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.
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’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.
Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure
Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.
1. Southern Beaches
The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtellvillage . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.
Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.
Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.
2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail
The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.
Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.
Explore the green heart of Coffs.
3. Dorrigo National Park
Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .
Wander the Skywalk.
4. Northern Beaches
For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.
Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.
5. Jetty precinct
You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.
Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.
Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.
Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.
6. Grafton
Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .
Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)
7. Nambucca
Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .
Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)
