Great Aussie road trips are known for rugged terrain, beautiful coastline, and wide, open roads. However, nothing captures the unique Aussie charm like our growing list of ‘Big Things.'
As novelty roadside attractions that started popping up in the late 1960s, the number of Aussie 'Big Things' is now well over 200 across the country.
From the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and the Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast, to the Big Lobster in Kingston, South Australia, these 'big' icons have gained an international cult following and become part of pop culture themselves. Referenced in films, books, and even commemorated in stamp form in 2007, there are fascinating stories behind all of them.
Enjoy this state-by-state list of a few of our favourite big things, then add them to your next Aussie road trip!
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Bowen is famous for its mangoes and you can’t miss this one!
The 10-metre-high Big Mango on the A1 Bruce Highway is just south of the town centre, and was falsely reported as lost in 2014. Still very much alive and well, the Big Mango is the perfect place to pull in for a rest and get a mango selfie, with awesome views over the Whitsundays coastline.
While you're there, be sure to try some of the fresh mango sorbet at the nearby information centre—it's delicious.
The Big Melon: Chinchilla
Credit: Concrete Playground
This roadside attraction celebrates the town's status as the 'Melon Capital' of Australia. This giant watermelon sculpture is an eye-catching representation of Chinchilla's rich agricultural heritage, particularly its production of some of the sweetest and juiciest melons in the country.
The Big Pineapple: Woombye
The Sunshine Coast’s Big Pineapple is easily one of the most famous big things and the tallest pineapple in the world, standing 16 metres high.
A favourite Queensland icon since it was erected in the early 1980s, you can spend a whole day here as there's a treetop rope course, zipline, animal zoo, and miniature train station to play on!
The Big Bulls: Rockhampton
Rockhampton prides itself on being the Beef Capital of Australia.
Six bull statues representing the main breeds of the area are situated throughout the city. These quirky statues are part of the triennial Beef Australia Expo, which has become an iconic event for the Australian beef industry and a major event for the state of Queensland.
One of the original Big Things, Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana was built in 1964 and is arguably the most famous on this list.
Much more than a publicity stunt, the Big Banana is home to a huge family fun park with activities including giant slides, mini golf, a reptile park, and the biggest water park between Sydney and the Gold Coast.
The Big Potato: Robertson
Credit: Visit NSW
The Big Potato is a beloved roadside attraction and a quirky landmark in the region. Standing at an impressive height, this gigantic spud is a testament to the town's agricultural heritage, particularly its history of potato farming. It has become a symbol of the town's unique character and serves as a fun and memorable reminder of the simple pleasures of rural life and the warmth of small Australian communities.
The Big Bogan: Nyngan
Credit: Trip Advisor
This unique and somewhat tongue-in-cheek statue is a representation of the quintessential Aussie larrikin. This enormous, grinning figure, clad in traditional outback attire, embodies the town's sense of humour and camaraderie.
It serves as a light-hearted attraction that pokes fun at outback stereotypes while celebrating the spirit of the Australian bush.
The Big Golden Guitar: Tamworth
The 12-metre-high Big Golden Guitar was unveiled in the bicentennial year of 1988 by Australian country music legend Slim Dusty.
Including an on-site wax museum of country music royalty, it pays tribute to Tamworth's billing as the country music capital of Australia. While you’re in town, visit the nearby Country Music Hall of Fame and National Guitar Museum. Yeehaw!
No trip to the Grampians is complete without a visit to the Giant Koala, 30 minutes from Halls Gap.
This 14-metre-high, 12-tonne statue has been a fixture since 1989 and includes a restaurant, souvenir shop, and animal petting zoo.
The Big Murray Cod: Swan Hill
A monument to Australia’s largest freshwater fish, the Big Murray Cod is a former movie prop turned roadside attraction in the river town of Swan Hill. Check out Eight Ball if you'd like to see its work.
Commemorate your trip to the river with photos of Australia's biggest fish!
Known as ‘Larry’ to locals, the Big Lobster has welcomed visitors to the southeast fishing town of Kingston for over 40 years.
Standing 17 metres tall above a restaurant and takeaway, it’s an ideal spot to pause your road trip along South Australia’s amazing Limestone Coast.
The Big Galah: Kimba
If you’re heading to the Eyre Peninsula from Port Augusta, make a stop in Kimba—a town known for being ‘halfway across Australia’ and home of the Big Galah.
The famous pink and grey bird has been around since 1993 and stands 8 metres high, inspiring more than a few Alf Stewart impressions. If you know, you know!
Credit: Weekend Notes
The 13-metre-long and nine-metre-high ram was built to recognise the ties between Wagin and the wool industry. The sculpture pays homage to the town's strong agricultural heritage and the importance of sheep farming in the region.
The Big Wheelbarrow: Wedgefield
For travellers making the trip up Western Australia’s dazzling coastline, Big Things are few and far between. However, you will find the Big Wheelbarrow in Wedgefield, just outside of Port Hedland.
Commemorating the Pilbara region’s rich mining operations, the giant yellow wheelbarrow is said to be the biggest of its kind in the world.
If you’re heading to Australia’s Red Centre, grab a snap with the Big Beer Can in Ghan, two hours south of Alice Springs.
Located outside the Kulgera Pub, it's reportedly the first and last stop for a drink in the Northern Territory.
The Big Boxing Croc: Humpty Doo
Credit: Big things of Australia
This larger-than-life and somewhat humorous representation of one of Australia's most iconic reptiles, the crocodile, stands 13 metres tall at the United Fuel Station along the Arnhem Highway.
It's a must-see for travellers passing through Humpty Doo, offering a memorable photo opportunity that captures the essence of Australia's unique wildlife and the Northern Territory's playful spirit.
Appropriately, you’ll find the Big Penguin in the town of Penguin, which was named after the fairy penguin (ironically, the smallest penguin species), less than 30 minutes’ drive from Devonport.
The Big Penguin has been there since 1975 and was erected to commemorate the town’s centenary year.
With so many Big Things to see around Australia, it's time to get booking!
