SWELL Sculpture Festival is a free outdoor sculpture exhibition along Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast, held over ten days every September. The walk runs from Currumbin Beach to Flat Rock at Tugun.
The next SWELL runs from Friday 10 to Sunday 19 September 2027. Works are shown on the beachfront and parkland, so it suits a slow walk with the family.
What you will see
The organiser describes SWELL as more than 80 large-scale contemporary sculptures set along the beachfront. There is also a SWELL Smalls Gallery for smaller works, and information hubs where you can ask questions.
The exhibition runs along the beachfront and through parkland.
Recent festivals have also run SWELL Kids Elements and a SWELL Fringe Festival at Currumbin Beach alongside the sculptures, so look at the festival’s website for what is on around the walk.
The walk is outdoors, so plan around the weather, bring a hat and wear shoes you can walk on sand and paths in.
SWELL Sculpture Festival dates and hours
The next festival is Friday 10 to Sunday 19 September 2027, with the exhibition open all hours. The festival runs information hubs and has lit a selection of sculptures in the evening, so check the festival’s website for the current times. The line-up of works changes every year.
Getting there
Currumbin is about 75 minutes by car from Brisbane CBD without traffic. The exhibition runs along the beach from Currumbin to Flat Rock at Tugun.
Cost
The annual SWELL Sculpture Festival is free for all to attend. Some workshops, talks and other events are ticketed. There is also a SWELL Smalls Gallery, which dogs are not allowed to enter.
Parking and the shuttle
Parking, any Park and Ride shuttle and the last bus times are set each year. Check the festival’s Plan Your Visit page for the current arrangements before you go.
Public transport
Check the festival’s Plan Your Visit page and TransLink for the current bus and train connections.
Is SWELL dog friendly?
On-leash dogs are welcome at the outdoor exhibition. Keep them at least 200 metres from flagged patrol areas, and note the exclusion zones at the northern end of Currumbin Beach. Dogs are not allowed in the SWELL Smalls Gallery. Check the festival’s FAQ for the current rules.
Toilets
Public toilets are at Wallace Nicoll Park and at Kropp Park at the southern end of the walk.
Nearby
- Currumbin Rock Pools – creek swimming a short drive inland.
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – a short distance inland from the beach.
- Tallebudgera Creek – swimming and paddling to the north.
- More on the Gold Coast, and more events in What’s on.
Details can change, so check the organiser’s website before you go.
Quick answers
When is SWELL Sculpture Festival?
The next festival is Friday 10 to Sunday 19 September 2027, at Currumbin Beach to Flat Rock, Tugun.
Is SWELL Sculpture Festival free?
Yes, the festival is free to attend.
Where do I park for SWELL?
Parking and shuttle arrangements are set each year, so check the festival’s Plan Your Visit page before you go.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash at the outdoor exhibition, but not into the Smalls Gallery or within 200 metres of flagged patrol areas.
Are there night viewings?
A selection of sculptures has been lit in the evening. Check the festival’s website for the current times.
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