What is SWELL?
SWELL Sculpture Festival is Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition, transforming Currumbin Beach into a vibrant open-air gallery. This year marks its 23rd edition, featuring over 80 large-scale sculptures by more than 230 artists from Australia and around the world. The exhibition stretches along 1.2 kilometres of coastline, from Currumbin Alley to Kropp Park, offering visitors a unique combination of art and ocean views.
Highlights of the Festival
Diverse Artworks: Explore a variety of installations including clay and steel creations by the Multicap Monte Lupo collective. These artists live with disabilities and their works reflect the festival’s inclusive spirit.
Interactive Experiences: Enjoy guided twilight walks, artist talks and sculptural workshops. The SWELL Fringe in Wallace Nicoll Park adds to the atmosphere with live music, comedy and masterclasses.
Family-Friendly Fun: The festival is suitable for all ages, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for families to explore and appreciate art together.
Getting There
For Brisbane residents, the drive to Currumbin Beach is straightforward via the M1, making it an ideal day trip. Parking can be limited, so consider using the free Park and Ride service provided by Currumbin Valley Bus and Coach, which runs a continuous loop between the festival and Currumbin RSL.
A Special Tribute
This year also marks the return of the beloved Sun Spirit sculpture, affectionately known as Sheila. Originally created by sculptor Frank Miles in 2006, the statue was stolen earlier this year but has been replaced with a replica thanks to community efforts. It will be reinstalled in a secure beachfront location during the festival, giving visitors a chance to reconnect with this iconic piece.
Plan Your Visit
Dates: 12 to 21 September 2025
Location: Currumbin Beach, Gold Coast
Cost: Free
Whether you are an art enthusiast, a family looking for a fun outing or someone seeking inspiration by the sea, the SWELL Sculpture Festival offers something for everyone. Do not miss this opportunity to experience one of Queensland’s premier cultural events just a short drive from Brisbane.
For more information and the full programme, visit the official SWELL Sculpture Festival website.
