Te Wheke-a-Muturangi: The Adversary

Overview

Water is playing a huge role in the 2024 return of Sydney Festival. Whether it's a waterfront arts precinct, an exhibition exploring pre-colonial Sydney with a focus on water, or a giant octopus popping up on Sydney harbour, the trend runs throughout the festival program.

That giant octopus in question is known as Te Wheke-a-Muturangi and will spread its colourful tentacles across Watermans Cove between Friday, January 5 and Sunday, January 28.

The magnificent floating cephalopoda was created by Māori artist Lisa Reihana and the work is based on Māori mythology. It tells the story of the octopus, Te Wheke, who is chased and eventually killed by legendary fisherman and navigator Kupe.

You'll be able to scope out Te Wheke-a-Muturangi from Barangaroo and scan a QR code at Watermans Cove to read its story as you marvel at the work. Or, if you want to get up close and personal, you can book a kayak tour with Sydney Harbour Kayaks with one of the following packages: the Darling Harbour Explorer takes around 90 minutes and will set you back $89; or you can really make a day of it with the Beautiful Sydney Harbour Early Morning and Breakfast Tour for $175.