The Maroubrix Cube: Maroubra Beach’s Quirky Landmark and Local Legend

If you’ve ever taken the kids down to Maroubra Beach for a sunny playdate or a family swim, you may have noticed something a little unusual near the stormwater drain—a giant, colourful Rubik’s Cube jutting out from the sand. No, it’s not a leftover from a giant’s toy box. It’s the Maroubrix Cube, one of the most loved (and talked-about) pieces of public art in the Eastern Suburbs.

A Local Icon Born from Street Art

Back in 2008, two anonymous local street artists transformed an ordinary concrete stormwater drain into what we now know as the Maroubrix Cube. Designed to look like an unsolved Rubik’s Cube, it quickly captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, becoming a quirky symbol of Maroubra’s creative spirit.

Over the years, this giant cube has popped up in everything from children’s books to Google Maps, sparking curiosity and conversation. No one knows who the original artists are—and maybe that’s part of the magic.

A Cube That Changes—and Sparks Conversation

Fast-forward to 2020, and the cube was unexpectedly painted in pastel colours, causing a stir in the local community. Some saw it as a fun refresh; others felt like a piece of the beach’s identity had been washed away. The pastel look didn’t last long, and the cube was soon repainted back to its original form.

Then came 2023-2024, when something truly mind-bending happened: the cube was “solved.” Literally. The artists (or someone else entirely) painted it to look like a completed Rubik’s Cube, sparking yet another wave of local debate.

Was it a creative evolution? Or had the puzzle that gave it character been lost?

More Than Just a Cube: Why It Matters

For many in the Maroubra community, the Maroubrix Cube is more than paint on concrete. It’s a story of creativity, identity, and local pride. Kids point it out with wonder. Parents use it as a meeting point or backdrop for beach photos. Tourists stumble upon it and ask, “What’s that doing here?”

Even the local council has stepped in over the years to help maintain its appearance, showing just how significant this little landmark has become.

Why Families Love It

Looking for free things to do with kids in Maroubra? The Maroubrix Cube is a great spot for an impromptu art walk, a lesson in local history, or even a fun guessing game about what the colours mean. It’s also a great way to talk with kids about the importance of community art, and how something small can have a big impact.

Plus, it’s just plain fun.

Plan Your Visit

Next time you’re heading to Maroubra Beach with the family, take a moment to walk down to the cube, snap a photo, and see it for yourself. Whether it’s unsolved or solved, it’s a uniquely Maroubra experience—one that blends art, mystery, and beachside charm.