The big things of Australia are large structures, some of which are novelty architecture and some sculptures. In Australia, big things have come to be seen as a uniquely Australian phenomenon, although they emerged at the same time as the so-called Roadside Giants (fibreglass sculptures of things) of the United States. These structures have become affectionately known landmarks scattered throughout the country. In 2022, there were just over 1075 big things in Australia.[1] There are big things in each state and some territories in continental Australia.
History and importance
Originally, many of these big things were conceived as tourist traps strategically placed along major roads, enticing travelers to make a stop and explore the surrounding areas. They served as eye-catching attractions, drawing attention to local businesses and promoting tourism in the region. Over time, these structures have evolved beyond their initial purpose and have acquired a special place in Australian culture.
The big things have garnered significant attention from locals and visitors, becoming something of a cult phenomenon. Travelling to visit and photograph these structures has become a popular activity, inspiring road trips where enthusiasts aim to see as many big things as possible. These journeys often culminate in group photographs, using the larger-than-life structures as unique backdrops and symbols of shared experiences.
Many of the big things have been recognised as works of folk art. Their whimsical and often exaggerated designs reflect the creativity and ingenuity of their creators. Several big things have been heritage-listed, ensuring their preservation and contributing to the country's cultural heritage. These listed structures serve as reminders of the unique character and history of the regions they are located in.[2]
Despite their popularity, some Big Things have faced controversies and potential demolition threats. Factors such as maintenance costs, changing priorities, or debates over their aesthetic value have ignited discussions regarding the delicate balance between preserving cultural icons and allocating resources for alternative purposes.[3][4]
The influence of Australia's big things extends beyond the country's borders. These unique structures have inspired the creation of oversized sculptures and replicas in other parts of the world, highlighting the impact of Australian creativity and cultural exports.[5]
Project of artists Bev Hogg and Elizabeth Patterson, the Galahs mark the entrance to a modern planned community, and represent the concept of new families nesting in the area.
Located in the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets,[6] the Giant Mushroom shelters a children's playground. It was officially launched in 1998 by the ACT Chief Minister.
A bull ant sculpture designed by artist Pro Hart, which was erected in 1980 and originally stood at the Stephens Creek Hotel.[10] It was moved to its current location, next to the Tourist Information Centre in Broken Hill, after being donated to the city in 1990.
Located in the middle of an orchard about 3 km north of Batlow, without public access. Only its top is visible from Batlow-Tumut Road, as it is largely blocked by apple trees.[11]
Located on Caoura Rd at Jim Watling Park. Tallong is home to the big apple and host to the award-winning annual "Apple Day" festival. The Big Apple made its return at the 2016 Apple Day festival.
Located alongside the Kew Visitor Information Centre. The original sculpture was replaced in 2002 as a result of ant induced damage. The Axe was remodelled and a new one was displayed on 26 January 2017.[12]
This 1:40 scale model of Uluru was formerly an attraction at Leyland Brothers World, and later formed the roof of the Rock Restaurant. Technically not a "Big Thing" (as it was substantially smaller than the item it is modelled on), the Rock Restaurant was loosely grouped with the big things as an object of roadside art. It was destroyed in a fire on 31 July 2018.[13]
Sometimes incorrectly claimed to be the first Big Thing in Australia.[14] (The Big Scotsman in Adelaide was built over a year earlier). The Big Banana tourist complex includes a banana-themed souvenir shop, tours of the surrounding plantation and an indoor ski slope.
As part of the Landscapes and Backgrounds exhibition, a 2.5 times scale park bench was constructed on the top of the Line of Lode, which is a high hill of mine deposits in the centre of the city of Broken Hill.
The Big Bogan is the brainchild of Reverend Graham McLeod from Nyngan's St Mark's Anglican Church.[15][16] Located on Pangee Street next to the railway lines. In 2022 a dog was added.[17]
Formerly located in Sawtell, the Big Bunch of Bananas was relocated when the Pacific Highway bypassed the town and now lie just to the south of Coffs Harbour.
The Big Funnel Web Spider was built at Jamberoo Action Park and is a steel, fibreglass and concrete structure 420 times larger than a female Sydney funnel-web spider. It was awarded a Guinness World Record as the Largest Spider Sculpture in August 2015.[21]
Located at Rosby Wines (122 Strikes Lane, Eurunderee) is Tig Crowley's "Water Hammer". Previously located at the Fairview ArtSpace, the Big Hammer was relocated in 2016 when the ArtSpace closed down.
