SWELL Sculpture Festival 2026
Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition, SWELL Sculpture Festival, is back on the Gold Coast from 11–20 September 2026.
Picture it: large-scale sculptures rising from golden sand, the Pacific shimmering behind them, and thousands of visitors wandering a sun-drenched beachside gallery completely free of charge. This is the SWELL experience — and it’s one of the most extraordinary things to do on the Gold Coast any time of year, let alone in glorious Queensland spring.
The annual SWELL Sculpture Festival is celebrating its 24th year as a free and all-inclusive 10-day outdoor sculpture exhibition by the people for the people.
Whether you’re an art devotee, a family hunting for a memorable school holiday adventure, a wellness seeker, or simply someone who loves a beachside walk with a difference — SWELL has something that’ll stop you in your tracks.
Quick Reference: SWELL Sculpture Festival 2026
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates | 11–20 September 2026 |
| Location | Currumbin Beach, Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223 |
| Cost | Free (some workshops and special events incur a fee) |
| Exhibition Hours | Open 24 hours daily |
| Information Hubs | Open 8am–5pm daily |
| Evening Illuminations | 5pm–9pm nightly |
| Exhibition Length | 1.5km sculpture trail |
| Dogs | Welcome on leash |
| Phone | (07) 5525 6392 |
What Is the SWELL Sculpture Festival?
Established in 2003, the festival has grown to become one of Australia’s premier sculptural art festivals, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
It is a celebration of narratives and stories spoken through the artworks produced by local, national and international artists.
At Currumbin Beach, you’ll have the opportunity to come face to face with over 80 awe-inspiring and thought-provoking sculptures, large-scale installations, digital artworks and performance art by local, national and international artists.
Artists are invited to submit their sculptures, which are then exhibited along the beachfront promenade, in parks, and throughout the surrounding landscapes. The artworks range from large-scale installations to intricate, smaller pieces, using various materials such as metal, wood, glass, ceramic, and mixed media.
Sculptures will be curated from Currumbin Alley, along Currumbin Beach and down to Flat Rock, Tugun.
The 1.5km trail is entirely accessible on foot — no tickets, no barriers, just you and the art.
What’s On: The Full SWELL 2026 Program
SWELL is far more than a walk past pretty objects. The 10-day program is stacked with experiences for every type of visitor.
The Main Sculpture Exhibition
The exhibition is open all hours so you can enjoy the sculptures at any time. There are information hubs along the 1.5km walkway where you can obtain information about the exhibition, what’s on, purchase raffle tickets, purchase a printed program and more.
A selection of sculptures will light up 5 pm–9 pm to show an evening verve — making a twilight visit an entirely different and magical experience.
SWELL Smalls Gallery
Art lovers should also make time for the SWELL Smalls Gallery, located at Vika Currumbin. Open daily throughout the festival, the gallery showcases original works by exhibiting artists and offers the chance to vote in the People’s Choice Award. Better still, you can settle into the Smalls Gallery Lounge and enjoy food and drinks from Kinship Currumbin while soaking up views across Currumbin Beach.
SWELL Fringe
SWELL Fringe Festival includes morning beach meditations, live music, DJs, workshops, artist panels and more — there’s always something happening.
Experience pop-up exhibitions across the Gold Coast, as well as SWELL Smalls Gallery at its beachside venue and cultural programming at SWELL Fringe in Wallace Nicoll Park, Currumbin.
The People’s Art Party
There’s also The People’s Art Party, a sunset soiree with food, drinks and a guided sculpture walk with curators and a chance to meet this year’s artists.
It’s the kind of evening that turns a day trip into a story you’ll be telling for years.
SWELL Wellness
Wellness has an even bigger focus this year, encouraging visitors to tune in to something greater through sensory ocean experiences, beach yoga, sunrise paddle boarding, breath work, silent disco, tai chi, skate workshops and more.
Book early — these sessions tend to fill fast.
SWELL Kids Elements
Families are well catered for with the SWELL Kids Elements program, featuring free creative workshops, circus games, youth performers and weekend activities.
Once you’ve discovered the sculptures, make your way to Fringe Pavilion at Wallace Nicoll Park for interactive circus games, talented youth buskers, and a pop-up library. Meanwhile, SWELL’s Yulagi Space offers free daily kids’ workshops that will spark their creativity with drawing, decorating flower pots and planting seedlings.
Kids can also keep themselves busy with a scavenger hunt —
a scavenger hunt and colouring-in competition, available for purchase from SWELL Smalls Gallery or Currumbin Beach General Store, located along Pacific Parade, Currumbin Beach.
Storyfest Beach Library
One of the most charming additions to this year’s program: Storyfest’s Beach Library activation for SWELL 2026 will run from 11 to 20 September 2026. This immersive, interactive activation will celebrate storytelling, identity, and community connection, all while making books accessible and fun.
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Guided Walks, Workshops & Artist Talks
Stay a little longer and discover a range of unique experiences, including guided twilight walks through the artworks, live music, comedy, masterclasses, artist talks alongside the sculptures, and artist-led workshops.
These deeper-dive experiences are where SWELL really earns its reputation as more than just a sculpture trail — they’re a window into the creative process.
Purchase the $6 exhibition program — buying a program supports SWELL with all proceeds of sale reinvested into presenting the following year’s exhibition.
Learn about the artists, artworks, and what’s on, to vote for SWELL People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice and Smalls Gallery People’s Choice Awards and more. You can also obtain information about the SWELL Kids activities, SWELL Fringe, SWELL Smalls, workshops, guided sculpture walks and artist talks.
