Australians like things big – really big – and there are about 150 giant, man-made monuments to prove it. In every state, there exist larger-than-life items ranging from pieces of fruit to livestock to barometers and beyond, waiting to impress unsuspecting motorists.

 

The first Big Thing in Australia was the Big Scotsman built in 1963. What started as a roadside attention-grabber in front of a motel in Adelaide has developed a cult following. One person’s tourist trap is another person’s folk art, as many of the Big Things have recently popped up not only by the side of the road, but on the heritage list.

 

Below is a listing by region of some of Australia’s most fanciful Big Things.

Australian Capital Territory

 Giant Mushroom. ACT’s only Big Thing is located in Belconnen at the Fresh Food Markets. Built in 1998, the Giant Mushroom is the centerpiece of and canopy over a children’s playground. The mushroom adventure playground is part of the markets’ Sunsmart initiative and is supported by the Australian Cancer Society.

 

New South Wales

 

Big Windmill. Construction on the Big Thing began in 1972 but was not complete until a decade later. Not only is the Big Windmill the most recognized landmark in Coffs Harbour, it is also a restaurant and motor lodge.

Big Banana. Also located in Coffs Harbour, the Big Banana is a big deal. It was built in 1964 and is thought to be one of Australia’s first Big Things. The Big Banana has numerous attractions including toboggan ride, water park, ice skating, a theater experience, puppet show, trike ride, candy kitchen, café and gift shop, as well as a Sunset Lakes Nursery.

 

Northern Territory

 

Big Boxing Crocodile. This fella with the red gloves and pointy teeth is 10 meters tall and located in Humpty Doo. He is one of only three Big Things in the Northern Territory including the Big Stockwhip in Acacia and the Big Stubbie in Larrimah.

 

Queensland

 Big Pineapple. The Big Pineapple has a big history dating back to 1971. Located in Woombye, this 16 meter-high piece of fruit is part of a 165 hectare site that once included a fresh produce market, zoo, and a train ride. The heritage-listed site fell into disrepair but is now under renovation with the produce market open once again.
Big Crocodile. There are Big Crocodiles in Daintree and Hartleys Creek, as well as the Big Boxing Crocodile in the Northern Territory. However, the Big Crocodile in Normanton was built in 1996 commemorating the largest crocodile ever killed. In 1957 Krystina Pawlowski shot "Krys the Savannah King" on the banks of the Norman River.

 

South Australia

 

Big Church Block Bottle. One of the newest additions to the Big Things family, the Big Church Block Bottle aka, “Our Work of Art” was constructed in 2010 to celebrate the launch of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in March of that year. Our Work of Art was originally located in Melbourne but found a new home at the Wirra Wirra vineyard in McLaren Vale. The 10 meter high replica bottle of Wirra Wirra, Church Block wine is entirely covered with recycled corks.

Big Rocking Horse. Built in 1981 and located in Gumeracha, the Big Rocking Horse has three viewing platforms and does not actually rock. The attraction is part of a larger complex that includes a toy factory, wildlife park, and café.

 

Tasmania

 

Big Penguin. Appropriately enough, the Big Penguin, built in 1975, is located in the township of Penguin and came to be in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Penguin’s proclamation of township. Seven other Big Things including a Big Apple, Big Coffee Pot, Big Platypus, Big Slide Rule, Big Spud, Big Tasmanian Devil, and Big Wickets accompany the Big Penguin in Tasmania.

 

Victoria

 

Big Koala. This 14 meter high koala is visible at Dadswell Bridge on the Western Highway. Built in 1989, the Big Koala includes a gift shop and a licensed café next door. Visitors can stay overnight in the nearby motel and campground. Some of Victoria’s slightly stranger Big Things include a Big Cigar, a replica of Winston Churchill’s cigar found in the eponymous city of Churchill, and the Big Dead Fish perched atop the roof of Fishy Pub in Fish Creek.

 

Western Australia

 

Bert Bolle Barometer. The Bert Bolle Barometer is a working water barometer. At over 12.5 meters tall, the International Guinness Book of Records recognizes it as the world’s largest barometer. Built in 1985, the barometer was originally located in Netherlands but was donated to the Western Australian community of Denmark in 2007. Visitors can see the Bert Bolle Barometer at The Barometer Tower in the Denmark Visitor Centre. Other Big Things in Western Australia include a Big Apple, Big Banana, Big Camera, the Cow on the Corner, a Big Crocodile, Big Orange, a Giant Ram, and the Leeuwin Way Whale.

 

Next Big Thing

 

People are always waiting for “the next big thing.” Well, next time someone mentions a “big thing,” drop a little knowledge about the BIG things in Australia. You never know, you may spark motivation and convince a friend to jump on a plane for a firsthand look at all of the big things happening down under.

 

This guest post article was written and provided by Erica Gustafson a freelance writer and digital media consultant for Expedia.  She is constantly booking flights to Sydney and other amazing locations throughout Australia.