Located on Darby St, this fully operational pair of headphones was designed by Mark Tisdell and built in collaboration with Tom Ireland (fabrication and design detailing), Sean Bell (graphics), Adrian Garner (electrical engineering), Brad Phillips and Rhian Leek (architectural design), with the support of the Darby Street Traders Group.
Made by fibreglass experts Natureworks for Coffs Harbour Zoo, the trio of big koalas were moved to Billabong Zoo in Port Macquarie in 2003 after the Coffs Harbour Zoo closed.
A sculpture of a merino ram, built in 1985.[25] Goulburn and The Big Merino were bypassed by the Hume Highway in 1992, leading to a reduction in visitor numbers. On 26 May 2007, Rambo (as the Merino is locally known) was relocated by low-loader to a new home within sight of the highway.[26]
"Ozzie the Mozzie" at the Hexham Bowls Club is modelled on the local Ochlerotatus alternans mosquito species, known as "Hexham Greys". It includes illuminated eyes which switch on at night.
The Big Motorcycle, is located across the road from the Moo Moo Roadhouse. It is a replica of the Yamaha YZR500 ridden by Wayne Rainey in 1993.[29][27]
Situated in the Australian Reptile Park, and commissioned by the Park's founder, Eric Worrell. The concrete structure, based on the shape of a Diplodocus, is 30 metres long and weighs almost 100 tonnes.[30]
A giant clothes peg located in a field beside the road between Canowindra and the village of Cargo. Designed by the Stacey Family and fabricated by Jake Willis of Canowindra it was inspired by a similar structure in Belgium.[31][32]
The Big Poo was built by local residents as a protest against Sydney Water's decision not to reuse waste water in the area. Built from foam, it was unveiled by Ian Cohen on 29 April 2002.[34]
On 24 September 2009, Ballina Shire Council voted to allow the demolition of the Big Prawn,[35] but this permission was never acted upon. Bunnings purchased the site in 2011 and refurbished the Prawn as part of the redevelopment. The prawn now sits on a stand next to the entrance of the Bunnings Warehouse carpark.[36][37]
A cement cube painted as per a Rubik's Cube on top of a storm water drain on Maroubra Beach. In December 2023 the Big Rubik's Cube was "solved" after being repainted by the original artists.[38]
The Big Spider (named "Not so Itsy" by the artist) was created by Andrew Whitehead, a nearby resident of the town. The spider commemorates the local football club, who were, for many years, known as the Spiders, and is built from a range of materials – including a wash tub and a hot dog muffler.[40][41]
A 25-foot-high (7.6 m) sundial presented as a gift from Lemington Mine, to honour the occasion of the Australian Bicentenary. At the time of its creation, it was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest sundial,[42] and still lays claim to being the largest one-piece sundial in the Southern hemisphere.
The original Big Swaggie and Dog at Billabong Zoo in Port Macquarie was built in the 1990s by Robert Boffa (then owner of the Zoo). The Swagman was relocated in the late 90s when the Pacific Highway was upgraded, but the accompanying Big Dog remains at the original location.
Designed by Andy Lomnici, the Big Trout is located in the town of Adaminaby, near Lake Eucumbene in the Snowy Mountains. It was built from fibreglass over a steel frame, completed in 1973,[44] and repaired and repainted in 2023.[45]
Mortels Sheepskin Factory is home to The Big UGG Boots. These big UGG boots are 13 times the size of a women's AUS/US size 8 UGG boot. The Big UGG Boots are located in the Lower Hunter Region of NSW, Newcastle end of the M1.
A statue of an Eastern Water Dragon(Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii) at Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve.[46] Built by Bill Lawrence, Matt Penboss, and Lynley Kirkness.[47]
Although work started on the Big Windmill in 1972, the death of Franz De Kever in 1974 delayed completion until 1982, as it was not until the site was purchased by Hans Eecen that work was able to resume. The Big Windmill has since changed hands, and is now operated by Mark and Jodi Taylor. The site includes a 41-room motel and a restaurant.[48]
Located approx. 150 km north of Alice Springs at the Aileron roadhouse/ caravan park. It is believed to be modelled on Charlie Quartpot Ngwarray who was an important Anmatyerr leader and rainmaker for the area.[49]
The Anmatjere Man took a year to construct and was created in 2005 by Mark Egan. Until 2008 the Anmatjere Man a.k.a The BIG Aboriginal Hunter stood alone on top of a hill which is accessible for pictures in dry conditions.
