You know the year is flying by when Sculpture By The Sea pops up again. Wasn’t it just here? At least its return always leaves you feeling like summer is here for the long haul. Nothing beats soaking up some rays while walking the stunning trail from Bondi to Tamarama and staring in awe at the clever and often kooky sculptures along the way.
Just when you thought you’d seen it all, more artists have come out of the woodwork… and many fresh off the plane – there’s over 30 international artists showcasing this year. Last year there was a giant frypan, a sculpture made with lipsticks, and a breaching carved whale.
> Get the complete low-down on the 2014 Sculpture By The Sea exhibition
This year? Well, we’re not going to give too much away because half the fun is discovering all the artwork for yourself. Words can’t do them justice. But what we will tell you about is all the Sculpture By The Sea action happening off the track.
Bondi Hardware’s DIY Delights
The perfect pit stop after wrangling the crowds at Sculpture By The Sea, Bondi Hardware is just a skip and a hop away from the Bondi end of the track, down Hall Street. How good would an ice cream sundae be after a stroll in the sunshine? So good. And you’re in charge of the toppings. Bondi Hardware are handing over the creative reins to you to let you DIY your sundae treat. Choose from oreos, coconut flakes, fresh strawberries, almond slivers, and caramel sauce to build your ultimate sundae. The DIY Sundae is $14 and is available at both lunch and dinner. You can also DIY your breakfast between 9am and 12pm.
> Read our review on Bondi Hardware
Ice Sculptures By The Sea
Talking about cooling off, allow us to introduce you to the next generation of Sculpture By The Sea… Ice Sculptures By The Sea. Less about observing and more about getting hands on (and taste buds in), Suntory Whisky have teamed up with Neighbourhood Bondi to host ice rock carving lessons. Like art in a glass, sphere ice cubes are the perfect party trick to wow your guests at your next dinner gathering. To reward you for your hard work after the carving class, you’ll get to enjoy Suntory Whisky Japanese Harmony, canapés and Kakubin Highballs. These ice carving sessions are running on Thursday evenings at 6.30pm and 7.30pm during the Sculpture By The Sea season for $25 a ticket, drinks included. Tickets strictly limited so make sure you book by emailing bookings@neighbourhoodbondi.com.au. Dates: Thursdays 22 & 27 October and 5 November.
Get Enchanted By The Sea
Last year The Grounds brought something new to Sculpture By The Sea with their pop-up beach shack meets cafe. Looking at all those sculptures definitely leaves you hungry and the cottage was right up there at Marks Park in the heart of the action. This year, they’re back again but they’re trading in rustic for enchanted with their inspiration this year coming from the fiction geniuses JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. We can’t wait to see it. And we can’t wait to dig into their healthy breakfast menu and delicious lunch selection including the famous Grounds burgers, slow-cooked lamb shoulder wraps and Grounds Sausage Sandwiches. To wash it all down there will be fresh juices, smoothies, and The Grounds Slurpees. From Thursday 22 October to Sunday 8 November, from 7am to late.
Stay & Play
If you have friends coming far and wide to check out Sculpture By The Sea (it’s been known to draw a crowd of 500,000), or you want to glam up your own weekend, then book into QT in the city. Their exclusive QT & Sculpture by the Sea Package includes all the luxe comforts of two nights at QT in one of their King Deluxe rooms, breakfast daily at their uber cool Gowings Bar & Grill and return transfers to and from Bondi. It’s the star treatment. You show up, they will take care of the rest. From $365 per night.
> Not familiar with the cool digs at QT Hotel? Then read this
Sculpture By The Sea 2015
Bondi to Tamarama Beach Coastal Walk
October 22 – November 8, 2015
official website
