60+ ‘Big Things’ in Australia worth stopping for
Australia. It’s big. So, it makes total sense that the entire country would take part in constructing quirky statues and monuments, in random regional cities and country towns. Find out more about the best big things to see in Australia and where you can find them.
A road trip is a must-do when visiting Australia. And odds are, you’re probably going to pass a Big Thing or two on your way.
This weird trend dates back to the 1960s, when Adelaide revealed its Big Scotsman and Coffs Harbour unveiled the Big Banana.
Now hundreds of Big Things can be found across the country, although some don’t quite fit the definition of ‘big’.
Here’s some of the best, along with their back stories. We’ve also included a map of where you can find Australia’s Big Things, to help you with your trip planning. And here’s a guide to what to pack for Australia.
Exploring Australia’s ‘Big Things’
Big Things in Australia: Victoria
Giant Koalas (Dadswell Bridge & Cowes)
Victoria is home to not one, but two Giant Koalas.
The first Big Koala is located in Dadswell Bridge, right near the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
It’s 14-metres tall and has been created onsite by sculpture Ben Van Zetten.
You can pop into the adjoining cafe for food or snacks. It’s a great place to stop on your way to check out the Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail.
The second Giant Koala is located on Phillip Island, in the town of Cowes. You’ll find it out the front of the Rusty Water Brewery and Restaurant. It’s in the perfect spot for a photo op.
Did you know Australia used to have giant koalas? It’s one of the coolest facts about Oz.
The Phascolarctos stirtoni was about a third bigger than the koalas of today and has been extinct for about 50,000 years. So it wasn’t quite as big as these two cuddly guys, but it’s a nice homage.
The Giant Murray Cod (Swan Hill)
There’s something fishy in Swan Hill.
That’ll be the Giant Murray Cod, which you’ll find landlocked outside Swan Hill’s train station.
Apparently its name is Arnold.
Big Ned Kelly (Glenrowan)
The town of Glenrowan in Victoria’s High Country is the site of the Kelly Gang’s last standoff, so there’s Ned paraphernalia just about everywhere.
The best of the lot is the six metre tall Big Ned, built by Kevin Thomas, standing right in the centre of town.
If you consider yourself a bit of a Ned-head, then a posed photo in front of this iconic Australian Big Thing is a must.
The Big Strawberry (Koonoomoo)
The Big Strawberry has been sitting out the front of, well, the Big Strawberry since 2005.
At over six metres tall, it’s painted in ‘Ford Monza Red’, in homage to the car company.
Visit the Big Strawberry for photos obvs, but also drop into the cafe for all sorts of strawberry themed and flavoured delights.
Big Wine Bottle (Rutherglen)
Rutherglen is a popular wine town in Victoria, notable for the muscat grown in the region.
Within the town, a water tower from 1900 has had a mesh top section erected, so that the tower resembles a large wine bottle.
So if you happen to find yourself in Rutherglen, be sure to raise a glass to this Australian ‘Big Thing’.
The Big Beer Glass (Mirboo North)
If beer is your preferred beverage of choice, make a stop at Mirboo North in Victoria, where you can take in the Big Beer Glass in all its foamy glory.
It’s located outside Grand Ridge Brewery. Tour the brewery, or drop in for a meal, cider or ale.
The Big Mullet (Fish Creek)
Fish Creek is one of the best small towns in Victoria. It’s an easy stop on the way to Wilsons Prom and if you have the time, you should definitely grab a meal at Fish Creek Hotel. Order the seafood basket, if you fancy a quality feed.
If you don’t at least check out the Big Dead Mullet, flopped over the side of the art deco pub.
It’s not only one of the best Big Things in Australia, it has to win the award for the most artistically arranged.
The Big Cricket Bats (Shepherds Flat)
Two large cricket bats flank the entrance of Cricket Willow, a cricket bat manufacturer in regional Victoria.
You can duck into the facility (by appointment) for tours, to discover how exactly these bats are produced.
Highly recommend checking out the nearby towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs while you’re in the area.
