Seeing a big thing on the side of the road is a part of every great Australian road trip. Some are very impressive, some are average and others are just plain bad. Here are 11 of Australia’s big things ranked from worst to best.
11. The Big Lobster (Kingston SE, South Australia)
Kicking off the list is the crustacean catastrophe, the Big Lobster. While it may be a seafood lover’s dream, this oversized shellfish fails to impress with its peeling paint and vacant expression. Snap a quick photo for the family, but don’t expect to be shell shocked by its majesty.
10. The Big Pineapple (Woombye, Queensland)
The Big Pineapple is a towering figure at 16 metres tall. But it’s a fruity fiesta that’s lost its zest. Once a shining beacon of tropical delight, this oversized fruit now stands as a testament to kitsch gone wrong.
There is a souvenir store that stocks a range of novelty and retro pineapple-themed mementos. Perfect for your friends and family members who just love pineapple.
9. The Big Koala (Dadswells Bridge, Victoria)
The Big Koala towers over its visitors at 14 metres tall. Despite its imposing size, this marsupial’s intense gaze might unsettle more than it charms. Nevertheless, it’s a testament to Australia’s love for its native wildlife and a quirky roadside stop in Victoria.
8. The Big Merino (Goulburn, New South Wales)
Constructed in 1985, the Big Merino stands proudly as a tribute to the esteemed wool industry of the Goulburn region. Affectionately dubbed ‘Rambo, this oversized marvel is truly a colossal spectacle, tipping the scales at a whopping 97 tonnes and boasting impressive dimensions of 15.2 metres in height and 18 metres in length.
His three-storey interior is home to a permanent exhibition on the 200-year history of wool in Australia as well as a gift shop and an observation area where visitors can experience the Rambo’s-eye view.
7. The Big Prawn (Ballina, New South Wales)
The Big Prawn is a beloved icon outside a local Bunnings warehouse, offering a whimsical photo opportunity for those enjoying their weekend DIY shopping. This seafood sensation may not be the catch of the day, but its sheer size and goofy grin make it a must-see for crustacean enthusiasts.
It’s a gentle giant that has even had its ‘face’ blurred on Google Maps for privacy, adding to its charm. Snap a selfie with this interesting monument and soak in the absurdity of it all.
6. The Big Potato (Robertson, New South Wales)
There’s not really much to say about the Big Potato. While it may seem like a carb-induced fever dream, this colossal tuber is a true testament to Aussie ingenuity and absurdity. Embrace the potato madness and marvel at the sheer starchiness of it all.
5. The Big Banana (Coffs Harbour, New South Wales)
Since its grand opening in 1964, the Big Banana has stood the test of time as one of Australia’s original and most beloved big things. Positioned strategically along the Pacific Highway in Coffs Harbour, its unmistakable presence has contributed to its widespread fame.
Originally serving as a mere marker for a banana plantation, the Big Banana has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. Today, this 13-metre-long landmark is the centrepiece of an award-winning fun park, boasting a plethora of attractions including laser tag, a towering slide, minigolf, ice skating, a thrilling toboggan ride, and even a refreshing water park.
4. The Big Penguin (Penguin, Tasmania)
Nestled in Tasmania, the appropriately named town of Penguin truly shines from September to March, when a charming colony of fairy penguins graces this corner of the island’s northwest.
Adding to the town’s allure is the iconic Big Penguin, crafted from fibreglass and cement. Locals take pride in adorning it with various costumes, from military fatigues for Anzac Day
commemorations to a jolly Santa suit during the festive season. This quirky tradition transforms Penguin into a must-visit destination on any Tasmanian road trip.
3. The Big Stubbie (Larrimah, Northern Territory)
Embarking on the journey between Darwin and Alice Springs will rack up a significant odometer reading. Along this vast stretch of road, you’ll undoubtedly be enticed to veer off course by the allure of a refreshing pot of beer at the Larrimah Hotel. And what better landmark to guide you than the unmistakable presence of the Big Stubbie, exactly as it sounds – a colossal beer bottle?
The sculpture sits beside a pink panther in a chair and another piloting a gyrocopter, because, why not?
2. The Golden Gumboot (Tully, Queensland)
Situated south of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, the township of Tully boasts an astonishing average rainfall exceeding four metres annually. In 2003, a whimsical monument emerged, immortalising the town’s unofficial title as Australia’s wettest town – the Golden Gumboot. Climbing up this towering boot is a white-lipped green tree frog.
1. The Big Galah (Kimba, South Australia)
Prepare to be tickled pink by the Big Galah! This flamboyant feathered friend may look a bit bird-brained, but its vibrant plumage and jovial expression make it a standout among Australia’s big things. The giant eight-metre-high bush bird is perched out the front of a service station in Kimba that marks the halfway point across Australia.
Embrace the absurdity and flock to Kimba for a photo op that’s guaranteed to ruffle some feathers.
And there you have it, a whirlwind tour of some of Australia’s most oversized wonders.
Have you visited any of these big things? Do you have a personal favourite that didn’t make the list? Share your stories and photos with us in the comments section below.
Also read: Road trip through South Australian wine regions
Hi Ellie, what about this big one https://southaustralia.com/products/riverland/attraction/the-big-orange at Berri in South Australia’s Riverland area. It is closed, but it is still there.