In 2008 Mark Egan, creator of the Anmatjere Man, felt the sculpture needed a family and so begun sculpting the "Anmatjere Woman and Child" While the man is located on top of a climbable hill the Anmatjere Woman and child is more accessible and situated just outside Aileron Roadhouse. A goanna was later added.
Outside the United Petroleum station (formerly known as the Bush Shop) on the Arnhem Highway at Humpty Doo. The Boxing Crocodile was built by Ray Park in 1988[50] on a commission by Ray Whear and Marshall Brentnall who was the owner of The Bush Shop at that time. It was created to celebrate Australia winning the America's Cup in 1983 and to assist with attracting tourism to the area. The Boxing Crocodile is Humpty Doo's equivalent to the Boxing Kangaroo.
Dubbed 'Lefty' by locals as one testicle is visibly bigger than the other.
Lefty was originally gray and created as a float for a local parade. Saved from being recycled a local buffalo trading business purchased him as a company mascot but painted him pink to ensure he stood out from the gray business building he once stood proudly in front of.
When the company closed its doors Lefty was auctioned and brought by the car dealership (Travans Cars & Commercials) where he resides to this day.
This large fibreglass Brachiosaurus can be seen on Pierssene Rd, outside Bunnings Palmerston.
It was previously a garden feature for 'Finlays Joint Cafe'. Originally bought by Tom Finlay, a stonemason, to complement a sculptured Dragon in Mr. Finlay's Landscaping supply section of his business. Mr. Finlay also purchased several other large dinosaurs made by the same Philippine-based Dutch company that produces models for adventure parks but began selling them in 2010.
The BIG Frogs can be located outside 'Ramada Suites Zen Quarter Darwin'
Originally the BIG Frogs were located at Tom Finlays 'Get Stoned' masonry but were purchased and relocated after Toms masonry relocated themselves.
The BIG frogs have a sister pair, colorfully painted located within the Berry Springs Wildlife Park.
Located in the carpark of The Original Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruises, just off the Arnhem Highway near the intersection of the Adelaide River. Created 1984 3220 Arnhem Highway Wak Wak NT Australia.
Created by artist Aly de Groot at a cost of $150,000, using a whimsical woven technique. The two jellyfish can be found by the water in Darwin’s East Point Reserve.[51]
Commissioned to celebrate the new estate of Lyons, which was established in 2004 the giant sea turtle was created by Techy Masero with assistance from Larrakia Nation artists.
Unofficially named 'Collin' by Google Maps editors.
From the "Landmark Legends of Stanthorpe", "The original Big Apple, a Granny Smith, lived at the petrol station at Applethorpe from 1978. The steel and fibreglass sculpture stands 4m tall and the apple is 4.5m in diameter. It was crafted by local artisan Johnny Ross. It went into temporary retirement in 2003 when the Applethorpe site was redeveloped. After a brief facelift, the re-grafted apple emerged as a Royal Gala apple slightly north of town at Thulimbah. Its new home is Vincenzo's at the Big Apple, which is situated on the opposite side of the New England Highway to Suttons Apple Orchard & Cidery."[54][55]
Previously from Toowoomba, The 'Big Bowling Pin' was restored and put on display again in 2020 out the front of Maryborough Tenpin Bowl, located at 2 Quarry Court, Maryborough
The Barrel is an interpretive visitors' centre, gift and bottle shop for Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, located at 147 Bargara Road. According to a commemorative plaque inside the Barrel, it was opened by Mark Vaile on 18 November 2005.[citation needed]
These 3 big boomerangs are what remain from the roof of the diner that was built on site and featured in the 1999 Australian film The Paperback Hero with Hugh Jackman and Claudia Karvan[citation needed]
A large shoe mounted on the roof of a car sales yard on the corner of Rode and Gympie Roads (621 Gympie Road). The boot originally came from a boot and footwear factory on the corner of Hale and Caxton Streets in Paddington, operated by the Morris family in 1960. In 1976, the factory became a restaurant called the Spaghetti Emporium, and the boot remained on the roof there until it was brought to its current location in the late 1970s as a marker for Boots Camping.[61]
This has been demolished sometime before December 2021
[62] The Big Brolga was originally located at the Visitor Centre on the Bruce Highway, south of Townsville. It has been removed and is no longer displayed.