Big Barcode Fountain (Geelong)
Visit the city of Geelong and you’ll find pieces of artwork that reflect its past scattered throughout the town. They’re all unique and quirky but the Barcode Fountain is perhaps the weirdest.
Little more than a gutter filled with running water it’s not most people’s idea of a fountain. But it’s still popular with visitors, particularly children who enjoy playing in the running stream.
It was built to commemorate the iconic Geelong product Noddy’s Soft Drink, which used to be found in just about every home in the city. The company barcode is reproduced on stainless steel panels that make up the feature.
The fountain flows through a lovely lawn area beside Sailors Rest restaurant on the waterfront and is particularly pretty at night with its blue strip lighting.
Read about more things to do in Geelong in this post.
By Audrey of See Geelong
For more inspiration, discover the best places to visit in Victoria.
Big Things in Australia: New South Wales
Big Ugg Boots (Thornton)
These are probably my favourite Big Things – a pair of Ugg boots outside the Mortels factory in Thornton, just outside of the regional city of Maitland.
They’re apparently 13 times larger than a women’s size 8 UGG boot. Constructed from fibreglass and steel, the boots started life in shades of brown, but have been regularly painted since then.
They’re currently covered with a mural depicting Australia’s extreme weather events and the effects on the landscape, entitled ‘Mother Nature’s Final Say’.
Along with their onsite store, Mortels have an onsite cafe and museum, and offer factory tours to interested parties.
I’ve had a pair of Mortels Uggs for 15 years (I’m wearing them as I type this) and they’re still going strong!
Big Kookaburra (Kurri Kurri)
The 4.5 metre tall Big Kookaburra can be found in Kurri Kurri’s Rotary Park, right in the centre of town.
It’s been gifted by the Hydro Aluminium smelter company to locals, to mark the company’s fortieth anniversary.
Local artist Chris Fussell used recycled aluminium and steel collected from scrap yards in the region to construct this beast of a bird.
Kurri has many murals around town, which also feature kookaburras in them.
Fly in on the way to the famous Hunter Valley wine region to say hello. Birds of a feather and all that…
Big Mozzie (Hexham)
A little further up the road, on the way to Newcastle, you’ll find the Big Mozzie, perched on top of a sign for the Hexham Bowling Club.
Hexam is located near wetlands that are notorious for being full of mosquitos.
Big Headphones (Newcastle)
The town of Newcastle has also joined the party, with a pair of Big Headphones located on Darby Street, one of the city’s two notable eat streets.
One cool factor – these headphones do actually play music! Walk between them to automatically activate the music.
Discover more things to do in Newcastle, while you’re there – including visiting some of its lovely beaches.
The Big Potato (Robertson)
Robertson in New South Wales is home to the Big Potato. Yes, you heard it right, we have a Big Potato in the middle of a park.
Also known as the Big Spud, the structure is said to have been built in the year 1977, by a local potato farmer. This was an attempt to give a tribute to the vegetable that has been the staple of the local farming community for decades in Robertson.
The structure measures about 10 metres long and 4 metres wide. It was designed in such a way that the visitors could actually go in. Now this has been closed and unfortunately, I could not go inside the structure. And the Big Potato has been spray painted brown so it looks like it’s come straight out of the ground.
By Raksha of Solo Passport
Bread Tin Ned Kelly (Jerilderie)
Arguably Australia’s best known bushranger – aka ‘outlaw’ – Ned Kelly worked his magic by robbing, looting and terrorising mostly Victorian rural towns.
Nowadays, Ned is a money-spinning tourist drawcard – he’s already inspired the first feature film ever made, is the subject of many songs and novels, has a popular bakery pie named after him, and plays a starring role as Big Ned Kelly in the small Victorian town of Glenrowan, site of his famous ‘Last Stand’ and subsequent death by hanging.
So how does small town Jerilderie, the only New South Wales town to be ‘honoured’ by Ned’s presence, get a piece of the action and pull in the crowds? By building an eight-foot high statue of Ned in bread tins, of course!
