12 must-see Australian Big Things
Australia Day celebrates the diverse culture and rich history of this vast land. What better way to mark the occasion than exploring the country’s most iconic attractions—the famous “Big Things”? These unique, oversized sculptures dot the landscape, each representing the quirks and local heritage of different Australian regions.
From giant fruits to colossal animals, these roadside landmarks are more than whimsical photo opportunities. They tell the story of Australia’s creativity, community pride, and distinctive charm.
Join us on a road trip around the country to discover 12 quirky Big Things that are a must-see on your next road trip.
1. The Big Lobster:Giant of the coast
The Big Lobster is a well-known Australian tourist attraction located in the town of Kingston, South Australia. Known locally as Larry the Lobster, the sculpture of a spiny lobster stands 17 metres (56 ft) tall, and is one of the most impressive of Australia's Big Things. Larry the Lobster on Wikipedia.
2. The Big Merino: Shear excellence in Goulburn
Completed in 1985, this impressive sculpture of a merino ram stands at a towering height of 15 meters and spans 18 meters in length in the town of Goulburn, New South Wales. Known locally as "Rambo," the Big Merino has become a beloved symbol of the region, representing Goulburn's sheep farming heritage. Read Rambo's Wikipedia page.
3. Big Tractor: The World's largest tractor sculpture
In Carnamah, Western Australia, visitors will find the impressive Big Tractor, a landmark that celebrates Australian agricultural heritage. Completed in 2024, this detailed replica of the Chamberlain 40K stands at 11.5 meters high and stretches 16 meters wide, making it the largest tractor sculpture in the world.
4. The Big Swoop: A feathered friend with a snack
Erected in Garema Place, Canberra, in 2022, The Big Swoop is among the newest additions to Australia’s Big Things collection. This cheeky sculpture captures a beloved Australian magpie mid-swoop, pecking at a chip. The magpie holds deep cultural significance in Australia, woven into Dreamtime stories and adopted as a mascot by sporting teams nationwide who proudly wear the black and white stripes.
5. The Big Boxing Crocodile: A 'knockout attraction in Humpty Doo
The Big Boxing Crocodile not only highlights the unique wildlife of Australia but also reflects the country's love for sports and celebration - Humpty Doo's answer to the iconic Boxing Kangaroo!
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6. Meet the Big Bogan: The ultimate Aussie photo op
Erected in Nyngan, New South Wales in 2015, this Big Thing sculpture brings to mind the Aussie Bogan... a singlet, shorts, thongs, a hat over a mullet hairdo, and complete with a Southern Cross tattoo. With man's best friend by his side, fishing rod in hand and a thumbs-up pose, The Big Bogan is a larger-than-life tribute to all things Bogan and "being rough around the edges." What's a Bogan? See Wikipedia!
7. The Big Cane Toad: Jumping into Sarina's heart
Originally crafted from papier-mache in 1983 for a float in the Sarina Sugar Festival parade in Queensland (a number of Australian Big Things start their life as parade floats!), "Buffy" the cane toad quickly became a symbol of the town. The Sarina council decided to preserve the toad's legacy by casting it in fibreglass, ensuring that it would remain a permanent fixture in the heart of Sarina.
8. The Big Spriggina floundersi: Glimpse into Australia's prehistory
Nestled in the stunning landscape of Arkaroola, South Australia, the Big Spriggina floundersi is a homage to a creature from the Ediacaran period. This flatworm, which lived more than 500 million years ago, is the fossil emblem of South Australia and was named after Reg Sprigg, the scientist who discovered the Ediacaran biota.
9. Anmatjere Woman and Child: A celebration of family and cultural heritage
In Aileron, Northern Territory, stands a tribute to family and Australian culture, embodied in the sculpture titled Anmatjere Woman and Child. Created by artist Mark Egan in 2008, this piece was inspired by his earlier work, the Anmatjere Man, and aims to further the narrative of the regions cultural significance to visitors.
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10. The Big Pineapple: Queensland's tropical treasure
Located just 5.5 kilometres south of Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, the Big Pineapple stands as an iconic tourist attraction in South East Queensland. Located on a working pineapple farm, the Big Pineapple is an integral part of the local culture and agricultural history. Read about the Big Pineapple on Wikipedia.
11. The Big Wickets: Tassie's nod to cricket
In Westbury, Tasmania, cricket enthusiasts and visitors alike can visit The Big Wickets, a striking landmark that pays homage to the sport's local heritage. Standing an impressive 3 metres tall and 8 metres wide, the structures sit prominently at the front of the local cricket pitch, commemorating the legacy of Jack Badcock. The locally born cricketer represented Australia in Test cricket during the 1930s, cementing Westbury's place in the nation's sporting history.
12. The Big Miner: A tribute to Ballarat’s gold mining Heritage
In the heart of Warrenheip, near Ballarat, Victoria, stands The Big Miner, an 8-meter-tall statue that honours the region's gold mining history. The Big Miner serves as a reminder of the significance of gold and mining in shaping the local community, economy and the region's role in establishing Australia's political and social landscape.
As we complete our journey through just a handful of Australia’s Big Things, we celebrate the creativity and passion that each of these iconic landmarks represents.
Get involved!
To make a difference on Australia Day, here are some suggestions of what you can do to join Wikimedia Australia in recognising and honouring the contributions of Australians and Australian innovations throughout our history:
- New to Wikipedia? Join a free online training session
- Need some guidance? Drop in and Wiki with us
- Get involved locally: Organise an editathon or attend a meet-up in your area
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- Champion diversity: Focus on improving representation of Australia and Australian diversity on the world largest online encyclopedia and
- Support Australian projects: Donate directly or become a member of Wikimedia Australia to help make a lasting impact.