If you’re anything like us, you’ll know that a good road trip is all about the journey, not just the destination. But what if we told you that along Australia’s endless highways, there are some quirky, oversized landmarks that make the journey even more fun? Big Things in Australia – a series of larger-than-life statues scattered across this vast country. These enormous icons are as Aussie as kangaroos and Vegemite, and they’re just begging to be part of your travel adventure!

We’ve been lucky enough to hit up a few of these Big Things ourselves on our journey around Australia, and let me tell you – they are absolute gems. Whether you’re travelling with little ones (like our toddler Nikolas, who can’t get enough of the Big Animals) or just young at heart, these stops are sure to add a touch of whimsy to your adventure. So buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a Big Thing road trip you won’t forget!

What Are Australia’s Big Things?

Australia’s “Big Things” are a series of large-scale sculptures scattered across the country, created to promote tourism and celebrate local culture and industry. The phenomenon began with the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, NSW, which was built in 1964. Since then, more than 150 of these massive icons have popped up in various shapes and sizes, from the gigantic to the more modest (and sometimes a bit quirky). Some of the largest can reach up to 20 meters high, while others are more humble but still add a dash of charm to your travels. Just to mention a few The Big Poo in Kiama is certainly a unique subject for sculpture, together with Big Rabbit Trap found in Albert, Big Deck Chair in Winton, or a Big Cane Toad in Sarina. There is something for everyone!

Why You Should Visit Australia’s Big Things

First off, why bother with these oversized oddities? Well, for starters, they’re a brilliant way to break up those long stretches of road. Each Big Thing has its own quirky charm, and they make for fantastic photo ops. Plus, many of them are located in or near towns that are worth a visit in their own right. You’ll find local history, delicious food, and plenty of friendly locals ready to share their stories.

For us, the Big Things also offer a unique way to see Australia. They’re scattered all over, which means you’ll end up exploring parts of the country you might not have visited otherwise. And trust me, there’s something delightfully Aussie about pulling up next to a giant piece of fruit or a colossal animal statue!

The Ultimate Big Things Itinerary

Without further ado, here’s a list of the most visited, iconic, and impressive Big Things across Australia. These are the stops you won’t want to miss on your Big Things road trip adventure:

Queensland: The Sunshine State

The Big Mango – Bowen

 Location: Bowen, QLD

 What It Is: An enormous 10-meter-tall mango that celebrates Bowen’s reputation as the mango capital of Australia.

What to Do: Snap a pic with the Big Mango, then head to the nearby Bowen Visitor Information Centre for some locally grown mango treats. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’re in for a real treat – Bowen’s mangoes are the stuff of legend.

Family Fun: The kids will love the tropical vibes, and there’s plenty of space for them to run around.

Our Take: We couldn’t resist pulling over for a pic with this one! The bright orange mango is hard to miss and even harder to pass up.

The Big Pineapple – Woombye

Location: Woombye, QLD

What It Is: A giant, 16-meter-tall pineapple that’s been a Sunshine Coast icon since the 1970s.

What to Do: Climb up inside the Big Pineapple for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Don’t forget to check out the onsite markets, café, and the Pineapple Train – a hit with the little ones.

Family Fun: The Pineapple Train is a must-do for families, and there’s also a small zoo with animals that will keep the kids entertained.

Fun Fact: The Big Pineapple was once voted one of Queensland’s top tourist attractions!

The Big Bundy Bottle – Bundaberg

Location: Bundaberg, QLD

What It Is: A massive 6-meter tall bottle of Bundaberg Rum, paying homage to the region’s famous distillery.

What to Do: Visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery to learn about the history of this iconic Aussie spirit, and pick up some limited-edition rum to take home.

Family Fun: While the distillery tour is more for the adults, there’s a museum and gardens that the whole family can enjoy.

Fun Fact: The Big Bundy Bottle stands at the entrance of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, one of Queensland’s most popular tourist destinations.

The Big Cow – Nambour

Location: Nambour, QLD

What It Is: A 6-meter long and 3-meter tall cow statue celebrating the dairy farming industry of the region.