Initially there were two bull statues but over time others were added reaching a total of seven. Five of the bulls were created by sculptor Hugh Anderson.[63][64]
"Buffy", short for the cane toad's scientific name 'Bufo Marinus', is located in Broad Street, Sarina.
Built out of Paper Mache in 1983, for a float in the Apex Sugar Festival Parade, the Sarina council eventually cast the Big Toad in fibreglass to become a permanent fixture in the town's centre.[65]
Built by Roberto Paiaro from Cairns, and it originally had "Made in Japan" painted on the lower leg as a joke. Modelled on the explorer James Cook.[66] The statue was taken down in May 2022.[67]
Built by Terry Tebble, senior preparator at the Queensland museum.[74] Located at Seaview Cafe in Cardwell. The original mould is kept at NatureWorks, a company near Samford, QLD.
Located at the Shell petrol station and roadhouse on the corner of Dougall Street and Roe Street (Bruce Highway). Created by proprietor Lex Milner, who owned the service station at the time and wanted to promote his tasty mud crab sandwiches.[75]
Also known as 'Big Ted', this Big Thing is at Hartley's Creek Adventures, a crocodile farm with over 3,000 crocodiles. Big Ted is a life-sized replica of one shot by Krys Pawlowski near Karumba in 1957.[77]
An accurate artist's impression of the largest recorded saltwater crocodile ever killed. "Krys the Savannah King" was shot in 1957 by Krystina Pawlowski on the banks of the Norman River.[78]
Located at the Royal Theatre, an open air picture show, on Elderslie Street. The chair was donated in April 2005 by the Free Masons Taskforce Victoria. Claimed to be the World's largest, but claim has not been verified.[79]
Also known as 'The Big Triceratops' or 'Fruitisforus', this large fibreglass triceratops was originally used as a float in the 1998 Apple & Grape Festival. After the festival, residents placed it on the roadside to help sell fruit for a local fundraiser, and it became a popular landmark. The triceratops was refurbished in 2009 to repair weather damage and then returned to its original post in front of the Ballandean railway station.[80]
A 155 mm (6.1 in) field gun mounted on top of a two-story fruit shop. The gun was in a metal scrap yard that occupied the site in the 1960s before the shops and offices were built in the 70s.[citation needed]
Six years after the Big Pineapple opened the owners built the Big Macadamia nut. Once part of the "Nut Country Tour", the building was eventually converted to the "Rainforest Creatures of the Night" display in 2000. The building is now used as the entrance to the Treetop Challenge.
This statue of seven-year-old Maddie and her teddy bear was created by Academy Award winner John Cox. Maddie and Mike can be found atop a small hill in the Broadwater Parklands.[87]
The Big Mango stands at the tourist information centre in Bowen.[89] In February 2014, the Mango was temporarily "stolen" by restaurant chain Nando's as a publicity stunt.[90][91]
In 2018, Chinchilla won a national competition run by Wotif to create a Next Big Thing as a tourist attraction. The melon was installed next to the town's information centre in November 2018.[95]
This was a public sculpture that once stood on the lot next to Paul's dairy factory on Montague Road. The area is now part of the ramp onto the Go Between bridge, and the fate of the sculpture is unknown. Last photo located on the internet was dated 2007.[citation needed]
Formerly located next to a service station on the Bruce Highway, the Gympie Big Pineapple was demolished in 2008 during redevelopment of the site.[105][106]
The Big Pineapple is a tourist attraction on the Sunshine Coast in South East Queensland, Australia. It is 16 metres high and is claimed to be the world's largest pineapple, gaining this title after a large pineapple-shaped water tower in Hawaii was dismantled in 1993 (see List of World's Largest Roadside Attractions). The pineapple was originally opened on 15 August 1971, and is situated on a 165-hectare site in Woombye.[107][108]
The Big Redback resided on the premises of Redback Landscaping at Eight Mile Plains. The business has since moved to Underwood and disassembled the Big Redback. Inquires have garnered that it is unlikely to be reassembled due to lack of space.[109]
The Big Sausage King sits on the roof of Gray's Modern Meat Mart in Centenary Heights. In 2010 it was stolen, and in spite of 10 kg (22 lb) sausage reward from the store and an additional $500 being offered by radio station Triple M, it was eleven months before it was discovered in a local quarry.[115][116][117]
The Big Shell is the entrance to a Hawaiian / tropical lifestyle store, full of little treasures and shells. The Shell is now under the third owner.[118]