In pride of place at the local bakery, Ned’s namesake isn’t just a unique tribute that none of the other ‘Kelly country’ towns can boast, it’s a cunning way to get visitors to stay longer, spend money in the town AND try a tasty treat while viewing this quirky monument. Highway robbery?
Not really, but somehow, I think the real Ned Kelly would approve!
Marion (aka Red Nomad OZ) blogs at Australia by Red Nomad OZ
HMAS Otway (Holbrook)
An Oberon class submarine is the last thing you would expect to find in an inland NSW town. Yet the HMAS Otway sits partially submerged in parkland in the rural town of Holbrook, between Sydney and Melbourne.
Holbrook resident, Lieutenant Norman Holbrook was the first submariner to receive the Victoria Cross during WWI. The former town of Germantown was subsequently renamed “Holbrook” after their war hero.
Like many bypassed highway towns, Holbrook was seeking an attraction to bring tourists off the Hume Highway during the 1990’s. The idea of acquiring a submarine as a memorial seemed fitting.
The RAN gifted the fin of the decomissioned HMAS Otway to the town of Holbrook in 1995. Local community fundraising and a generous donation from the Holbrook family then enabled the community to acquire the outer skin of the HMAS Otway.
The 89 metre long submarine was installed in Germanton as a memorial to submariners and has become a popular tourist attraction.
The surrounding complex has been developed to provide a cafe and museum. The exhibits on display include photographs and marine artifacts, as well as a mock interior giving gives visitors an idea of what life in a submarine.
Looking for other places to stop off on the road from Sydney to Melbourne? Check out these tourist attractions along the Hume Highway.
Contributed by Lesley of Empty Nester Travel Insights
Big Banana (Coffs Harbour)
This is one of Australia’s first, best known and most iconic Big Things.
This gigantic piece of fruit is the brainchild of John Landi, who built it in 1964 so people would be prompted to pop into his roadside banana stall.
Now the banana is Coff’s best known tourist attraction and the site of a sprawling theme park, containing water slides, laser tag, mini golf and more.
It promises to be a bunch of fun.
Big Bench (Broken Hill)
The Big Bench can be found in outback NSW, in Broken Hill.
It does what it says on the box and is a giant park bench you can climb up and sit on, to make for a highly amusing photograph.
Broken Hill is a mining town which has also been the backdrop for classic Australian movies such as Mad Max and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Big Blue Heeler (Muswellbrook)
Muswellbrook’s Blue Heeler statue has a bit of a checkered past.
It commemorates the Australian Cattle Dog (also known as the Blue Heeler dog), which was first bred at Dartbrook, a property 12 kilometres from the Hunter Valley town.
Slightly awkward though, as Dartbrook is quite close to the smaller town of Aberdeen, which claims to be the birthplace of the Blue Heeler dog and probably more rightly so.
The erection of the statue in 2001 started a war between the two towns, with the statue regularly being vandalised.
The current iteration of the statue, named ‘Big Blue’ sits patiently like the good pup it is on the corner of Bridge and Hill Street in town.
Big Sundial (Singleton)
Singleton’s far less controversial Big Sundial has been marking time since 1987.
It sits at the entrance of Rose Point Park, a fantastic recreational and sporting area in town.
It’s a bit grossly partly financed by a local coal mine – but Singleton does have a long history as a mining town.
Check out the sundial then drop into Rose Point Park for a picnic.
Big Golden Guitar (Tamworth)
This is another one of Australia’s best known Big Things – a giant gold-painted guitar, which sits at the entrance of the regional city of Tamworth.
The guitar is 12 metres tall and weighs half a tonne. It sits outside Tamworth’s Visitor Centre, which includes a souvenir shop, the National Guitar Museum, Country Music Wax Museum and Golden Guitar Cafe.
Tamworth is the ‘Country Music Capital of Australia’ and is best known for its annual Festival, held every January.
Big Bogan (Nyngan)
Many of the country’s Big Things poke fun at Australian culture. The Big Bogan is a delightful example of this.
The statue is named for the local Bogan Shire. It depicts an almost six metre tall man with a goatee, mullet and southern cross tattoo. He’s been fishing, is sticking his thumbs up and has his trusty esky by his side.
