10 Must-Visit Iconic Aussie Big ‘Things’
We’ve all heard bigger is better and whilst that may not always be true, us Aussie’s sure love to build a big landmark. Whether it’s a fruit, animals or musical instruments Australians love it. So when you’re hitting the road this summer here’s a few insta worthy pit stops.
Queensland
The Big Pineapple
On Queensland’s Sunny Coast the Big Pineapple is truly an icon! In its heyday, The Big Pineapple attracted a million visitors a year. The 16-metre tall pineapple has since been heritage listed, is currently home to the annual Big Pineapple Music Festival and is having a 100 million dollar revamp!
The Big Mango
Turns out Queenslanders love their fruit, Bowen is the home of the Big Mango. You’ll find this ten-metre tall fruit on the side of the Bruce Highway. In a somewhat iconic stunt a few years ago Nandos stole The Big Mango, but don’t worry they returned it. There’s a visitor information centre just a few steps away and we’re told a mango sorbet is a must.
The Big Gumboot
It’s only fitting that the Wet Tropics town of Tully has the Big Gumboot. Measuring 6.1 metres long and 8 metres high the golden boot was inspired by the annual gumboot trophy which was awarded to the town with the highest rainfall, Tully holds the record of 7.93 metres in 1950!
New South Wales
The Big Prawn
When thinking of iconic big things in Aus it’s rare you don’t think of Ballina’s Big Prawn. Built-in 1989, the Big Prawn underwent a makeover in 2013 which included adding a tail and reopened later that year. The Big Prawn stands 9 metres high and weighs 35 tonnes.
The Big Banana
No trip along the Coffs Coast is complete without a stop at the Big Banana. Built-in 1964 the Big Banana has stood the test of time. Originally set amongst a banana plantation this giant piece of fruit is the mascot and namesake of the Big Banana Fun Park.
The Big Merino
You’ll find the Big Merino in Goulburn, it’s a tribute to the regions’ wool industry and it impacts on Australia. Standing 15.2 meters high, 18 metres long and weighing 97 tonnes when it was built in 1985 – there’s simply no other word for the Big Merino than well, big.
The Big Golden Guitar
The Big Golden Guitar is a Tamworth icon. Designed to look like the country music capitals golden guitar trophy from its annual music awards. The huge instrument was built in 1987 and has been a popular tourist attraction since it was opened by another Aussie icon Slim Dusty.
Western Australia
The Big Croc
You can’t miss the Big Croc on a journey to the Top End town of Wyndham. You’ll be greeted by the smile of a 20 metre long and 3-metre high concrete crocodile which is less terrifying than it sounds. It’s also a helpful reminder to visitors of the dangers of local salties.
Victoria
The Big Ned Kelly
The Victorian town of Glenrowan is home to a 6-metre tall statue of infamous bushranger Ned Kelly with his rifle at the ready. As it’s famously where the Kelly Gang had their final shootout and is a place visited by many to remember his iconic legacy.
The Giant Koala
While not as cute and cuddly as the real thing Giant Koala in Victoria was built in the Grampians in 1989. In 2009 it was renamed as a memorial to Sam the Koala who suffered horrific burns in a bushfire but went on to raise awareness about the plight of our koalas.