What to Do: Take a quick photo stop with the Big Cow, then explore the nearby markets and cafes.

Family Fun: The kids might enjoy a farm tour nearby where they can see real cows and other farm animals.

Fun Fact: The Big Cow was part of the Sunshine Coast Dairy Museum, which closed in 2004, but the cow remains as a tribute to the area’s agricultural heritage.

New South Wales: The Big State with Big Surprises

The Big Banana – Coffs Harbour

Location: Coffs Harbour, NSW (just over the border)

What It Is: One of Australia’s most famous Big Things, this 13-meter-long banana has been delighting visitors since 1964.

What to Do: Explore the Big Banana Fun Park, which includes a water park, mini-golf, ice skating, and more. Don’t leave without trying the frozen banana – a local specialty.

Family Fun: The fun park is an all-day affair, with attractions for all ages. Nikolas had an absolute blast here!

Our Take: This was a highlight of our trip – we spent a full day at the fun park, and Niki couldn’t get enough of the rides. Plus, who doesn’t love a giant banana?

The Big Prawn – Ballina

Location: Ballina, NSW

What It Is: A 9-meter tall prawn that pays homage to Ballina’s fishing industry.

What to Do: Stop for a photo with the Big Prawn, then head to a local seafood restaurant for some of the freshest prawns you’ll ever taste.

Family Fun: The kids might get a kick out of seeing such a big prawn up close, and there’s plenty of beach nearby to burn off some energy.

Fun Fact: The Big Prawn was saved from demolition by popular demand and has since been restored to its former glory.

The Big Merino – Goulburn

Location: Goulburn, NSW

What It Is: A giant ram standing 15 meters tall, celebrating the wool industry of Australia.

 What to Do: Climb up inside the Big Merino for views from the ram’s eyes. There’s also a gift shop with all things woolly, perfect for picking up a cozy souvenir.

Family Fun: A great stop for animal-loving kids – the Big Merino is an iconic piece of Aussie farming history.

Fun Fact: The Big Merino is nicknamed “Rambo” by the locals.

The Big Golden Guitar – Tamworth

Location: Tamworth, NSW

What It Is: A 12-meter tall golden guitar celebrating Tamworth’s status as the country music capital of Australia.

What to Do: Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to learn more about Australia’s country music history.

Family Fun: If you time your visit right, you can catch the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival – a must-do for music lovers.

Fun Fact: The Big Golden Guitar is an exact replica of the trophies awarded at the Tamworth Country Music Awards.

Victoria: The Garden State

The Big Koala – Dadswells Bridge

Location: Dadswells Bridge, VIC

What It Is: A towering 14-meter-tall koala that has become a beloved roadside attraction.

What to Do: Snap some photos with the Big Koala, then visit the gift shop for koala-themed souvenirs.

Family Fun: Nikolas loved this one – the Big Koala was definitely one of his favourites. If your little ones are fans of animals, this is a must-visit.

Fun Fact: The Big Koala is made of bronze and fiberglass, and it’s one of the largest koala statues in the world.

The Big Ned Kelly – Glenrowan

Location: Glenrowan, VIC

What It Is: A towering statue of Australia’s infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly.

What to Do: Learn about the history of Ned Kelly and his gang at the nearby Ned Kelly Museum. The Big Ned Kelly is a perfect spot for history buffs and anyone interested in Australia’s wild past.

Family Fun: The museum is kid-friendly, with interactive exhibits that bring Ned Kelly’s story to life.

Fun Fact: Ned Kelly’s final stand took place in Glenrowan, making this stop a must for anyone interested in Australian history.

The Big Mallee Root – Ouyen

Location: Ouyen, VIC

What It Is: A 6-meter long sculpture of a mallee root, celebrating the tough local farming community.

What to Do: Take a stroll around the local area and learn about the region’s agricultural heritage.Family Fun: A quiet stop that offers a bit of history and some interesting photo opportunities.

Fun Fact: The Mallee root symbolizes the tough and resilient spirit of the Mallee farmers.