Curious as to what a bogan is? Check out this guide to Australian slang words.
Big Merino (Goulburn)
This Australian Big Thing is an easy stopover on any trip between Melbourne and Sydney.
Built in 1985 and standing 15.2 metres high, Rambo is one of the biggest of Australia’s Big Things (you might say he’s woolly big?).
He’s modelled on a stud ram from a local property and overall, pays homage to Goulburn’s fine wool industry.
Drop into Goulburn to marvel at Rambo and check out the adjoining giftshop.
Goulburn is also home to one of Australia’s most unique war memorials – what is basically an inland lighthouse, sweeping a light over the town despite it being hours from the sea.
Big Prawn (Ballina)
The Big (cooked) Prawn has been around since 1989 and is one of Australia’s most iconic Big Things.
It sits across from Bunnings Warehouse on River Street in Ballina.
Big Swan (Dunedoo)
Dunedoo’s Big Swan sits on top of the Swan Hotel in the small town of Dunedoo.
The town almost became home to another big thing, with plans to build a giant toilet and call it the Big Dunny.
Sadly, this never came to pass. However there is some nice silo art in town and it’s part of the world’s largest Solar System drive, which begins in Coonabarabran and ends in Merriwa. Here you’ll find Neptune.
Big Tennis Racquet (Barellan)
Barellan’s Big Tennis Racquet is a monument to tennis superstar Evonne Goolagong Cawley, who hails from the town.
The almost 14 metre monument is a 20:1 replica of Evonne’s battered wooden signature Dunlop racquet.
Big Tooheys Beer Can (Cobar)
One of Australia’s favourite Big Things, this giant beer can sits atop The Grand Hotel in Cobar.
Built in 1991, it can hold the equivalent of 22,000 litres of beer.
Big Things in Australia: Queensland
Big Kangaroo: ‘Matilda’ (Traveston)
Though Matilda currently sits near a servo station in South Queensland, this giant kangaroo once had a much bigger role to play in Aussie history.
In 1982, she served as the primary mascot for the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. Many Commonwealth game viewers found her thirteen meter height and long lashes to give her an unfortunately creepy demeanor.
She then later caused a bit of a stir by giving a slow wink to the Duke of Edinburgh during opening ceremonies.
While she no longer winks at her current location in Traveston, she does retain her famous long lashes.
Overall, Matilda’s glam look makes her the perfect cheesy photo op as you road-trip Queensland’s East Coast.
By Savannah of Savvy Dispatches
The Golden Gumboot (Tully)
Queensland has been known to have many ‘big’ attractions. But one of the most interesting is the ‘Golden Gumboot’ which is located in Tully. The Golden Gumboot is a competition which is held between Tully, Innisfail and Babinda – the 3 wettest towns in Australia given they are located on land which once was within the Wet Tropics Rainforest.
The Golden gumboot – particularly when viewed with the main street area behind it, highlights the amount of rain which fell on Tully – 7.9 metres to be exact, which Tully experienced throughout 1950. This was the highest yearly rainfall an Australian city ever received.
It is made of fibreglass and has a spiral staircase so people can climb up to the viewing platform at the top of the gumboot.
When I was there, it fittingly was a rainy day – but they had seen some nice weather in the days before it – so it isn’t always wet! But small towns like Tully really depend on tourism for survival – so making a detour to any of them is a must. Plus, the gumboot makes for a great photo op!
Contributed by Toni of Enchanted Serendipity
The Big Pelican (Noosaville)
You’ll find The Big Pelican next to the shady parkland on the foreshore of the Noosa River in Noosaville, Queensland.
It was built circa 1977 by Noosa Council as a float for the Festival of the Waters Parade and was used for many parades over the years – it has flapping wings, a rotating head, an opening beak and blinking eyes complete with glamorous eyelashes!
The iconic structure is now owned by Pelican Boat Hire and they orchestrated a renovation of the landmark – upgrading its papier-mâché and chicken wire construction with a steel frame and layers of fibreglass topped with acrylic paint to help it stand the test of time.
