Sydney’s Sculptures by the Sea 2023: when it starts, what to look out for, best route to take

The largest free to the public sculpture exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea, is back for 2023.

Held since 1997, the 18-day exhibition held across Sydney’s Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk expects up to 500,000 visitors every year and is currently on until November 7.

The three-week showing features over 100 sculptures from artists, both local and across the globe.

It’s the largest annual sculpture exhibition in the world, and is beloved by residents of the Sydney area as well as tourists and art lovers internationally.

Renee Koukoulas / Stockimo / Alamy Stock Photo

When it starts

Transformed into a 2km long sculpture park, Sculpture by the Sea has returned to the Bondi to Tamarama Beach coastal walk from October 21 until November 7.

What to look out for

Aqualand artist talks are a series of discussions hosted by artists and studios across the festival.

Viewers are able to take a seat on a beanbag and listen to the stories, processes, and crafts of many of the sculptors.

Sculpture inside is an indoor exhibition for art collectors interested in smaller sculptures.

Located on the exhibition trail in a pop-up marquee in Marks Park, it provides an opportunity for spectators to purchase small sculptures by emerging, mid-career and established artists from Australia and around the world.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite sculptures, with the Allens People’s Choice Award allowing one artist to be able to take home $5,000.

Art appreciators will also be put into the draw to win one of three Sculpture by the Sea prize packs valued at $500 each.

Best route to take

Due to the heavy traffic and large crowds around the Bondi region, the public may expect delays when attending the event.

As such, the best time to visit the exhibitions is on a weekday and via buses, on account of limited parking, which run regularly between Sydney and Bondi Junction, and between Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach.

Also be sure to pick up and top up the funds on your Opal card to avoid queues at machines.

The Sculpture by the Sea website outlines specific bus and walking tours to be taken, as well as road closures to look out for.