Taking 17 years to develop from the initial proposal to the final unveiling, the Australian Farmer, located in the Wudinna, was carved by artist Marijan Bekic and his son David between 2007 and 2009. Representing the early settlers of the region, the work stands at 8 m (26 ft) in height, and was carved out of approximately 70 tonnes (69 long tons; 77 short tons) of local granite.[126]
The Big Church Block Bottle is no longer on display at the Wirra Wirra Winery, having been removed in 2016. The Big Church Block Bottle, named Our Work of Art, was a 10 m (33 ft) high replica bottle of Wirra Wirra, Church Block wine. The bottle was constructed to launch the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival in March 2010, located at Southbank in Melbourne. The bottle was located in Melbourne from 14 March 2010 through to 19 March 2010 before it was re-located to the Wirra Wirra vineyard in McLaren Vale, during April 2010. The bottle was designed in five sectional pieces, made from steel framework covered in wire mesh. The mesh has been cladded entirely by recycled corks. Each cork was individually drilled and threaded onto elastic before being cable tied around each section of the bottle.[127]
The Big Cockroach is part of the Port Wakefield road sculptures, and features a sign verifying its global size dominance. This is a difficult Big Thing to approach, well inside private land and next to a highway. It was originally constructed in the 1990s, and was almost destroyed in 2013 but saved through public action and returned to the site.[128]
The Big Dice consist of six concrete blocks piled into a small pyramid. They are located 24 km (15 mi) east of Yunta / 20 km (12 mi) west of Mannahill, just off the Barrier Highway at Cockscomb Creek
The Big Dunlop Tyre
Sturt Highway, Yamba
The Big Dunlop Tyre is in Yamba at the Quarantine Inspection Centre - about 4km from the South Australia and Victoria Border on the Sturt Hwy - an hour and a quarter drive west of Mildura.
Residing at the "Halfway Across Australia Tourist Shop" at Kimba, the Big Galah was built from fibreglass over a steel frame by Robert Venning, and was opened in 1993. Modelled on the Galahs that frequent the region, it weighs in the vicinity of 2.3 tonnes (2.5 short tons).[129]
Also known as "Rooey II", the Big Kangaroo can be found at Border Village in South Australia, located just shy of the border with West Australia.[130] Made from papier-mâché and fibreglass over a steel frame, from a design by Bill Metheral, Rooey was intended to capitalise on traffic journeying to Perth for the America's Cup, and was opened in 1986.[131]
Known locally as "Larry", the Big Lobster was designed and built by Paul Kelly (who also designed the Big Scotsman) as a means of attracting attention to the visitor centre and restaurant at which it is located. It was built in six months out of a steel frame with a fibreglass shell. The size is incorrectly said to have been an error: the original plans were drawn in feet, but the designer misinterpreted them to be metres.[132] The Specifications actually required the length to be ~12 metres long and it is a fraction longer than this.[133]
Named Map Kernow, the "son of Cornwall", Map the Miner represents the Cornish miners who once worked at the town of Kapunda. Standing at the southern end of the town, the work was built by Ben van Zetten and opened on 5 June 1988.[134] The statue was destroyed by a fire in 2006,[135] but has since been rebuilt.[136]
The Big Olive was constructed to attract tourists to The Big Olive processing plant and visitors' centre. Located just outside Tailem Bend, it consists of two olives – one green and one black – which together stand at 8 metres (26 ft) and weigh over 1 t (2,200 lb). The olives were constructed out of fibreglass by The Newell Group, and were placed on the site in April 2005.[137]
Located in the South Australian Riverland, the Big Orange was designed by Adelaide-based architect John Twopenny. It is constructed with fiberglass panels covering a steel frame, with the entire structure weighing in the vicinity of 85 tonnes (84 long tons; 94 short tons).[138][139] The structure consists of four levels, with a function room on the first floor, a souvenir shop and cafe on the second, a mural depicting the local scenery on the third, and a lookout on the fourth.[140] The Big Orange closed in 2004, but may still be photographed from the road, and in 2023 plans were approved to redevelop the site while retaining the Big Orange as the centrepiece or the new development.[141]
As with the Big Pelican, the Big Oyster was originally built as a float for a local festival – in this case, Ceduna's annual Oysterfest. Built by Leon Veerhuis out of ferro-concrete, it was retired from parade duties in 1994.[142] It is located next to an information booth on Eyre Highway just north of Ceduna.
