The Quirky Roadside Giants That Define the Aussie Road Trip Experience
Welcome to the World of Australian Big Icons
Australia is famously home to over 1,075 "Big Things" – enormous sculptures and structures scattered across the continent that have become beloved emblems of Australia and essential photo stops on any authentic Aussie road trip. These big things in Australia, from massive fruit to giant animals, were originally created as clever tourist attractions in the 1960s to lure travellers off the highway and into regional towns.
Today, the big Australian icons are cherished symbols that celebrate local industries, regional pride, and Australia's wonderfully quirky sense of humour. Whether you're planning your next adventure with Cooee Tours or hitting the open road independently, these iconic Big Things are must-see attractions that capture the spirit of regional Australia.
Join us as we explore the most famous and fascinating big Australian icons – your ultimate list of Aussie icons you can discover on your journey Down Under!
1,075+
Big Things in Australia
1963
First Big Thing Created
60+
Years of History
The Big Australian Icons: A Brief History
The phenomenon of Australian big icons began in the 1960s, inspired by similar "Roadside Giants" in the United States. The Big Scotsman in Adelaide (1963) is recognized as the first purpose-built roadside Big Thing in Australia, standing 5 metres tall at Scotty's Motel in Medindie. Affectionately known as "Scotty," this pioneering structure paved the way for hundreds of big Australian icons to follow. (Earlier monuments like the Dog on the Tuckerbox in Gundagai, built in 1932, predate the Scotsman but were not originally conceived as roadside tourist attractions.)
The golden age of big Australian icons arrived with The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour (1964), which became one of the most iconic and commercially successful examples. Standing 5m high by 11m long, this fibreglass marvel was strategically positioned at the front of a gift shop surrounded by banana plantations, proving that these oversized attractions could drive significant tourism revenue.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the big things in Australia proliferated across the country as regional communities recognized their power to attract visitors, celebrate local industries, and put small towns on the map. Today, these quirky landmarks have evolved from simple tourist traps into beloved cultural emblems of Australia that represent the unique character of Australian regional tourism.
Did You Know?
The Big Pineapple was once Australia's most popular tourist attraction, drawing a million visitors annually! It even featured on a 2007 Australia Post stamp celebrating the nation's Big Things.
Big Things in Australia You Must See
The Big Banana – Coffs Harbour, NSW
Perhaps the most famous of all Australian big icons, the Big Banana has stood proudly in Coffs Harbour for over 60 years. This 5m high by 11m long fibreglass sculpture fronts a banana-themed gift shop and plantation, making it one of the first and most enduring big Australian icons. The Big Banana has become synonymous with Australian road trips and remains one of the country's most photographed attractions.
The Big Pineapple – Woombye (Near Nambour), QLD
Standing 12 metres tall at the Sunshine Plantation, the Big Pineapple is one of the most beloved emblems of Australia. Made of fibreglass, visitors can explore inside the pineapple to learn about the tropical fruit industry and enjoy panoramic views from the summit. The site has expanded significantly over the years and now hosts the popular Big Pineapple Music Festival, which has become a major national event. The complex is also home to the Big Macadamia and offers the famous Nutmobile tour through the plantation.
The Big Prawn – Ballina, NSW
This impressive 6m x 9m structure in Ballina encompasses a gift shop and eateries, serving as a tribute to the region's thriving seafood industry. The Big Prawn is one of the most photographed Australian big icons and has become an essential stop for travellers along the NSW coast.
The Big Lobster – Kingston, SA
Known affectionately as "Larry the Lobster" by locals, this 18.2m high giant is one of the tallest big things in Australia. Completed in 1979, it houses both a restaurant and gift shop underneath, making it a fully functional tourist attraction that celebrates Kingston's famous lobster industry.
The Big Merino – Goulburn, NSW
This woolly giant stands 15m high and 21m long, testifying to Goulburn's significant wool-growing industry. Inside, visitors can browse wool products and learn about wool production. The Big Merino is one of the most impressive Australian big icons and a must-see for anyone travelling between Sydney and Canberra.