It makes a great spot for a photo before you head to The Boat House for a spot of lunch!
Read about more things to do in Noosa in this post.
Karen writes about lifestyle, travel and migration to Australia at SmartStepstoAustralia.
Big Bundy Rum Bottle (Bundaberg)
This giant bottle of rum depicts a bottle of the dark rum that has made Bundaberg Distilling Company a sensation.
Snap a photo with the giant bottle, then tour the distillery.
Big Cassowary (Mission Beach)
Cassowaries are slightly terrifying big birds found in Northern Queensland – the kind you look at and think ‘oh yeah, birds are totally dinosaurs’.
It may be hard to spot one in the wild (and slightly scary too) but you’re guaranteed to see one on Mission Beach, just outside the Wongaling Beach Shopping complex.
This is where the giant Cassowary roosts.
Big Easel (Emerald)
Here’s one of the more whimsical Australian Big Things.
The Big Easel in Emerald is a giant recreation of a Vincent van Gogh painting from his 1888 Sunflower Series.
Painted by Canadian artist Cameron Cross, it’s part of its own series. Two other paintings featuring works from the Sunflower Series can be found in Canada and Kansas, USA.
Emerald has been chosen as one of these places due to its production of the beautiful flowers and annual summer festival.
Big Pineapple (Woombye)
Nothing says ‘tropical’ like a pineapple, so it’s only fitting that the extra large version is located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, specifically in Woombye.
The pineapple is a 16-metre fibreglass structure that allegedly draws over a million visitors a year. If so, it’s one of the most popular Australian Big Things out there.
Big Mango (Bowen)
And while we’re on the topic of giant pieces of fruit, it would be remiss of me not to mention the Big Mango in Bowen.
There’s actually two mangoes to be found in the town – the original Big Mango and the town mascot ‘Kenny’, a smiling, waving humanised mango, not terrifying at all.
Big Deck Chair (Winton)
Right near the open air Royal Theatre in Winton, Queensland you’ll find a giant deckchair – fitting in keeping with the state’s laidback style.
It definitely makes all the other chairs in the theatre look teeny tiny.
Big Stockman (Longreach)
Along with being the birthplace of Australia’s official airline Qantas, Longreach is home to the Big Stockman, who stands outside The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.
Big Things in Australia: Tasmania
Big Penguin (Penguin)
In keeping with the theme of Australian Big Things, a town called Penguin simply must have a giant penguin tucked away somewhere, right?
Thankfully, Penguin in Tasmania have fully seen the sense in this.
This penguin has been sat there doing its thing since 1975. If you’re very lucky, you might glimpse members of the colony of fairy penguins who frolic around Penguin’s shores.
Big James Boag’s Can (Launceston)
James Boag Brewery have painted a tank onsite to resemble a can of their brew.
You can snap a picture with the giant can, before grabbing a drink at their bar or touring their brewery.
Big Thumbs Up (Scottsdale)
This might be one of my favourite Australian Big Things.
The town of Scottsdale have erected a giant ‘thumbs up’ statue, right next to a sign on entry to town.
As part of the most Australian thing ever, one side of the sign says ‘G’day mate, welcome to Scottsdale’ and as you leave, bids you adieu with a ‘Hooroo, travel safely’.
Big Tassie Devil (Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary)
If you want to see a Tassie Devil in both ‘big’ and IRL form, head to Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary. The park has been caring for Tassie’s famous marsupials since 1979, among other threatened and endangered wildlife.
You don’t have to enter the park to get a photo of the devil, as its located at the entrance, but it’s worth checking out to support local conservation projects.
Big Picture Frame (Stanley)
Stanley is one of the best places to visit in Australia and as with most of Tasmania, it’s picture perfect.
This can particularly be seen through the town’s Big Picture Frame, which focuses on ‘The Nut’, which in itself is the remains of an ancient volcanic plug.
You’ll find it at Jimmy Lane Memorial Lookout.
Big Things in Australia: South Australia
Big Pigeon (Adelaide)
This Big Pigeon flew into Rundle Mall in the centre of Adelaide’s CBD in late 2020.
