Ah, the Big Thing: a quintessential Australian phenomenon, and a rite of passage for anyone embarking on an Aussie road trip.
If you’re wondering what on earth I’m talking about, Big Things are large sculptures, usually found on roadsides, varying from actual works of art to more quirky (and questionable) creations. Though there’s no official consensus as to who came up with the name “Big Thing”, we do know they started appearing in towns in the 1960s as a way to drive tourism to lesser-visited parts of Australia, and are still incredibly popular to this day.
There are now hundreds of Big Things by different artists scattered all across the country, and I managed to visit quite a few during my working holiday. I’m ranking them in terms of how iconic they are, to help you narrow down which ones are worth a stop and which ones you can skip. To give you an idea of just how many Big Things there are, these aren’t even all the ones I saw; just the ones I could find a photo of!
11. Big Mango
Location: Bowen, QLD
The Big Mango does what it says on the tin: it’s a mango, and it’s big. However, I prefer my Big Things to be a bit more whimsical. If you’re passing through Bowen, you may as well check it out, especially as it’s next to the visitor centre. But I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.
10. Big Pineapple
Location: Woombye, QLD
The Big Pineapple is slightly more exciting than the Big Mango, although less so now you’re not allowed to climb the inside of it. There’s a kid’s train, petting zoo and treetops adventure course on-site, but I didn’t try these out so can’t comment on the quality.
9. Big Banana
Location: Coff’s Harbour, QLD
Ranking higher than the other fruit sculptures in this state, simply because it’s world-renowned, is the Big Banana. It was one of the few Big Things I’d heard of before travelling to Australia, and one of the first I got to see in person. It is, however, just a big banana, so I can’t put it any higher on my list, despite its fame.
8. Big Penguin
Location: Penguin, TAS
What could be more enjoyable than a statue of a penguin in a town called Penguin? I’m generally more of a fan of the animal sculptures than the inanimate objects. The town is very cute and has penguin artwork and murals everywhere. However, in the grand scheme of Big Things, the Big Penguin is actually quite small, at just over 3 m tall. If Penguin had made him even bigger, I would have ranked the penguin much higher on the impressive Big Things scale.
7. Big Tasmanian Devil
Location: Mole Creek, TAS
Unlike some of the more meaningless sculptures, the Big Tasmanian Devil actually represents an important cause. Located just outside the Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, the Tassie Devil is intended to bring awareness to the necessary conservation of this endangered species. I recommend this Big Thing since Trowunna is a must-visit in itself!
6. Big Ned Kelly
Location: Glenrowan, VIC
To be honest, I didn’t know much about Australian outlaw, gang leader and bank robber Ned Kelly until passing through Glenrowan. Turns out, Glenrowan was the place where the Kelly Gang had their last siege. If you want to learn more, you can tour the history museum and homestead, or even witness an animatronic re-enactment of Ned’s last stand at Kellyland. So you’re not just getting a cool Big Thing at this stop, you’re also getting a history lesson!
5. Big Rocking Horse
Location: Gumeracha, SA
The Big Rocking Horse is unique in that you can actually climb it. Standing at 18 m tall, this is well and truly a Big Thing. It’s attached to a souvenir shop where you can buy your own rocking horse or other handmade wooden toys. There’s also a wildlife park but I didn’t go in, so can’t comment on its quality.
4. Big Pigeon
Location: Adelaide, SA
Yes, it’s a big pigeon. But it’s also a genuine work of art, having been created out of angular, reflective stainless steel. I don’t normally associate pigeons with beauty, so kudos to the sculptor Paul Sloan for his brilliant design! Plus, it’s easy to find, as it sits right outside of the popular Rundle Mall.
Some bonus Big Things content for you: There’s some debate as to whether the nearby Malls Balls and Giant Hot Dog count as official Big Things. Even if they don’t, you’d be remiss to miss out on these quality pieces of South Australian architecture if you’re in the Adelaide area.
3. Big Merino
Location: Goulburn, NSW
Now we’re getting into the creme de la creme of Big Things. At 15 m tall, the giant merino ram is on the taller end of the Big Things scale. You’ll be pleased to know the Big Merino has been meticulously and realistically sculpted, even down to the genitalia… As a fun extra, the inside of the merino has been turned into a museum exhibiting the 200-year history of Goulburn, ‘the Fine Wool Capital of the World’.
2. Big Potato
Location: Robertson, NSW
Just missing out on the top spot is the Big Potato or, more affectionately known by the locals, the Big Poo. If only it had been kept as a potato, I might have put it first. However, the Big Potato has currently been painted pink and is now Big Babe (in honour of Babe the pig’s 30th anniversary, as the movie was shot in the area). Here’s hoping the potato is returned to its glorious poo-brown roots soon.
1. Giant Koala
Location: Dadswells Bridge, VIC
She’s beauty, she’s grace… Well, actually, she’s none of that, but that’s why the Giant Koala is number one on my list of iconic Big Things. This koala has definitely seen some things in its time, which, to me, is peak Aussie humour. I dare you to stop at the Giant Koala and not get enjoyment out of staring into those unnerving, unhinged eyes. Ten out of ten, no notes.
(1) Comment
that koala is funny and scary
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