This NSW sculpture trail is at its most magical in the snow

By Liz Whitehead
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You’re probably familiar with Sculpture by the Sea, but this snow-dusted sculpture trail by the same team is well worth a look.

Sculpture by the Sea is an annual art installation that pulls visitors to both coasts of Australia like a magnet. The most famous, Sculpture by the Sea Bondi, transforms the renowned coastal walk between Bondi and Coogee into an outdoor sculpture park come October. But it’s a little-known fact that the same arts organisation actually runs multiple events. The sister event, Sculpture by the Sea Cottesloe, also bedazzles a pocket of Perth’s coastline with sculptures from artists across Australia and the world.

However, most aren’t familiar with Sculpture by the Sea’s third venture, which isn’t by the sea at all, but in a mountainous inland region about 400 kilometres from Sydney. Meet the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail from the very same team behind Sculpture by the Sea, a permanent sculpture exhibition in NSW’s Snowy Valleys. Although you can visit this one year-round, we reckon the best time to see it is in the winter when the sculptures are dusted in snow. Here’s everything you need to know about the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail.

Václav Fiala, 'Universum', Sculpture Forest Snowy Valleys

Universum by Václav Fiala looks extra special dusted in snow. (Image: Angela Lyons)

 

What is the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail?

The Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, in the region abutting Canberra and Kosciusko National Park in southern NSW, is a little bit more spread out than its coastal counterparts. It spans roughly 150 kilometres between Tumut and Tumbarumba, comprising 60 sculptures by artists from Australia and around the world. Completing the sculpture trail is like a treasure hunt, as it leads visitors through historic towns, a ‘sculpture forest’ and even local wineries, so you can enjoy a tipple as you cross sculpture sightings off your list. The Snowy Valleys is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, and the sculpture trail combines art with the outdoors for a fun and interactive way to explore the region.

Unlike Sculpture by the Sea, this trail is a permanent exhibition that can be accessed year-round, but it’s especially striking in the winter months when the region receives snowfall. Photos that emerged via an ongoing photo competition spotlight the snow-dusted sculptures, the cool change bringing an otherworldly mood-shift to works such as Seated Man by Sean Henry, who sits stoically on a bench, draped with ice.

Sean Henry, ‘Seated Man’, Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, Sculpture Forest

Sean Henry’s Seated Man takes on a somber mood in the snow. (Image: Angela Lyons)

Budding photographers, take note: a competition is on for the best snap of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail. The winner will be flown up to Sydney to be an official photographer for day one of Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi, with the award-winning photo published in About Regional and Region Riverina. Find more information on how to enter here.

Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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Australia‘s next Big Thing is here, and it’s comfier than you’d expect

    By Kassia Byrnes
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    Australia’s next Big Thing is here, and it’s a nod to Aussie ski resorts of seasons past.

    Australians are held in the grip of our Big Things. It’s not something we can explain to outsiders. It’s not even something we can really explain to ourselves. But my gosh, when a new Big Thing is announced, we’re in line to lay eyes on it, like the Queen’s jewels. Well, the next jewel is here: The Big Chairlift in a picturesque corner of Jindabyne.

    The sculpture, by local artist Darragh Walsh, was originally installed on the foreshore of Lake Jindabyne as part of the 2025 Light Light Sculpture Festival in April. Created as a loving nod to Jindabyne’s snowy alpine heritage, it’s the shape of the original double chairlifts that once took keen skiers to the tops of mountains across Snowy Mountains resorts.

    The Big Chairlift in Jindabyne

    The community got behind keeping The Big Chairlift.

    As with many of our nation’s Big Things, pure popularity has now made it a permanent fixture. After becoming a fan favourite with festival goers, The Big Chairlift started gaining popularity across social media as well, even becoming one of the most photographed pieces of the festival. Which is when the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce got involved.

    A community-led GoFundMe campaign raised $25,535 in just four days to make the sculpture a permanent fixture. Over 175 individuals, businesses and organisations contributed, making it a heart-warming community effort.

    “Not only is the Big Chairlift a magnificent sculpture, it’s a fitting symbol of our town’s identity, our shared memories, and our alpine spirit,” said President of the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce, Olivier Kapetanakos. “The response has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we’re so proud to help keep it here in Jindabyne for locals and visitors to enjoy for years to come”.

    The Big Chairlift in Jindabyne

    The Big Chairlift made its way to social media.

    “As Australia’s Alpine Playground, Jindabyne is the ideal setting for public art that reflects adventure and our seasonal rhythm from winter snowsports to mountain biking in the green season, capturing the true spirit of a town shaped by life in the alpine outdoors.”

    What else should you do in Jindabyne after visiting The Big Chairlift? Hit the slopes, taste the incredible food, find cosy accommodations and then give our list of the best things to do a go.