At two metres tall, it commemorates these wily birds that thrive in our urban spaces.
You’ll find it near some other popular statues in the mall, such as the pigs and Mall’s Balls.
Heading to Adelaide? Check out our 3 day itinerary to this fabulously underrated city.
Big Galah (Kimba)
One of Australia’s best known Big Things is the Big Galah in Kimba.
It’s been around since 1993 and roosts at the Halfway Across Australia Tourist Shop, which does what it says on the box.
Big Scotsman (Medindie)
One of, if not the first Australian Big Things, the Big Scotsman was unveiled in 1963.
He stands, forever stoically playing his bagpipes, at the corner of Nottage Terrace and Main North Road in Medindie.
Big Lobster (Kingston)
‘Larry’ as it is affectionately known, is a fine specimen of giant Lobster, who has been hanging around Kingston since 1979.
He stands 17 metres tall and is considered to be one of Australia’s best Big Things.
Big Rocking Horse (Gumeracha)
The Big Rocking Horse is an absolutely adorable giant statue found at The Toy Factory in Gumeracha, South Australia.
Weighing 25 tonnes, the rocking horse is over 18 metres tall and certainly very attention grabbing.
Big Cockroach (Dublin)
Rounding out the list of Big Things in South Australia is a giant cockroach, located in the town of Dublin, north of Adelaide.
He’s been scuttling around since the 1990s and at four metres long, is thankfully not built to size.
Big Things in Australia: Northern Territory
Big Books (Alice Springs)
I like Big Books and I cannot lie – and a town like Alice has a few of them.
The right giant books can fittingly be found at the Alice Springs Public Library and are gigantic renditions of the works of famous British novelist Nevil Shute, who did indeed publish “A Town Like Alice’.
Big Aboriginal Hunter/Anmatjere Man (north of Alice Springs)
The Anmatjere Man is a 17 metre high statue in Anmatjere, around 150 kilometres north of Alice Springs.
Erected in 2005, he represents the Indigenous people who first settled the region thousands of years ago.
You’ll find him on a hill behind the Aileron Roadhouse, overlooking the town.
Big Anmatjere Woman & Child
Three years after the Anmatjere Man was constructed, he got a couple of companions.
The Anmatjere Woman and Child live nearby, alongside a sculpture of a goanna.
These very Australian Big Things are now notable tourist attractions, paying homage to the area’s first settlers.
Big Boxing Crocodile (Humpty Doo)
Along with just generally having a fabulous name, Humpty Doo is home to the world’s largest boxing crocodile – if such a thing were a competition.
It lives at the United fuel station along the Arnhem Highway and was built to celebrate Australia’s win in the 1983 America’s Cup.
Big Dinosaur ‘Kev’ (Palmerston)
It’s great fun when an Australian Big Thing has a nickname. And Big Kev lives up to its name, at a towering 18 metres.
For the record it’s a brachiosaurus and you’ll find it at the local Bunnings.
So next time you’re in Palmerston snag yourself a sanger and snap a selfie with Big Kev.
Big Stubby (Larrimah)
A stubby is, in Aussie slang, a 375ml beer.
Known as the Darwin Stubby, this NT Draught would have a capacity of around 2270ml – that’s an almighty amount of ale.
Now owned by conglomerate Carlton & United Breweries, the NT Draught is no longer commercially produced.
Bizarrely, the bottle is located right next to a statue of a Pink Panther (well, not totally bizarrely, as it’s right next to Larrimah’s Pink Panther Hotel), sitting in a chair and holding its own beer.
Only in the NT.
Big XXXX Beer Can (Ghan)
If you find yourself in the town of Ghan, raise a glass to the XXXX Gold Lager giant yellow beer can, at the Kulgera Roadhouse Motel – the first and last stop for a drink in this corner of Australia.
Completely unrelated, it would seem, is the presence of a huge board of a man and woman wearing bathers, the kind where you can stick your head over the top and pretend that IT’S YOU IN BEACH ATTIRE.
Two funny tourist photos for the price of one stop.