South Australia: The Festival State

The Big Lobster – Kingston SE

Location: Kingston SE, SA

What It Is: A massive 17-meter tall lobster, affectionately known as “Larry the Lobster.”

What to Do: Grab a meal at the nearby café, where you can sample fresh seafood, including – you guessed it – lobster. The Big Lobster also makes for a fantastic photo op. Family Fun:** There’s plenty of space around the Big Lobster for the kids to run around, and the nearby beach is perfect for a family picnic.

Our Take: We couldn’t pass up the chance to meet Larry – and neither should you! Nikolas was fascinated by the size of this giant crustacean.

The Big Galah – Kimba

Location: Kimba, SA

What It Is: A 7-meter tall statue of a galah, one of Australia’s most iconic birds.

What to Do: Stop for a photo with the Big Galah, then explore the charming town of Kimba, which is known as the halfway point across Australia.

Family Fun: The Big Galah is a quick and fun stop for bird-loving kids. Kimba also has a great mural trail that’s worth checking out.

Fun Fact: The Big Galah has been standing tall in Kimba since 1993 and has become a symbol of the town’s quirky charm.

The Big Scotsman – Medindie

Location: Medindie, SA

What It Is: A 5-meter-tall Scotsman that stands proudly at the entrance to Scotty’s Motel.

What to Do: Take a quick photo with the Big Scotsman and explore nearby Adelaide.

Family Fun: Adelaide offers plenty of family-friendly activities, so this is a great base for exploring the city.

Fun Fact: The Big Scotsman was designed by Paul Kelly, the same artist who created the Big Lobster.

Western Australia: The Wild West

The Big Crocodile – Wyndham

Location: Wyndham, WA

What It Is: A massive 20-meter-long crocodile, making it one of the biggest Big Things in Australia.

What to Do: Get up close with this enormous croc, then explore the nearby Five Rivers Lookout for stunning views of the surrounding area.

Family Fun: If your kids are anything like Niki, they’ll be all over this one. It’s not every day you see a crocodile this size!

Fun Fact: The Big Crocodile was built to celebrate Wyndham’s status as a gateway to the Kimberley region, which is known for its wild landscapes and – you guessed it – crocodiles.

The Big Ram – Wagin

Location: Wagin, WA

What It Is: A gigantic statue of a merino ram, standing 9 meters tall.

What to Do: Take a photo with the Big Ram, then learn about Wagin’s sheep farming history at the local museum.

Family Fun: The Big Ram is a fun stop for families, and the nearby park has plenty of space for a picnic.

Fun Fact: The Big Ram is the largest merino statue in the southern hemisphere.

The Big Camera – Meckering

Location: Meckering, WA

What It Is: A giant camera that houses a museum dedicated to photography and local history.

What to Do: Explore the camera museum and learn about the history of photography. This stop is great for photography enthusiasts or anyone who loves quirky attractions.

Family Fun: The museum has plenty of interesting exhibits that will keep the kids entertained.

Fun Fact: The Big Camera is one of the only Big Things that you can actually go inside and explore.

Northern Territory: The Top End

The Big Boxing Crocodile – Humpty Doo

Location: Humpty Doo, NT

What It Is: A 13-meter tall crocodile dressed as a boxer, making it one of the quirkiest Big Things in Australia.

What to Do: Snap a pic with this boxing croc, then head to a nearby pub for a cold drink. The locals are always up for a chat!

Family Fun: This one’s a hit with kids and adults alike – who doesn’t love a crocodile with boxing gloves?

Fun Fact: The Big Boxing Crocodile was built to celebrate the quirky spirit of Humpty Doo, a small town with a big personality.

The Big Camera – Meckering

Location: Meckering, WA

What It Is: A giant camera that houses a museum dedicated to photography and local history.

What to Do: Explore the camera museum and learn about the history of photography. This stop is great for photography enthusiasts or anyone who loves quirky attractions.

Family Fun: The museum has plenty of interesting exhibits that will keep the kids entertained.

Fun Fact: The Big Camera is one of the only Big Things that you can actually go inside and explore.

