The Quirky Roadside Giants That Define the Aussie Road Trip Experience
Australia is famously home to over 1,075 "Big Things" – enormous sculptures and structures scattered across the continent that have become beloved landmarks and essential photo stops on any authentic Aussie road trip. These big Australian icons, 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 you can discover on your journey Down Under!
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 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.
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, Australian big icons 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 icons that represent the unique character of Australian regional tourism.
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.
Perhaps the most famous of all Australian big icons, the Big Banana has stood proudly in Coffs Harbour for over 40 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.
Standing 12 metres tall at the Sunshine Plantation, the Big Pineapple is one of the most beloved Australian big icons. 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.
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.
Known affectionately as "Larry the Lobster" by locals, this 18.2m high giant is one of the tallest Australian big icons. 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.
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.
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.
Beyond the famous big Australian icons, countless regional treasures await discovery across the continent. These quirky landmarks tell unique stories about Australia's diverse industries and communities:
Some big Australian icons defy categorization, celebrating the truly unique aspects of Australian culture and history:
You may have heard stories about one of the big Australian icons being sold to Asia, but historical records show something different. In 2011, the famous Nutmobile from the Big Pineapple complex was sold – but it went to the Bromet family in Bauple, Queensland (not overseas), where it continues to promote macadamia nuts and regional tourism.
The Big Pineapple itself faced challenges when it went into receivership in 2009 and closed in 2010. However, in August 2011, a consortium purchased the complex and its surrounding farmland, maintaining it as a thriving tourism attraction. Today, the Big Pineapple hosts the highly successful Big Pineapple Music Festival and remains one of Australia's most iconic Big Things!
While many Australian brands and products have been exported to Asia over the decades, the big Australian icons themselves have remained firmly planted on home soil, continuing to welcome visitors from around the world.
With over 1,075 big Australian icons scattered across the continent, planning your road trip requires some strategy. Here are some popular routes that showcase the best of these quirky attractions:
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 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.
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.
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.
The big Australian icons have transcended their original purpose as roadside tourist traps to become genuine cultural landmarks. 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.
Beyond their tourism value, the big Australian icons 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.
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.
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.
Maintaining the big Australian icons 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!
This guide highlights just a fraction of the 1,075+ big Australian icons scattered across the country. Here are some additional treasures worth seeking out:
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!