Running from 20 October until 6 November 2023, Bondi Sculpture by the Sea 2023 boasts 110 sculptures. Placed along the 2 km Bondi to Tamarama walk, they have the beautiful coastline as a backdrop.
Getting There
Because parking is limited at Bondi Beach, we took public transport. Catching the train from Central Station to Bondi Junction we then got the 330 bus to Bondi Beach. This is a very popular event and the bus was very crowded, but they were running regularly, so we didn’t have to wait long.
The Sculptures
With so many sculptures on display there should be something to interest everyone. This year, more use was made of Tamarama Beach, with exhibits on the sand.
Some of our favorite sculptures are in the photos below.
Jen Mallinson’s KnowingIndia Collins’s Yatra JourneyMela Cooke’s Halcyon DaysAnton Forde’s Papare ProtectionLaurence Edwards’ Man of StonesEiji Hayakawa’s Giant in the ForestAntony Xerri’s steel sculpture Machine Aesthetic – The GrindNorton Flavel’s Monument IIYoshio Nitta’s Put a Moon on the Table- Someone is Living on It
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Held at Bondi Beach, this annual event (with past disruptions due to Covid) attracts sculptors from all over the World. Running from South Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach, the 2 km walk had over 100 sculptures on display. Sculptures by the Sea 2022 ran from 21 October – 7 November 2022.
Getting to Bondi Beach
Parking at Bondi can often be a problem, with limited spaces and high popularity combining to make it difficult. We were lucky and found a space in the main carpark next to the beach. From here we walked past the Bondi Icebergs Club and followed the path along the coast.
Alternatively, catch a train to Bondi Junction where a bus runs to Bondi Beach.
Be prepared for crowds because this is a very popular event. Although our photos don’t show it, there were hundreds of people moving along the walkways enjoying the sculptures.
The Sculptures
As usual there was a huge number of sculptures on display and they looked amazing with the ocean backdrop. Some of our favorites are shown below.
Next year’s event will run from 20 October – 6 November 2023.
A Wounded Land by Suzie Bleach & Andrew TownsendHeads It Is, by Paul CapornFolly Interstice by Tony DavisHorn Of Vicissitude by Marcus TattonOushi Zokei–Infinity by Keizo UshioShо̄gun by Nigel DobsonOur Love Touches The Sky by Ayad AlqaragholliSelfish by Juan Pablo Pinto & Cristian RojasWeightless 9 by Andrew RogersPivot by Donna MarcusDeep Sea Bloom by Danni BryantHotbed Twilight by Sivaan Lansdowne WalkerA Scene-Dedicated To Handels, ‘The Water Music 20-1 by Takeshi TanabeTidal Body, by April Pine
Bondi Beach is probably Australia’s most famous beach. Its fame attracts visitors from Australia and overseas. Not only is the beach fantastic and the surf amazing but its lifeguards have their own TV show, adding to its fame.
Bondi Beach
Getting There
Getting to Bondi Beach can seem to be a little daunting. Car parking is limited and very expensive. This can be fixed by catching public transport. The problem is that the Sydney trains do not run all the way to the beach. If going by train you need to change to a bus at Bondi Junction . This bus can be packed and very uncomfortable during busy periods such as school holidays. The state government is planning to run light rail to Bondi which will fix this issue.
Bondi Beach
Rock Wall North Bondi
As well as the beach Bondi has an excellent range of bars restaurants and cafes on the street next to the beach. You certainly have plenty of choice here. The atmosphere is relaxed and you can sit outside, admiring the view.
Street Art at Bondi on the side of a cafe
If you need to change to go to the beach or shower afterward there is an old pavilion with showers and change rooms for you.
Street Art
On the wall facing the beach by the car park is a series of great street art . These are worth checking out even if you have looked at them before because they are often changed and renewed.
Street Art at Bondi
Star Wars Street Art at Bondi
Street Art at Bondi
Street Art at Bondi
Icebergs Swimming Pool
To the south of Bondi Beach is Icebergs Swimming Pool. It is open to the public and if you are brave, people swim here even in winter. Icebergs also has a nice bar a restaurant, with great views over the ocean.
Icebergs Swimming Pool
Black Sunday Memorial
Near Icebergs is a small memorial to those lost when a freak wave swept swimmers out to sea on what is now called Black Sunday. In 1938 over 250 swimmers were washed into deep water by freak waves. Due to the heroics of the surf life savers, only five people drowned.
Black Sunday Surf Rescue Memorial
Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk is a 3 kilometer walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach. It takes you past Tamarama Beach and fantastic views of the ocean.
Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
Honey Comb Weathered Rock
Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
Sculptures by the Sea
An annual event held here is Sculptures by the Sea. This attracts artists for all over the world to display their works. Usually held in October, the event draws huge crowds to view the sculptures. If you are visiting around this time, check to see what dates it is showing. It is worth going to see as it adds another dimension to this iconic beach.
Sculptures by the Sea
City to Surf Fun Run
Also held annually is the city to surf fun run. Starting at Hyde Park in Sydney the 14km run ends at Bondi Beach. Crowds cheer the participants along the way. Competitors range from professional athletes to people in fancy dress people pushing prams and walkers.