Tasmania: The Island State

The Big Penguin – Penguin

Location: Penguin, TAS

What It Is: A 3-meter tall penguin statue, a nod to the town’s name and its adorable wildlife.

What to Do: Take a photo with the Big Penguin, then explore the nearby beach and enjoy a walk along the scenic coastline.

Family Fun: The kids will love seeing this big bird, and the beach is a perfect spot for a family picnic.

Fun Fact: The Big Penguin is dressed up in different outfits throughout the year to celebrate various events and holidays.

The Big Tasmanian Devil – Mole Creek

Location: Mole Creek, TAS

What It Is: A statue celebrating Tasmania’s famous and fierce little marsupial.

What to Do: Visit the nearby Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary to see real Tasmanian devils up close and learn about the conservation efforts to protect them.

Family Fun: The sanctuary is a great family-friendly stop where kids can learn about local wildlife and conservation.

Fun Fact: The Tasmanian devil is the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial, and Mole Creek is one of the best places to see them in the wild.

The Big Apple – Spreyton

Location: Spreyton, TAS

What It Is: A large apple statue that celebrates the region’s apple orchards and cider industry.

What to Do: Stop by a local orchard to pick your own apples or sample some of the region’s famous cider.

Family Fun: Orchard tours are available for families, and the kids will enjoy picking their own apples straight from the tree.

Fun Fact: Tasmania is known as the Apple Isle, and Spreyton is home to some of the best apples and cider in the country.

A Few Tips for Your Big Things Adventure

Plan Your Stops

Some of these Big Things are in remote areas, so plan your route accordingly. Make sure you’ve got plenty of fuel, snacks, and water on board – and don’t forget to check for nearby campgrounds or caravan parks.

Make It a Photo Challenge

Create a fun game for the kids (or yourself!) by trying to capture the best photos of each Big Thing. You can even create a scrapbook or photo album at the end of your trip.

Explore the Surroundings

While the Big Things are the main attraction, don’t forget to explore the towns and regions they’re in. There’s often a lot more to see and do, from local markets to historical sites.

Check for Tours

Some Big Things are located near guided tours or other attractions. For example, in Goulburn, you can take a tour of a local sheep farm, or in Wyndham, explore the Kimberley with a guided tour.

Keep the Kids Entertained

If you’re travelling with little ones like we are, plan plenty of pit stops. The Big Things are great for stretching legs, and many of them have parks or open spaces nearby where the kids can run around.

Wrapping Up Your Big Things Adventure

Australia is home to over 150 Big Things, and new ones are still being added! While we’ve highlighted some of the most iconic, there are many more quirky landmarks to discover. From the Big Peanut in Queensland to the Big Potato in NSW, each sculpture has its own unique story. There are animals, plants, fruits, and veggies but also very random objects to be seen. I have to admit going through the list there were pretty surprising sculptures like The Big Malee Root in Ouyen, The Giant Worm in Bass, or the Big Tap in Cowesor, not to mention the Big Cockroach in Port Wakefield, The Big Rabbit Trap in Albert or the World´s Tallest Bin in Kalgoorlie. We’ve included a full list of Big Things by state and territory, so no matter where your travels take you, there’s always a Big Thing nearby waiting to be discovered.

Note: According to the majority of sources there are 150 official Big Things in Australia, however, Wikipedia lists 1075 Big Things in Australia, if you are curious to see all of them click here.

Final word for your Big Things Trip

Chasing Australia’s Big Things is more than just a fun road trip idea – it’s a chance to see this incredible country in all its quirky glory. From giant fruits to towering animals, each Big Thing has its own story and adds a unique flavour to your journey. Whether you’re capturing the perfect photo, learning a bit of local history, or just enjoying the novelty of it all, these stops are sure to become some of the most memorable moments of your trip. So as you explore Australia’s vast landscapes, make sure to add these larger-than-life landmarks to your itinerary. They’re not just great for the kids – they’re a reminder that travel should be fun, unexpected, and a little bit whimsical. Safe travels, and plenty of Big fun Things!

Take a look at our Australia Travel Guide page for all the inspiration and information you need to kickstart your travels and hit the road more frequently!