The Big Golden Guitar – Tamworth, NSW
In Australia's country music capital, the Big Golden Guitar reigns supreme. Standing 12m high and weighing half a tonne, this shining icon was unveiled by country music legend Slim Dusty in 1988. It represents Tamworth's status as the heart of Australian country music.
The Big Koala
📍 Dadswells Bridge,
VIC
Standing 14m high and weighing 12 tonnes, this bronze koala on a steel frame was designed by sculptor Ben Van Zetton in 1988. It's become one of the most recognizable Australian big icons along the Western Highway.
The Big Captain Cook
📍 Cairns,
QLD
Standing tall for nearly 40 years on the Captain Cook Highway near Cairns, this statue was originally designed as a pub mascot but ended up much bigger than planned! Its future hangs in the balance due to redevelopment.
The Big Cassowary
📍 Mission Beach,
QLD
This 5m high tribute to the endangered cassowary bird stands at Wongaling Beach, celebrating the magnificent birds found in the World Heritage Rainforest.
The Big Rocking Horse
📍 Gumeracha,
SA
The world's biggest rocking horse stands 18.3m high beside an expansive toy factory, complete with three observation decks offering spectacular views of the Adelaide Hills!
The Big Ned Kelly
📍 Glenrowan,
VIC
This 7m high statue of Australia's most infamous bushranger stands where Ned Kelly had his last shootout, rifle at the ready, commemorating this dramatic piece of Australian history.
The Big Gumboot
📍 Tully,
QLD
Standing 7.9m high (representing the record 7,900mm annual rainfall in 1950), this golden gumboot contains a spiral staircase and viewing platform. It celebrates Tully's title as Australia's wettest town!
The Big Bull
📍 Rockhampton,
QLD
Queensland's Capricorn Region is renowned for beef production, and this impressive bull replica stands above a shopping centre celebrating the region's cattle industry.
The Big Galah
📍 Kimba,
SA
Standing an impressive 8m high outside the Halfway Across Australia Gem Shop on the Eyre Highway, this tribute to the iconic Australian bird marks the midpoint of the continent.
The Big Murray Cod
📍 Swan Hill,
VIC
This giant fish stands 11m long and 6m wide, celebrating the Murray River's fantastic fishing. Originally a movie prop, it now lives out its days as a popular tourist destination.
The Big Penguin
📍 Penguin,
TAS
Rumoured to be the world's largest penguin, this charming big thing sits in the beachfront park of Penguin, Tasmania, a town home to hundreds of fairy penguins.
The Big Dog on a Tuckerbox
📍 Gundagai,
NSW
Built in 1932, this historic monument on the Old Hume Highway pays tribute to Jack Moses' famous song "Five Miles from Gundagai." While it predates the purpose-built "Big Things" era, it is one of the oldest large roadside landmarks in Australia and a significant piece of Australian folklore.
The Big Cheese
📍 Bodalla,
NSW
Visible as you enter Bodalla from the north, this structure doubles as a tourist service where you can purchase Bega cheese, honey, ice-cream and local products from the surrounding dairy region.
Regional Australian Big Icons Worth Discovering
Beyond the famous big Australian icons, countless regional treasures await discovery across the continent. This list of Aussie icons tells unique stories about Australia's diverse industries and communities. Explore regional Australia with us:
The Big Apple
📍 Stanthorpe, QLD
A tribute to all the apples grown around Stanthorpe, found approximately 2.5 hours southwest of Brisbane on the Cunningham Highway.
The Big Potato
📍 Robertson, NSW
This giant concrete spud celebrates Robertson's rich soils and prominence as a potato-growing area in NSW's Southern Highlands.
The Big Mandarin
📍 Mundubbera, QLD
Standing an impressive 9m high, this citrus giant also serves as the town's tourist information centre in the self-proclaimed Citrus Capital of Queensland.
The Big Orange (Berri)
📍 Berri, SA
Set amongst citrus orchards outside Berri on the Old Sturt Highway, this celebrates the home of Berri Fruit Juice manufacturers.
