An oversized 119-metre-long garden hose which carries significant cultural meaning has been unveiled outside Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art.

Permanently on display, 'The Big Hose' is a collaborative creation of contemporary Australian artists Tony Albert, a Brisbane-based Girramay, Yidinyji and Kuku Yalanji man, and Sydney artist Nell.

The sculpture lies near the banks of the Brisbane River at Kurilpa Point - a traditional meeting place for the Turrbal and Yuggera people and doubles as a play area for children.

Artist Tony Albert said the hose was placed on a site with deep cultural meaning.

"The sculpture's home on the edge of the Brisbane River (Maiwar) was also the Story Place of Kuril, the native water rat," Mr Albert said.

"The country the artwork sits on, the land between the Brisbane River and GOMA, represents a gateway between these two worlds.

"Many children will not have heard of Kuril, and one of the central ideas about the work is creating greater awareness of the thousands of years of Indigenous history of this site, Kurilpa."

Mr Albert said Kuril had been incorporated directly into the design.

"The journey of the work begins with Kuril's 'hose hideout', where audiences will discover Kuril nestled in the end of the hose attachment – an urban substitute for his native burrow," he said.

Co-creator Nell said the sculpture also encouraged reflection on environmental themes.

"Visitors may notice there is no tap attached to the hose, rather, the illusion of water is conveyed by the form of the hose, prompting the young viewer to ask where the water comes from," Nell said.

"In essence, The Big Hose marries themes of nature with the urban and built environment in a uniquely Australian way.

"The Big Hose is also full of joy - fun to look at, fun to play on and from there fun-learning can begin.

QAGOMA Director Chris Saines said the artwork connected with place and Queensland identity.

"Building on decades of experience collaborating with artists on projects for its Children's Art Centre, the Gallery has worked closely with Tony and Nell to develop this unique addition to the precinct, and the artists in turn consulted with traditional custodians of the site on which the sculpture sits," he said.

"The artwork's acknowledgment of the Indigenous history of Kurilpa is key, as is its commitment to children's learning."

Fabricated by UAP Foundry in Brisbane, The Big Hose will spark imaginations and invite discovery in visitors of all ages as the latest in the Australian tradition of landmark 'big' things."

The project was made possible through the QAGOMA Foundation with support from Andrew and Dr Susan King, the Neilson Foundation, Margaret Mittelheuser AM and Cathryn Mittelheuser AM, Gina Fairfax AC, Dr Shirley Hsieh and contributions to the 2022 QAGOMA Foundation Appeal.

'The Big Hose' is now a permanent fixture outside GOMA, alongside the newly reopened GOMA Bistro which overlooks the sculpture.