the sculptures – as inviting as they are, some may be easily damaged, so pay attention to the warning signs.
   
7. Watch your footing when exploring the works on the rocks, one man today got so carried away with capturing the perfect shot he almost ended up in the ocean.
   
8. If you or anyone in your group has trouble with stairs, check out this map showing which parts of the walk are most accessible and where the staircases are.

A selection of my favourite sculptures from previous years.

Artists talks take place each Saturday and Sunday of the exhibition from 10am-3.00pm in Marks Park or Tamarama.

Where: Along the Bondi to Tamarama section of the walk
When: Thursday 24 October – Sunday 10 November

Check out our full Bondi to Coogee walk guide if you want to walk the entire 6km track

How to get to Sculpture by the Sea

• From Bondi Junction – The 380, 381 and 333 buses run between Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach.
• From Bondi Junction to Tamarama – the 361 will take you to Tamarama Beach if you would prefer to end your walk in Bondi.
• Fancy a longer walk take the 378 to Bronte Beach and the 360 – Clovelly to Bondi Junction

If you are planning on a special meal at somewhere like Icebergs or before or after your walk, it is recommended to make a booking. Check out our insider’s guide to Bondi for ideas,

If you have any questions about anything to do with Bondi or just want some more general tips for your trip to Sydney, head over and join our Plan a trip to Sydney Facebook Group.