The Big Cherries
📍 Young, NSW
Unveiled in 1987 in the Cherry Capital of Australia, where thousands flock from November to New Year's to pick and pack cherries.
The Big Trout
📍 Adaminaby, NSW
In the Snowy Mountains, this statue celebrates the highly popular pastime of trout fishing in this beautiful alpine region.
The Big Bogan
📍 Nyngan, NSW
Unveiled in 2015, this nearly 7m high character has become a popular attraction in Western NSW, celebrating Aussie humour and regional identity.
The Big Axe
📍 Kew, NSW
Located about 2km north of Kendall, this massive axe resides proudly above the Tourist Information Centre celebrating the region's timber industry.
The Big Easel
📍 Emerald, QLD
The second in a series of Big Easels worldwide (with American and Canadian versions), completed in 1999 at Morton Park in Emerald's centre.
The Big Mango
📍 Bowen, QLD
Erected in 2002, this 10-metre high tropical tribute was once stolen as a publicity stunt but was thankfully returned to Bowen!
The Big Barramundi
📍 Daintree, QLD
A testimonial to Queensland's most desired fish, residing above the entrance to the Big Barramundi Barbeque Gardens in the Daintree region.
The Big Buffalo
📍 Adelaide River, NT
"Charlie" – star of Crocodile Dundee I and II – can be found at the Adelaide River Inn in this picturesque Northern Territory town.
Unusual & Quirky Australian Big Icons
Some big things in Australia defy categorization, celebrating the truly unique aspects of Australian culture and history:
The Big Wine Cask
📍 Buronga, NSW
At BRL Stanley Winery, this 8m high, 11m long, 7m wide cask could hold 400,000 litres of wine! Originally a water-purifying plant, it's now a famous landmark in Australia's wine country.
The Big Stubbie
📍 Tewantin, QLD
Created from thousands of beer bottles and stubbies concreted into the shape of one giant stubbie – celebrating Aussie beer culture!
The Big Bottle
📍 Mangrove Mountain, NSW
This mysterious Big Thing nestled in the idyllic Mangrove Mountains takes the form of a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Big Root
📍 Nowa Nowa, VIC
A natural wood sculpture from a Messmate Eucalyptus root system, 200-330 years old, weighing 6 tonnes. Known as 'Ra' the sun god, celebrating Australia's ancient forests.
The Big DNA
📍 Perth, WA
A huge staircase adjacent to Pioneer Women's Hospital forms the appearance of a Double Helix of DNA in Kings Park overlooking Perth CBD.
The Big Lollipop
📍 Ravensthorpe, WA
Unveiled in September 2019, the world's largest freestanding lollipop at Yummylicious Candy Shack was self-funded to attract tourists to Western Australia.
Planning Your Big Australian Icons Road Trip
With over 1,075 big things in Australia scattered across the continent, planning your road trip requires some strategy. Here are some popular routes that showcase the best of these quirky attractions. Check out our guided tour options or plan your own adventure:
The East Coast Big Icons Trail
Travel from Brisbane to Sydney via the Pacific Highway and you'll encounter numerous big Australian icons including the Big Pineapple (Woombye), Big Banana (Coffs Harbour), Big Prawn (Ballina), and Big Oyster (Taree). This route offers the highest concentration of iconic Big Things and spectacular coastal scenery. Explore with our East Coast Tours.
The Inland Heritage Route
Explore the Hume Highway and surrounding regions to discover the Big Merino (Goulburn), Big Golden Guitar (Tamworth), Big Dog on a Tuckerbox (Gundagai), and Big Ned Kelly (Glenrowan). This route combines Australian big icons with significant historical sites.
The Queensland Tropical Circuit
Journey through North Queensland to see the Big Cassowary (Mission Beach), Big Captain Cook (Cairns), Big Barramundi (Daintree), and Big Mango (Bowen). Perfect for combining Australian big icons with tropical adventures and reef experiences on our Reef Tours.
Cooee Tours Tip!
