A beachside outing with a creative twist! The Castaways Sculpture Awards brings sculptures made from recycled and repurposed materials to the Rockingham Foreshore, giving families the chance to explore art while discovering what can be made from things we might otherwise throw away. The free exhibition runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.
There’s plenty to spark little imaginations here. Rather than simply looking at each sculpture, encourage the kids to see if they can identify the materials used to create it. What was it before, and how has the artist turned it into something completely different? It’s an easy way to get a conversation going about recycling, waste and looking after our beaches without it feeling like a lesson.
Castaways began in 2008 as a community arts project drawing attention to discarded items washing up on local beaches. That environmental message remains at its heart, with emerging and professional Western Australian artists transforming recycled materials into outdoor sculptures.
There are three exhibitions to explore, so allow time to look beyond the main foreshore display. The Main Exhibition features outdoor sculptures against the coastal backdrop, while the Schools Exhibition sits alongside it at Churchill Park. Seeing artwork created by primary and secondary students could be just the inspiration your little makers need to start planning their own recycled creation at home!
A short stroll from the foreshore, the Rockingham Arts Centre hosts the Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition. These smaller, three-dimensional artworks offer a different perspective on working with repurposed materials, with plenty of intricate details to discover.
For families visiting with a pram or wheelchair, beach access matting will be in place during the event, providing access to most of the artworks displayed on the beach. Beach wheelchairs and walkers are also available to borrow free of charge. Churchill Park has a Changing Places facility for people with high support needs, with the required MLAK key available to book through the information tent.
Free tactile tours, delivered by DADAA, are available for people with disability, including visitors who are blind or vision impaired, together with their friends and family. These offer the opportunity to touch and interact with selected artworks, with bookings essential. The remaining scheduled tours take place on Thursday 29 October, at 10.15am and 11.30am.
There’s an extra reason to visit on Friday 30 or Saturday 31 October, with the City’s sustainability pop-up running from 11am to 4pm on both days. Interactive games and take-home resources explore practical ways to reduce plastic use, making it a useful stop for curious kids and parents alike.
Before heading home, choose your family’s favourite sculptures and cast your People’s Choice votes online. Voting closes at 5pm on Sunday 1 November 2026. You could even have a little family debate about which artwork deserves the top spot!
Pack hats, sunscreen and water, and take your time exploring. With art, environmental ideas and a seaside setting all rolled into one, Castaways offers a lovely opportunity to get the kids outdoors and looking at everyday materials in a whole new way.
Castaways Sculpture Awards
Address: Rockingham Foreshore and Churchill Park, Rockingham. The Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition is held at Rockingham Arts Centre.
Dates: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. Check the official website for exhibition opening hours and activity details.
Entry: Free.
Website: City of Rockingham – Castaways Sculpture Awards
Strolling through the exhibition feels relaxed and inspiring. Whether you’re an art lover, a family with kids, or just someone out for a scenic stroll, there’s something that captures everyone’s attention. Among the standout pieces this year was a huge dog made entirely from thousands of bottle tops, and a sculpture woven together with discarded IT cables.
The Schools Exhibition is another highlight, showcasing the creativity of local students who transform everyday materials into fun, imaginative works of art. Their pieces bring an extra layer of charm and community spirit to the event, and it’s wonderful to see the next generation of artists being celebrated.
Accessibility is a big part of what makes Castaways so enjoyable. The event provides beach matting for prams and wheelchairs, and beach walkers are available for loan, making it easy for all visitors to explore.
Castaways runs each spring along the Rockingham Foreshore, with the 2025 exhibition taking place from 25 October to 2 November. It’s completely free to visit and is the perfect excuse to spend a day by the coast — grab a coffee, wander through the sculptures, let the kids play on the beach, and enjoy the relaxed, creative atmosphere.
Castaways Sculpture Awards
Rockingham Beach Rd, Rockingham
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Kellie Elliott is an adventurous mum of four who’s turning Perth into her playground! When she’s not busy wrangling her little ones, you can find her on Instagram at Perth Mum Adventures, where she shares all her exciting adventures. From exploring new playgrounds to discovering off-the-beaten-path treasures, Kellie’s knack for turning everyday outings into thrilling adventures will leave you inspired and ready to explore the best that Perth has to offer!