The Big Pelican was originally constructed as a float for a local Mardi Gras in 1979. After being employed for this purpose on a number of occasions, including once in Adelaide, the papier-mâché structure was remodelled, and, in 1992, it was overlaid with fibreglass. Today it can be found at the Loxton Caravan Park.[143]
This Big Pelican was carved from a single tree. It includes depictions of a pelican as well as an Indigenous and a European child holding a fish together. It was created by Ants Redgum Gallery and unveiled in August 2015. It is located in Jubilee Park on the Princes Highway (B1)
The Big Pigeon is a mirrored stainless steel sculpture by South Australian artist Paul Sloan, installed in Rundle Mall Adelaide, on 6 November 2020. The pigeon is more than 2 metres tall, and cost $174,000.[144]
The Big Ram in Karoonda recognises the importance of the sheep industry in the region. Instigated by the Karoonda Development Group and located on the Railway Lawns, the Big Ram is 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) high and 3 metres (10 ft) long, and is built from concrete. It was completed in 2003.[145]
Part of a complex that includes a wooden toy factory and a wildlife park, the Big Rocking Horse in the Adelaide Hills stands at over 18 metres tall and weighs more than 25 tonnes. Designed by David McIntosh and John Twopenny (the latter also designed The Big Orange), it took eight months to build at a cost of over $100,000. The steel structure incorporates three viewing platforms.[146]
In 2015, the Big Santa was moved to his new home at the Adelaide Central Market, after building changes in Rundle Mall removed the canopy he used to stand on.
Now the Big Santa stands proud each Christmas on the Market's red brick Grote Street tower, built in 1900, and has become the new home for the Christmas feature, which weighs almost three tonnes.
The Big Scotsman, affectionately known as 'Scotty', was erected in December 1963 and thus predated the Big Banana by a year. Located at Scotty's Motel on the corner of Main North Road and Nottage Terrace in the inner-city suburb of Medindie, the Big Scotsman was designed by Paul Kelly, who later went on to build the Big Lobster.[147]
The Big Winch acknowledges Coober Pedy's opal-mining industry. Built by Klaus Wirries in the 1970s, the original Big Winch was destroyed in 1986 and rebuilt shortly thereafter.[150]
Built in 1973 by Henry Jones, the Big Yabby resides at the Murray River town of Clayton, and originally sat outside his family's Yabby City Restaurant. While the concrete yabby remains, the restaurant has since changed both owners and name to become Sails at Clayton, and yabbies are no longer on the menu.As of 2015[update], the Yabby is no longer there.[151][152] The Big Yabby now resides next to a private house in Clayton Bay and can be seen from the street in 2020.
A rotating fibre glass replica of an abalone that sat illuminated and rotating atop a 5.3 m (17 ft) tower at the Plummer Road premises of the Australian Abalone Exports office.[155] Now demolished.
The Apple was removed from display at the road side when the adjacent fruit shop closed down. It used to sit behind a fence next to a dumpster however this has now been removed. There is now a concrete version that is not quite as grand.
The fibreglass Big Apple hangs from a pole outside the Gladysdale Primary School which is the home of the annual Gladysdale Apple and Wine Festival. After sustaining damage from vandals some time ago it has been restored to its former glory by a local builder and aircraft engineer.
The Apple is restored and hanging up as of March 31st, 2024
The Giant Koala is 27 km (17 mi) north-west of Stawell in the small township of Dadswells Bridge. The Koala is 14 m (46 ft) high, and weighs 12 tonnes (12 long tons; 13 short tons). It is made of bronze set on a steel frame. The sculptor is Mr Ben Van Zetton who was hired in 1988 to design and construct the piece. In 2009 it was renamed Sam to commemorate a koala rescued from bush fires.[157]
The Big Mallee Fowl consists of two corrugated iron Mallee Fowl sculptures which were installed by artist Phil Rigg in 2013. They are located on the grounds of the old railway yards on Federation Street (opposite the hotel).
Located at Gold Rush Golf on the Western Highway (M8) on the eastern side of Ballarat with the Big Ned Kelly.
"The Big Miner stands as a tribute to the tens of thousands of gold prospectors who frequented regional Victoria during the second half of the nineteenth century.
