So simple in ideology, yet such an obtuse point of pride for Australians. The Big Things hark to a simpler time when tourism boards’ answer was pretty consistently “chuck a big [insert local legend] up” and call it a day. From coast to coast, the Land Down Under boasts dozens of Big Things. These are the best Big Things worth taking the scenic route for.
Is there anything potatoes can’t improve? Just kidding. The Big Potato sucks. Don’t come for me, the entire population of Robertson. Weathered, covered in graffiti, big and obvious doors along the spud, this Big Thing isn’t even that big. Sorry but it’s true.
Arguably the most underwhelming denouement to a road trip up North, there’s no denying the charm of the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. Built in 1964, it was one of Australia’s first Big Things and since its inception, has expanded to include a whole fun park with waterslides, toboggans, laser tag and ice skating.
If we have to explain why this is such a good Big Thing, you haven’t been paying attention. Located in Mourquong, the Big Stanley Wine Cask is a thing of beauty and we won’t hear another word.
A fixture of Australia’s home of country music, Tamworth, the Big Golden Guitar was hoisted in 1988 and is a to-scale replica of the award presented to artists at the Country Music Awards. The 12-metre tall monument may not be the biggest Big Thing but it gets a notable spot thanks to being officially opened by country music legend, Slim Dusty.
The Big Merino, built in 1985 is a monument to Goulburn and the surrounding district’s fine wool industry. Standing 15.2 metres high, 18 metres long and weighing 97 tonnes at the time of construction he is an impressive life-like model of Rambo, a stud ram from a local property, “Bullamallita.” When we say life-like, we mean it. Best avoid his rear end if you’re travelling with kids.
The latest addition to Australia’s greatest cultural achievement, the Big Tractor has put the rural WA town of Carnamah on the map. Built in honour of the region’s agricultural and farming history, the Big Tractor is a scaled-up replica of the Chamberlain 40K standing at 11.5 metres high, 16 meters long, and weighing a whopping 42 tonnes. In a town of 400 residents, one pub, and one restaurant, the Big Tractor makes the list because the people of Carnamah know exactly where their priorities lie.
When you see this icon of Humpty Doo, you’ll likely say to yourself “Wow, that’s a very big boxing crocodile.” And you’d be right! The Big Boxing Crocodile was created to celebrate Australia winning the America’s Cup in 1983, a very famous sailing race that has no affiliation with boxing or crocodiles.
Bow down and tremble in fear and wonder at Kingston’s Big Lobster! We’re not really sure why this lobster strikes such a chord with us yet here we are. Perhaps it’s the charm of the lobster’s true middle-of-nowhere location. Maybe it’s that the locals call him Larry. We may never know. Designed by artist Paul Kelly, there’s a ‘from little things, Big Things grow’ joke in here somewhere but until it comes to us, we’ll just sit back and admire.
The Big Oyster in Taree, NSW cops a bit of flack for its relative mediocrity but it’s made our list for a few reasons. First of all, it was only built in 1990, meaning it was sort of late to the party for Big Things. Second of all, after a short lived time as a restaurant and gift shop, it has now been repurposed as – wait for it – a car dealership. The Big Oyster isn’t remotely historically significant yet has remained exactly the same for thirty years in spite of having no ties whatsoever with car sales. It’s like the setting of a sit-com and for that, we love it.
Bigger and better than ever, after undergoing a revamp The Big Pineapple made its grand return this past June. Now, the iconic big thing is also home to a new cafe, viewing platform and children’s playground. It’s beloved train, that takes visitors on a ride throughout the property, is also back and has been given a makeover. Fun fact: Princess Diana and Prince Charles rode this train on their 1983 tour of Australia.
There’s a few Big Prawns floating around, one in Exmouth WA, another (affectionately named ‘Shane Prawn’) in the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre in Sydney, and this mightiest of crustaceans in Ballina, NSW. The 33-tonne beast was built in 1989 but after falling into disrepair, Bunnings Warehouse swooped in for a $400,000 restoration in 2010. Iconic.
