The Kirra Sea Eagle

Public Art Restoration & Reproduction
R T Peak Memorial Park, Kirra Hill, Gold Coast

ARTpark managed the reproduction of Kirra’s best-known public sculpture, working with artist Tobias Bennett and the City of Gold Coast.

Known locally as “the Rusty Chook,” the Sea Eagle sculpture has watched over Kirra Point and the Coolangatta beaches since local artist Craig Medson first installed it in October 1983. Over decades it became a genuine community landmark — the kind of public artwork locals measure a place by.

By 2021, engineering assessments found the original structure was no longer safe to display, and it was removed during renovation works on Kirra Hill. Rather than lose the piece, the City of Gold Coast ran an expressions-of-interest process and, in 2023, commissioned a faithful reproduction that preserves the artistic integrity of Medson’s original design.

Artist Tobias Bennett was engaged to reproduce the sculpture in weathering steel, developing the same protective rust patina that gave the original its nickname. ARTpark managed the reproduction process through to completion. The Eagle returned to its original site at R T Peak Memorial Park in May 2026, to strong community and media response across the Gold Coast.

This is the kind of work ARTpark takes on alongside our represented artists’ collections — managing the fabrication, reproduction and installation of significant public sculpture for councils, developers and institutions. If you’re planning a public art commission, restoration or large-scale installation, we’d like to hear about it.

Kirra Sea Eagle FAQ

What is the Kirra Sea Eagle sculpture? A steel sculpture of a sea eagle at R T Peak Memorial Park, Kirra Hill, Gold Coast, known locally as “the Rusty Chook.” The original was installed by artist Craig Medson in October 1983 and became a genuine community landmark.

Why was the Kirra Sea Eagle removed and replaced? By 2021, engineering assessments found the original structure was no longer safe to display, and it was removed during renovation works on Kirra Hill. The City of Gold Coast then commissioned a faithful reproduction rather than lose the piece.

Who reproduced the Kirra Sea Eagle sculpture? Artist Tobias Bennett reproduced the sculpture in weathering steel, recreating the same protective rust patina that gave the original its nickname.

What was ARTpark’s role in the Kirra Sea Eagle project? ARTpark managed the reproduction process through to completion, working with Tobias Bennett and the City of Gold Coast.

Where is the Kirra Sea Eagle located? R T Peak Memorial Park, Kirra Hill, Gold Coast QLD, its original site, where it was reinstated in May 2026.

Last updated: 14 August 2026