Many of the big Australian icons are free to visit and photograph, but some (like the Big Pineapple) offer paid attractions including tours, viewing platforms, and interactive experiences. Always check opening hours before visiting, as some are located at businesses that may have limited access times. Contact us for personalized itinerary planning!
The Cultural Significance of Australian Big Icons
The big Australian icons have transcended their original purpose as roadside tourist traps to become genuine cultural landmarks and recognized emblems of Australia. In 2007, Australia Post issued commemorative stamps featuring five iconic Big Things: the Big Banana, Big Pineapple, Big Merino, Big Prawn, and Big Lobster. More recently, in 2023, the Royal Australian Mint released a set of commemorative $1 coins featuring ten of the big Australian icons.
These monuments have been featured in films, documentaries, comedy shows, and literature, cementing their place in Australian popular culture. The National Museum in Canberra houses a comprehensive multimedia exhibit displaying many big Australian icons, recognizing their importance to Australian identity and tourism history.
Travel writers like Bill Bryson have documented their visits to big Australian icons in bestselling books, while the London production of "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical" references several of these quirky landmarks, bringing Australian culture to international stages. Today they are recognized as true emblems of Australia, appearing on stamps, coins, and in popular culture worldwide.
Why Big Australian Icons Matter
Beyond their tourism value, the big things in Australia represent community pride, regional identity, and the Australian spirit of creativity and humor. They've created jobs, boosted local economies, and put small towns on the map. Many have become cherished symbols that locals fiercely protect and maintain, with communities rallying to save Big Things when they face demolition or decay. Learn more about our commitment to regional tourism.
Experience the Big Australian Icons with Cooee Tours
Ready to discover these incredible Australian big icons for yourself? Cooee Tours specializes in authentic Australian experiences that showcase the best of our unique culture, including stops at famous Big Things along the way!
Whether you're interested in the iconic Big Banana, the towering Big Pineapple, or hidden gems off the beaten track, we'll help you create unforgettable memories on your Australian adventure.
The Big Scotsman in Adelaide (1963) was the very first purpose-built roadside Big Thing in Australia, paving the way for over 1,000 more!
Most Popular
The Big Banana and Big Pineapple are among the most visited, each attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Tallest Big Thing
The Big Rocking Horse in Gumeracha, SA stands at 18.3 metres, making it one of the tallest Australian big icons.
Celebrity Status
The Big Buffalo "Charlie" starred in Crocodile Dundee I and II, bringing international fame to Australian Big Things!
Art & Culture
Featured on Australia Post stamps (2007) and Royal Australian Mint coins (2023), recognizing their cultural significance as emblems of Australia.
World Records
Several Australian big icons claim world records, including the world's biggest rocking horse and largest playable guitar!
Protecting Australia's Big Icons for Future Generations
As the big Australian icons age, many face challenges from weather damage, changing tourism patterns, and development pressures. Communities across Australia have rallied to preserve these beloved landmarks, recognizing their historical and cultural value.
The Big Pineapple's near-closure in 2010 sparked nationwide concern, demonstrating how deeply Australians care about these quirky monuments. Thanks to community support and new ownership, it was saved and now thrives as both a heritage site and modern tourist attraction.
Several big Australian icons have been heritage-listed, ensuring their protection for future generations. Others have been restored, relocated, or reimagined to meet modern tourism expectations while maintaining their nostalgic charm. Read about our sustainable tourism practices.
Maintenance Matters!
Maintaining the big things in Australia requires significant effort and expense. Many are made from fibreglass, concrete, or steel that needs regular maintenance to withstand Australia's harsh climate. Community fundraising and local business support keep these icons standing tall!
Start Your Big Australian Icons Adventure
From the legendary Big Banana to the quirky Big Stubbie, Australia's big icons offer endless photo opportunities, laughs, and memories. These roadside giants tell the story of regional Australia and showcase the creativity, humor, and pride of local communities.
Whether you're traveling with Cooee Tours or planning your own road trip, make sure to stop and say g'day to these iconic Aussie landmarks. They're more than just tourist attractions – they're part of Australia's cultural fabric and a celebration of what makes this country unique!