Brisbane hosts giant pink rubber duck for MELT festival

A 15-metre-high pink rubber duck has arrived at the New Farm riverfront in Brisbane to mark the start of the 2026 MELT festival. The sculpture, created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, will remain on the river for the duration of the queer culture celebration.

The MELT festival runs until November 8 and is scheduled to include 100 events across 70 different venues, spanning art, theatre, concerts, and parties. Hofman, known for his large-scale public art installations, noted that while his yellow rubber duck sculptures have appeared globally, this pink version is making its debut in Brisbane as a symbol of respect and tolerance.