Sculpture by the Sea 2025: Route, Parking, Sunrise Hacks

Nothing says springtime in Sydney like a weekend stroll through the Sculptures by the Sea—but let’s be real, nothing kills the vibe faster than shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and that endless uphill trek in the sun. And yet, year after year, we return. That’s why we’ve made the guide we wish we had—so your 2025 pilgramige from Bondi to Tamarama is as picturesque and uninterrupted as can be.

We've packed in all the very best recommendations, from need-to-know dates and peak times, to parking, public transport, and where to catch the best views of our gorgeous coastline.

Know what you want? Skip to

• Dates, Start Point & Best Time to Go
• Accessibility & Pram-Friendly Sections
• Parking, Buses & Sunrise/Sunset Routes

Dates, Start Point & Best Time to Go

This year's Sculpture By The Sea kicks off on the 17th of October, running for just over two weeks before wrapping up on the 3rd November. The 2km long sculpture park features 100 works by artists from Australia and across the world, backdropped to the stunning coastline of the Bondi to Tamarama walk. Due to a rock fall which occurred earlier this year, the coastal walk looks a little different—so we recommend refraining from mapless overconfidence and sticking to the recommended route.

Starting from Notts Avenue, you'll head south through to the entrance of Marks Park. The route that follows is roughly 2km long and does include some stair-hiking (see accessibility & pram-friendly recs if this doesn't appeal), so it's best for confident walkers. 

In terms of timing, we all know there's nothing worse that attempting to walk/drive/bike through the Eastern Suburbs when the weather is showing off and work isn't an issue. So yes, that means weekdays will be your best bet, if you can swing it. If you are feeling very brave, why not head out before office hours, and catch the sunrise against the sculptures?

Insider intel

• To level up, we recommend going backwards—start your tour at Tamarama, and you'll find yourself walking against the crowds. A section of the track is one-way only on the weekends, so make sure to check in advance.
• Make sure you pack plenty of water for the trip, as the cliffs have limited shade (and things have been heating up in Sydney recently).

Accessibility & Pram-Friendly Sections

Of course, Sculptures By The Sea is a hit with the kids—so we know that it's a tricky one to finish when they decide they've had enough of walking. If you are concerned about wrangling a pram, or need a more accessible alternative, there are plenty of routes which cover almost all of the exhibition while avoiding most of the stairs.

Following the online map, the blue route indicates the most accessible track, starting at the entrance on Marks Lane. From here, you'll be able to stroll (or roll) through Marks Park, where you'll find the Sculpture Inside gallery, showcasing artists’ smaller works and newly installed accessible toilets.

Insider Intel

• There are actually accessible toilets marked on both ends, so you won't have to worry about circling back. 
• If you find yourself needed a break to restock and refuel, there are plenty of great café windows in the surrounding streets where you might still catch a glimpse of the views. We recommend heading over between 7am and 9am, as that's your best bet to secure a spot.
• There are two main cafes along the coastal walk—stop in at Wholegreen Bakery in Marks Park or visit the Tamarama Kiosk and relax whilst overlooking Tamarama Beach.

Parking, Buses & Sunrise / Sunset Routes

The event organisers recommend leaving the car at home for this one, as parking in Bondi is very limited and you should expect heavy traffic. Street parking will be particularly limited on weekends with special event clearway parking restrictions in place on Bondi Rd to accommodate the additional bus movements.

The good news? Public transport is abundant and reliable in this area—catch the T4 Eastern Suburbs Line train to Bondi Junction to connect with buses to Bondi Beach, or get your steps up early and walk down to the water. Regular route buses also run between the city and Bondi Junction, if that is your preferred mode of travel. On weekends, you should expect delays during peak periods. 

See Bus Routes Online

For the best time periods to escape the traffic and be rewarded with an insta-worthy view, we know when we'll be visiting the exhibition this year. Bondi definitely has some of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Sydney—the starting point of the walk, Marks Park, boasts an elevated position on the cliffs, with a panoramic outlook of the ocean and coastline. It's the ideal spot to park up for an early evening picnic or morning coffee after perusing the gallery. 

Insider Intel

• If you must drive, make sure to pre-book sunrise parking on side streets in the area.
• There's also free bike parking available at both Tamarama and Marks Park, so you can park your own bike—or rent a dockless share bike and ride it one way.

For easier navigation, audio tours, and more details about the works and artists behind them, download the free Sculpture by the Sea app. We'll see you on the cliffs. 

Image credit: Sculpture By The Sea | Instagram