Big Things

There are approximately 150 “Big Things” scattered throughout Australia. They may look like eyesores, but to locals and to visitors from overseas they're a cult phenomenon, and uniquely Australian. For tourists, these strange creations represent the fun and frivolous nature of Australia, and the unique ability of Australians to take life less seriously.

In 2008, Australia Post issued a set of postage stamps to commemorate five of the most iconic Big Things in the country; The Big Banana; The Big Pineapple; The Big Merino; The Big Lobster and The Big Golden Guitar. These kitsch landmarks are very much a part of Australia’s heritage and identity.

Top Big Things to visit are:

1. The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, NSW. One of Australia’s first Big Things, the Big Banana is home to great family activities such as ice-skating, downhill toboggan rides, waterslide and of course, a banana plantation and information on the banana growing history in the area.

2. The Big Pineapple, Woombye, QLD. Opened in the early 1970’s, the Big Pineapple stands at 16 metres tall. Within the Pineapple is a small train that takes visitors on a tour of the Pineapple plantation. Also part of the plantation is a small animal farm where you can feed animals such as deer, a donkey, alpacas, pigs, chickens and ducks.

3. The Big Merino, Goulburn, NSW. This is the biggest Merino in the world, weighing 97 tonnes and standing at a staggering 15.2 metres tall. Within the belly of the Merino you will find all things wool, historical information and a gift shop.

4. The Big Lobster, Kingston SE, South Australia. The Big Lobster, or Larry as he is locally known, was originally built to draw attention to the Visitor Information Centre and seafood restaurant. It was also supposed to be 3 times smaller than it actually is. It stands at 17 metres tall.

5. The Big Golden Guitar, Tamworth, NSW. Standing at 12 metres high, the Big Golden Guitar is Tamworth’s tribute to country music, being a replica of the Annual Country Music Awards, held every year in the town.

6. The Big Captain Cook, Cairns, QLD. Standing at 7 metres tall and 2 metres wide, this tribute to Captain Cook celebrates his discovery of the Australian East Coast.

7. The Big Prawn, Ballina, NSW. Set a top a gift shop at the entrance to Ballina, the Big Prawn is an icon that locals are very attached to. In 2009 council approved the demolition of the Big Prawn much to local’s disgust. A petition was launched, a Facebook page created and protests held – all to save the beloved Prawn. The fate of the Big Prawn is still unknown. You can’t miss this icon as you drive into Ballina from the southern end of the highway.

8. The Big Ned Kelly, Glenrowan, VIC. Big Ned is a tribute to Australia’s most well known bush ranger, who made his last stand with the rest of the Kelly Gang in Glenrowan. Big Ned stands tall over the township, at 6 metres high and 2 metres wide.

9. The Big Boxing Crocodile, Humpty Doo, NT. If you are on a road trip up to Kakadu or Darwin, why not check out the impressive Big Boxing Crocodile. It stands at 8 metres high and is 8 metres long, located outside the Bush Shop.

10. The Big Pie, Yatala, QLD. Located half way between the Gold Coast and Brisbane is the Yatala Pie Shop. The Big Pie sits atop a 10 metre high pole. Why not drive through, buy a pie and check it out!

Other ‘Big Things’ worth a look include The World's Biggest Sundial at Singleton NSW; The Big Trout at Adaminaby NSW; Big Crocodile at Normanton QLD; The Golden Gumboot at Tully QLD; The Big Mango at Bowen QLD; The Big Church Block Bottle at McLaren Vale SA; The Big Penguin at Penguin TAS; and the Giant Murray Cod at Swan Hill VIC.
Hero Image "The Big Banana" credit By sixty4coupe