Another year of a spectacular display of sculptures along the Bondi beach as part of Sculptures by the Sea festival. From all the years I have visited, the year 2018 was definitely the best. The sculptures were beautiful and a display of perfection. This is an annual festival in Sydney that I never miss. There are many things I do as an annual ritual and seeing the sculptures at the Sculptures by the Sea is one of them. As I love art, this festival becomes even more interesting for me.
For additional information on all the annual festivals in Sydney, read What’s on Sydney?
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What is Sculptures by the Sea?
The Sculptures by the Sea is an annual event in Sydney where artists from all around the world display art and sculptures. It is a 2-kilometer coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama beach, which features about 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and across the world. The details on all the artists that are featured over the years, please visit the Sculptures by the Sea’s official website.
The Sculptures by the Sea started in the year 1996 by David Handley. Supposedly, when he was living in Prague, he visited an outdoor sculpture park in Klatovy. This inspired him to do something in Australia and his friends suggested the location which is Bondi to Tamarama beach.
Important information
- Month the festival happens: Last week of October till the first week of November.
- Starting point: Bondi beach.
- Finishing point: Tamarama beach. Note: One needs to walk back to Bondi beach.
- The distance of the walk: 1.5 to 2 kilometres one way.
- Cost: FREE.
- Time to complete the walk: 25 to 30 minutes. But this can take longer depending on the time one wants to spend looking at the sculptures.
- Path: Bondi beach –> Tamarama beach.
- The walk is breathtakingly beautiful during the sunrise and sunset. There are plenty of photographers during the sunrise.
- The Bondi beach is also famous during any moon-related activities like watching the blood moon.
- Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes.
- Carry sufficient water and keep yourself hydrated.
- Carry a hat and a sunscreen.
Watch out for dolphins and humpback whales. There are many opportunities where one can spot them.
Ensure to carry your binocular if you wish to see them up close.
Most times, people generally extend the walk till Coogee beach and complete the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. The total walk then becomes 6 kilometres.
How to get there?
Public transport
The fares can be paid using the Opal transportation card. The fare can be paid by tapping the credit/debit cards as well. However, opal cards often offer discounts on fares.
Sydney CBD to Bondi beach
To get to the Bondi beach from Sydney Central Business District (CBD), one must take a train and then a bus. This is the most convenient way to get to the starting point.
- Frequent trains run between Town Hall and Bondi Junction.
- And frequent buses run between Bondi junction and Bondi beach.
- More up-to-date information can be found on Transport for NSW website.
Drive
The quickest and easiest way to get to Bondi Beach is to drive. The Bondi beach is around 9 kilometres from the Sydney CBD and it only takes about 20 minutes to drive. There is parking right next to the Bondi beach, on the top end of Hall Street and is free parking. But finding parking here is very hard especially over the weekends.
Food and Drinks
Bondi Beach is a buzzing suburb with a lot of restaurants and cafes. There are plenty of food options that cater to all people. It has some elite dining options and it also has Mc Donalds and Oporto for budgeted travelers. There are restaurants and cafes of all cuisines.
Even if you are not into walking, Bondi beach is stunning and one can easily spend a warm afternoon by the beach.
Is it safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, definitely. This is one of the safest walks in Sydney. I have done this walk alone plenty of times and I have had no issues whatsoever. There are many people walking this coastal walk and hence there is not a single place where you feel lonely or scared.
However, like any other place, be cautious, especially at nights and trust your instinct.
Conclusion
I definitely recommend visiting this amazing annual festival if you love art. The sculptures are beautiful and they have such awesome depiction from the artists around the World. I would never miss this festival when I am in Sydney and I strongly feel that no one should miss out on this.
Have you visited Sculptures by the Sea before? Have you liked it? I would love to hear your thoughts. Please drop a comment below or write to me on Raksha.Nagaraj@Solopassport.com or Solopassport@gmail.com.
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Gallery
Below are my pictures from the various years I have visited the Sculptures by the Sea festival.
Sculptures by the Sea 2018
Sculptures by the Sea 2016
Sculptures by the Sea 2015
These are wonderful. I am glad that You presented them. I Live in Finland where we have some sculpture parks, we have snow and ice sculptures, sand sculptures. carved bear sculptures and we have we have even bear carving contests.
Here one example of bear carving contest:
Bear carving contest1
Did You know that the people of Helsinki are very creative and that they have humor? I prove it here:
Crazy Clay Art
Have a wonderful day!
Thanks a lot. And that’s wonderful – I would definitely add these to my must visit list – its so cool!
Thank You.
Beautiful photos.
Woww now that’s some experience to have once in a life for sure. Looks so amazing. Adding in my list
So much artistic talent!! Never knew about such a place. My parents are planning for an AUS tour next year and I will ensure they check this out
Looks like this is must visit no matter if you’re a local or a visitor from overseas. Heard somewhere Bondi always host amazing events throughout the year. Will love to attend such exhibitions. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
This are just too amazing… no words… you are lucky to witness these beauties
Brilliant work done by the famous sculptors. You clicked some great pics and I remember our days in Sydney.
Raksha this is beautiful, I never knew about them. But what happens once the sculptor festival gets over? Do they take it back?Or leave it out? I will plan to visit Australia during the festival time.
Awesome sculptures. .. Thanks for presenting them here so beautifully. Loved your pictures.
Wow, I have always appreciated art. And you have captured these from so many years. Now who wouldn’t like a 2 km walk with such amazing art work on display.
Celebration of any art form is such a pure thing! I love these art festivals where artists get an opportunity to showcase their work. Loved going through this festival – even if virtually! And your side notes about humpback whales and dolphins always make me squeal a little!