Explore Queensland tours if you’d like to combine SWELL with a broader Gold Coast experience — there are brilliant guided day trips that take in the southern beaches and hinterland.
When Is the Best Time to Visit SWELL?
Most visitors should allow at least two hours to wander the sculpture trail, although it’s easy to spend a full day enjoying the workshops, SWELL events, nearby cafes and surrounding attractions.
Early mornings and weekdays tend to be quieter, making them ideal for photographers and those looking to enjoy the sculptures at a leisurely pace. Sunset is another popular time to visit, with golden light over Currumbin Beach.
The evening illuminations between 5pm and 9pm are not to be missed.
Where to Eat Near the SWELL Festival
No need to rush off when you’re done — Currumbin’s dining scene punches well above its weight.
The southern Gold Coast is brimming with incredible food options from beachside spots like the Currumbin Vikings Surf Life Saving Club, Tommy’s Italian, and The Salt Mill, to family-friendly Currumbin RSL, and the Sanctuary Cafe at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
You are most welcome to bring a blanket and a packed picnic lunch, sit among the sculptures and enjoy the exhibition.
If you go this route,
the walk is 1.2km in length so a bottle of water is a good idea for each member of the family.
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How to Get to SWELL Sculpture Festival at Currumbin Beach
Getting there sustainably is actually easy — and encouraged.
Choose to walk, cycle or catch a bus, or park and ride to SWELL and you will be contributing to a cleaner, greener Gold Coast.
Free Shuttle Bus (Park & Ride)
Park & Ride from Currumbin RSL runs daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Drop off and pick up is across the road from Currumbin RSL on the western bound side of Currumbin Creek Road. RSL Address: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin QLD 4223. Free parking is available in the RSL carpark.
The bus will run on a continuous loop between the festival and the RSL. The last bus back to Currumbin RSL will leave Currumbin Beach at 4:45pm from the bus stop directly outside Wallace Nicoll Park, Pacific Parade, Currumbin.
By Public Transport
Two TransLink local buses pass through the SWELL Sculpture Festival.
Check the Translink journey planner for routes from Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, or Coolangatta.
By Bike or on Foot
Walk or ride along the Gold Coast Oceanway — one of Australia’s most scenic coastal paths — to arrive directly at the festival.
Where to Stay for SWELL Festival 2026
Have your own adventures during the 10-day festival. Whether you’re visiting the state’s only surf museum, taking a dip in the postcard-perfect Currumbin Creek Estuary, or getting up close and personal with Mother Nature at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, there’s never a dull moment at Currumbin.
Areas close by include Burleigh, Kirra, Bilinga, Tugun, Coolangatta and Palm Beach — all offering a range of accommodation from boutique holiday apartments to family-friendly resorts. Base yourself anywhere along the southern Gold Coast strip and the festival is a quick bus ride or coastal walk away.
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Beyond the Festival: Things to Do in Currumbin
SWELL is reason enough to make the trip, but Currumbin and the southern Gold Coast are worth exploring properly.
The coastal nook of Currumbin is a haven of pristine beaches and calm waterways. Here you can swim in the sheltered waters of Tallebudgera Creek and the Currumbin Rock Pools, or follow the creek inland to explore Cougal Cascades Waterfalls in the ancient Springbrook National Park.
Explore the iconic Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in the wonder and natural beauty of 27 hectares of Currumbin rainforest. Along the way, wander through open animal enclosures, feed kangaroos, and meet koalas.
For those who want to combine SWELL with a broader Queensland escape, pair it with a trip to the islands of the Great Barrier Reef or head north to explore more of Queensland’s stunning coastline. You’ll find a wealth of inspiration across our Queensland travel guides.
Accessibility at SWELL 2026
The majority of the exhibition can be seen from the wide concrete footpath along the foreshore. There is limited access to sculptures positioned on the beach and on Elephant Rock for wheelchair users, people with mobility needs or pram users.
The best option for accessible visits is midweek, with better parking accessibility and reduced visitor numbers for ease of manoeuvring.
Accessible parking is available along Pacific Parade, Currumbin (adjacent Murraba Street), the Currumbin Alley car park and the southern end near the Vikings Surf Club and Len Wort Park, Teemangum Street, Currumbin.
Dogs on leads are welcome too —
your on-leash dog is welcome at SWELL. The majority of sculptures can be viewed from the path and beach areas with your dog by your side.
5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of SWELL 2026
- Go early or at twilight. Beat the weekend crowds by visiting on a weekday morning, or come back at dusk to see sculptures lit up against the fading sky.
- Buy the $6 program. It helps fund next year’s festival and contains artist bios, the voting form for People’s Choice Awards, and a full map of the exhibition.
- Pack a picnic. Bring a blanket and settle in among the art — it’s actively encouraged, and there’s no better way to spend a spring afternoon.
- Book ticketed events early. Sessions like beach yoga, paddle boarding and The People’s Art Party are ticketed and popular — don’t leave it to the last minute.
- Walk or ride in. The Gold Coast Oceanway delivers you to the festival door while ticking off one of Queensland’s best coastal walks in the process.
Recommended Gold Coast Tours to Pair With SWELL
Make a full trip of it. The Gold Coast has no shortage of brilliant guided tours and day trips that pair perfectly with a SWELL visit:
- Gold Coast Hinterland Tour — Explore the ancient rainforests of Lamington National Park and Springbrook, just a short drive from Currumbin.
- Wildlife & Nature Tours — Combine a morning at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with your afternoon at the festival.
- Southern Gold Coast Discovery Tours — Take in Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads National Park and the best of the southern beaches on a guided day trip.
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