{"id":438602,"date":"2025-06-24T15:45:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T13:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/?p=438602"},"modified":"2025-09-26T13:11:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T11:11:30","slug":"australia-big-things","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/australia-big-things\/","title":{"rendered":"I visited Australia\u2019s best Big Things: Here\u2019s how they rank"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ah, the Big Thing: a quintessential Australian phenomenon, and a rite of passage for anyone embarking on an Aussie road trip.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re wondering what on earth I\u2019m talking about, Big Things<\/a> are large sculptures, usually found on roadsides, varying from actual works of art to more quirky (and questionable) creations. Though there\u2019s no official consensus as to who came up with the name \u201cBig Thing\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. I\u2019m 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\u2019t even all the ones I saw; just the ones I could find a photo of!<\/p>\n

11. Big Mango<\/h2>\n

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Location:<\/strong> Bowen, QLD<\/p>\n

The Big Mango does what it says on the tin: it\u2019s a mango, and it\u2019s big. However, I prefer my Big Things to be a bit more whimsical. If you\u2019re passing through Bowen, you may as well check it out, especially as it\u2019s next to the visitor centre. But I wouldn\u2019t go out of my way for it.<\/p>\n

10. Big Pineapple<\/h2>\n

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Location:<\/strong> Woombye, QLD<\/p>\n

The Big Pineapple is slightly more exciting than the Big Mango, although less so now you\u2019re not allowed to climb the inside of it. There\u2019s a kid\u2019s train, petting zoo and treetops adventure course on-site, but I didn\u2019t try these out so can\u2019t comment on the quality.<\/p>\n

9. Big Banana<\/h2>\n

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Location:<\/strong> Coff\u2019s Harbour, QLD<\/p>\n

Ranking higher than the other fruit sculptures in this state, simply because it\u2019s world-renowned, is the Big Banana. It was one of the few Big Things I\u2019d 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\u2019t put it any higher on my list, despite its fame.<\/p>\n

8. Big Penguin<\/h2>\n

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Location: <\/strong>Penguin, TAS<\/p>\n

What could be more enjoyable than a statue of a penguin in a town called Penguin? I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n

7. Big Tasmanian Devil<\/h2>\n

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Location: <\/strong>Mole Creek, TAS<\/p>\n

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<\/a> in itself!<\/p>\n

6. Big Ned Kelly<\/h2>\n

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Location:<\/strong> Glenrowan, VIC<\/p>\n

To be honest, I didn\u2019t 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<\/a>. So you\u2019re not just getting a cool Big Thing at this stop, you\u2019re also getting a history lesson! <\/p>\n

5. Big Rocking Horse<\/h2>\n

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Location:<\/strong> Gumeracha, SA<\/p>\n

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\u2019s attached to a souvenir shop where you can buy your own rocking horse or other handmade wooden toys. There\u2019s also a wildlife park but I didn\u2019t go in, so can\u2019t comment on its quality.<\/p>\n

4. Big Pigeon<\/h2>\n

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Location:<\/strong> Adelaide, SA<\/p>\n

Yes, it\u2019s a big pigeon. But it\u2019s also a genuine work of art, having been created out of angular, reflective stainless steel. I don\u2019t normally associate pigeons with beauty, so kudos to the sculptor Paul Sloan for his brilliant design! Plus, it\u2019s easy to find, as it sits right outside of the popular Rundle Mall.<\/p>\n

Some bonus Big Things content for you: There\u2019s some debate as to whether the nearby Malls Balls and Giant Hot Dog count as official Big Things. Even if they don\u2019t, you\u2019d be remiss to miss out on these quality pieces of South Australian architecture if you\u2019re in the Adelaide area.<\/p>\n

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3. Big Merino<\/h2>\n

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Location:<\/strong> Goulburn, NSW<\/p>\n

Now we\u2019re 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\u2019ll be pleased to know the Big Merino has been meticulously and realistically sculpted, even down to the genitalia\u2026 As a fun extra, the inside of the merino has been turned into a museum exhibiting the 200-year history of Goulburn, \u2018the Fine Wool Capital of the World’.<\/p>\n

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2. Big Potato<\/h2>\n

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Location:<\/strong> Robertson, NSW<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 30th anniversary, as the movie was shot in the area). Here\u2019s hoping the potato is returned to its glorious poo-brown roots soon.<\/p>\n

1. Giant Koala<\/h2>\n

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Location:<\/strong> Dadswells Bridge, VIC<\/p>\n

She\u2019s beauty, she\u2019s grace\u2026 Well, actually, she\u2019s none of that, but that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhy not combine looking for Australian Big Things with an epic cross-country road trip? Check out our itineraries for more travel inspiration:<\/p>\n