The statue stands 8 meters tall (6 meters of statue on a 2-metre base). It has been hand sculptured from polystyrene and has a 1.5 ton steel frame. The 2-metre high concrete base is approximately 15 tons.
It was designed by Wayne Johnston of 3D Theme Concepts and sculptured by Steve Bristow.
Ballarat Mayor, David Vendy, officially unveiled the statue on 1 December 2006."
The Big Pheasant sits at the entrance to Gumbuya Park. It was the victim of an attack by a vandal in October 2011,[158] causing $50,000 of damage,[159] and was restored to its previous condition by April 2012.
This Chair "Arthurs Seat" was positioned on 1 December 1989 in an effort to maintain tradition. Its two predecessors both lost in history also accommodated many an important backside.
The Wine Bottle was the towns original water tower in the 1900s. The tower became a backup supply once the new reservoir was constructed in 1945. The mesh top section was erected in December 1969 with funds from the Rutherglen Wine Festival, and from a distance gives the effect of a large wine bottle.
Formerly located on the Bass Highway in Bass, the Giant Worm was built to celebrate the Gippsland Giant Earthworm in 1985 and sold in 2000 to the present owner.[162] It contained interactive displays. Closed to the public since 2010 and covered in graffiti. Demolished in December 2020.[163] It was also home to Rosie the Shark, which has now been relocated to a Gem Museum in Devon Meadows.
A working water barometer being the largest barometer in the world, recognised by the Guinness Book of Records. Built in the Netherlands by Bert Bolle and donated to the community of Denmark in 2007. The barometer was considered a monument and carried the name 'The Bert Bolle Barometer'. It was set up in The Barometer Tower in the Denmark Visitor Centre, but was removed in 2011
The eight metre tall bat was constructed by Tony Poad, who has revived the local general store into not only a thriving mixed business, but also a cricketing museum. Although the museum is located at the general store, the Big Cricket Bat is situated at the local cricket ground. Accompanying the Bat is the world's first known cricket oval cricket bat fence, which is essentially the boundary picket fence with eh top and bottom rails made out of normal planks and the vertical pickets are cricket bats. The fence is currently unfinished and it is assessed that the builders (who are on the local cricket team and led by Tony Poad) need approximately 2,000 more bats to complete the project.
Situated at the 'Yummylicious Candy Shack' lolly shop at 89 Morgans St, Ravensthorpe, WA. Also home to some big Liquorice allsorts.
The Big Marron
The Capel Marron Farm,
313 Goodwood Road, Capel WA 6271
Known as "Rex of the River", based on the local species of freshwater crayfish, the Cherax tenuimanus. The Big Marron is located Capel Marron Farm, between Capel and Donneybrook.
The world's largest permanent periodic table of the elements can be found on the side of the five storey science building (Building 15) at Edith Cowan University and can be viewed from a smaller periodic table picnic table nearby. The periodic table is more than 4 times larger than the previous largest at the University of Murcia in Spain. It was inaugurated to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the table's creation by Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev.
The world's largest wooden pendulum clock. Built in the Nannup by Kevin Bird and housed in a purpose-built tower it opened to the public as a tourist attraction in January 2019. Made out of local timber Jarrah and Sheoak. The clock was removed in May 2019; only the building remains.
A 4m wooden carved cross legged bull, resting its chin on its left hoof and holding a wine goblet in its right hoof. Fergus is the mascot for Ferguson Valley, an area in Dardanup.
In 2004, the Foxtel channel TV1 featured Magda's Big Things hosted by Magda Szubanski between commercial programming. Szubanski would visit a "Big Thing" and provide amusing, but often fictional, commentary. Magda's Big Things was the winner of the 2004 ASTRA Award for Most Outstanding Australian Production Short Form.
In 2022, Australian confectionary brand Allen's released a gummy lolly mix called Big Aussie Road Trip containing 5 gummy sweets inspired by the Big Things.[170]
In 2023, Melbourne punk band Private Function released their third album 370HSSV 0773H. The album cover included a scratchcard competition to win $2999, a test pressing of the album and the winner's face on all future pressings of the album if all three scratchcard pictures matched. The scratchcard pictures included photos of the Big Banana and the Big Koala.[171][172]
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^Only Melbourne. "BIG Things in Melbourne". onlymelbourne.com.au. Ripefruit Media. Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
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