Big Things in Australia: Western Australia
Big Western Rock Lobster (Dongara)
This Big Thing is built in a part of WA that is famous for its delicious rock lobster.
You’ll find it on the corner of the Brand Highway and Moreton Terrace in Dongara- Port Denison.
The Lobster can easily be seen on a road trip from Perth to Kalbarri.
Big Bin (Kalgoorlie)
The world’s tallest bin can be found in the town of Kalgoorlie.
At 8 metres tall, it’s not the most eye-catching of Australia’s Big Things, but it is rather amusing.
It’s there as a reminder to keep the town clean and indeed, was built more than 40 years ago as part of a Tidy Towns Competition.
Big Crocodile (Wyndham)
The Kimberleys is croc country, so fittingly the town of Wyndham has a big’un located in town.
It’s 20 metres long and 3 metres tall and will always greet you with a big, many-toothed smile.
Big Camera (Meckering)
WA’s Big Camera also doubles up as a photography museum.
It’s built to resemble a 35mm camera (you walk through the lens to enter the museum) and within the building, has a range of cameras and film equipment dating back decades.
As an aside, Meckering was near destroyed by an earthquake in 1968. You can see the fault line outside of the town.
Big Orange (Harvey)
In WA’s south west you’ll find a Big Orange, located at Harvey River Estate.
This is an interactive Big Things – visitors are able to climb up and enter the orange, to take in views of surrounding orange orchards.
Dog Rock (Albany)
One of the quirky things about Albany in Western Australia is Dog Rock. While in reality it is just what it says – a rock that looks like a dog – it has an interesting background.
Dog Rock is called ‘Yacka’ by local Noongar population and is probably one of the few rocks to be listed by the National Trust.
As car transport increased in the local area Dog Rock, which juts out into the street, was seen as a danger to motorists so the council decided to get rid of it.
This caused much protest in the town and eventually a Referendum was held and the ‘rock’ was saved.
It was then decorated with a collar to warn motorists of the danger and remains here to this day.
While not one of the most exciting things to do in Albany it is well worth a quick visit.
Contributed by Michele Legging It
Big Things in Australia: ACT
Big Coins (Deakin)
The suburb of Deakin in Canberra happens to be where the Royal Australian Mint is located.
As such, right next to the mint, you’ll find the Big Coins – nine giant renderings of Australian coins, past and present.
Big Powerful Owl (Belconnen)
Belconnen’s Powerful Owl has been the subject of derision in the past.
You’ll probably notice that it somewhat resembles a penis, rather than an owl.
This isn’t the only sculpture in Australia to have this issue. Brings to mind the very phallic Queen’s Wharf Tower in Newcastle and a sculpture in Perth that kinda, unfortunately resembles jizz.
Giant Mushroom (Belconnen)
You’ll find the Giant Mushroom in Belconnen, in Canberra.
At six metres tall, it shelters a kid’s playground underneath its massive cap.
What are your favourite Australian Big Things? Have you stumbled across any other interesting monuments in your travels? Please let me know in the comments.
Australian road trip inspiration
Looking for a bit of guidance? Check out these posts:
- Weekend getaways from Melbourne
- Unique & beautiful places to visit in Victoria
- Guide to the Silo Art Trail in Victoria
- Fantastic things to do on the Great Ocean Road
- Perth to Kalbarri WA: 5 day itinerary
- Newcastle to Melbourne drive: tips & best stops
- Weekend getaways in New South Wales
- The best winter holidays in Australia: State by state
- Highlights of a Tasmanian road trip
So many weird and wonderful sights to see on an Australian Road Trip
Certainly helps break up the monotony of the wide open roads.
Awesome! And not just because I contributed one of these fabulously quirky Aussie monuments – I’ve also found a few new hotspots to put on my Aussie travel list!
I feel similarly!
Yay! Cool monuments. But I find the Bar Code Fountain a bit wierd. hehe. What’s the story behind that fountain?
You’d have to ask Audrey!
Love the barcode fountain Will squeeze it on the next time I find myself travelling that way 🙂
I love driving past the big things such as the Big Mango in Bowen!