Sydney’s Beach Culture
The Sculpture by the Sea exhibition is an important event in Sydney’s cultural calendar. It is a must see if you are here in Sydney before 15th November.
The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk offers one of the most beautiful walks in Australia at the best of times. But in November, it is extra special with the arrival of some amazing sculptures that will be enjoyed by all ages.
The competition has been running for 12 years and attracts over half a million visitors. There are 9 different prizes up for grabs and over 100 different sculptures to appreciate. All of the sculptures respond in some way to the beautiful coastal setting.
Mark McCelland’s won the prestigious $30,000 prize last year for his “She Thought” which was a large bronze sculpture with a key hole where visitors could see the ocean horizon.
If this is your first time to the exhibition, take some advice from the locals. Try to go early to beat the crowds. It gets VERY busy and it makes the experience so much better if you can linger and admire the artwork on your own rather than part of a huge crowd.
Another recommendation would be to make a day of it. Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte all have BBQ facilities. This is a great way to bring your own food and enjoy the delightful views. Alternatively there are plenty of cafes in both Bondi and Bronte which allows you to take it easy for a while. Some venues put on special food to coincide with the exhibition. Many run their own Sausage Sizzle and BBQs on street corners or hidden terraces.
If you want to find the right place to enjoy the views and food, try the Bondi Icebergs RSL for some cheap eats with amazing views. Don’t forget to bring some photo ID with you otherwise you will be refused entry no matter how old you are. For something a little more sophisticated, try Icebergs Dining Rooms where you’ll be greeted with a sumptuous BBQ.
There’s not much at Tamarama but stroll onto Bronte and you will be greeted by a delightful row of cafes. Here you’ll find something for every taste. Try SWELL for some upmarket brunch or Jennies for the best coffee this side of the beach.
You will be greeted by samplers along the path tempting you with various drinks along the way but still, make sure you take plenty of water with you as the walk is still strenuous in places with hills and steps. It makes it a difficult walk with young children or those of you with prams and strollers. You’ll also be able to pick up brochures at key points along the walk, which will help explain a little more about the sculptures
If you do miss this event in Sydney then why not consider going to Perth in March to see it? This one takes place on Cottesloe Beach and is almost identical to the Bondi version.
This is one part of the Sydney beach culture that you won’t want to miss. Make it an early start one day this week to really make the most of it. Avoid the weekend crowds if you can!
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in traveling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for planning your trip to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here for more details on Sydney and it’s attractions
