Chitika

tisdag 10 november 2009

The Beach Culture in Sydney

By Jennifer Schellington

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.

This unique event combines some of the most amazing sculptures with probably the best coastal walk in Australia. During the first two weeks of November, the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk comes alive with fascinating and often querky sculptures to delight all ages.

The competition is now in its 12th year and last year attracted over half a million visitors. There are over 100 different sculptures to appreciate with 9 different prizes on offer. All of the sculptures are designed to 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 a local.. It gets VERY busy and it makes the experience so much better if you can take in the sculptures at your own pace and not surrounded by mounds of people. Try to go early to beat the crowds.

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.

Try the Bondi Icebergs RSL for some cheap fodder 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 more upmarket head to Icebergs Dining Rooms where you'll be greeted with a sumptuous BBQ.

In Bronte the small row of cafes offers something for everyone. SWELL is a good choice for those wanting something more upmarket. Jennies is a good all rounder but particularly good for those of you who like coffee.

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. Whilst you may be lucky and get free drink samples, 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.

If you aren't planning to be in Sydney in November but really like the sound of this event, don't worry! You can catch the same event in Perth during the month of March. This one takes place on Cottesloe Beach and is almost identical to the Bondi version.

Make sure this event is on your Sydney TO DO list. What are you waiting for? Get up early and go mix culture with some classic Sydney Beach action.

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