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Australia is known for its Big Things, a collection of large structures, sculptures, and statues scattered throughout the country. These Big Things have become iconic landmarks and are often regarded as a uniquely Australian phenomenon. While some have faced criticism for being tacky or kitschy, they are generally embraced as quirky and fun attractions, reflecting Australian creativity and ingenuity. With over 150 of these Big Things across Australia, ranging from the well-known Big Banana to the Giant Koala, they have inspired similar creations worldwide and have even been featured on commemorative coins and stamps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of "Big Things" in Australia | Over 150 |
| First "Big Thing" | Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, NSW |
| Year of the first "Big Thing" | 1964 |
| Other famous "Big Things" | The Giant Koala, The Big Pineapple, The Big Lobster, The Big Bogan, The Big Playable Guitar, The Big Tennis Racquet, The Big Pelican, The Big Merino, The Big Wine Bottle, The Big Prawn, The Big Peanut, The Big Galah, The Big Kissing Galahs, The Big Turtle, The Big Headphones, The Big Jumping Crocodile, The Big Murray Cod, The Big Kiwi, The Big Penguin, The Big Bull, The Big Bed, The Big Tractor, The Big Bowl, The Boxing Croc, The Giant Pie |
| Purpose | Tourist attractions, promoting local businesses, celebrating regional culture and history |
| Criticism | Kitschy, tacky, maintenance costs, changing priorities, aesthetic value |
| Recognition | Heritage-listed, ASTRA Award, commemorative $1 coins, Australian $1.20 stamps, gummy lolly mix |
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The Big Banana
The success of The Big Banana has led to the creation of other Big Bananas, such as the one in Carnarvon, Western Australia. The original Big Banana in Coffs Harbour remains a popular destination for travellers and has contributed to the unique character and history of the region. It has become more than just an oversized fruit, capturing the imagination of people worldwide and solidifying its place in Australian culture.
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The Giant Koala
Australia is famous for its "Big Things", which have become beloved landmarks scattered throughout the country. These Big Things are large structures, some of which are novelty architecture and others sculptures. They are known for their whimsical and exaggerated designs, reflecting the creativity and ingenuity of their creators.
One of these Big Things is The Giant Koala, located in the town of Dadswells Bridge in western Victoria's Wimmera region. The Giant Koala is one of Australia's biggest and most photographed Big Things. It stands at 14 metres high and seven to eight metres wide, weighing 12 tonnes. It was designed by Dutch sculptor Ben Van Zetten, also known by the name Ben Van Zetton, and was built in 1989. The Giant Koala is made of bronze and supported by a steel frame. It is a near-perfect depiction of a real-life koala, and its body is now home to a small zoo.
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The Big Lobster
Australia is known for its "big things", which are large structures that are considered a uniquely Australian phenomenon. These big things are scattered throughout the country and have become beloved landmarks. One of these big things is the Big Lobster, also known as Larry the Lobster, located in Kingston, South Australia. Standing at 17 metres high, 15.2 metres long, and 13.7 metres wide, it weighs around 4 tons.
The visitor complex at which the Big Lobster was originally sited consisted of a restaurant, a tourist area, and a small theatre. The complex was initially run by Ian Backler and Rob Moyse, who sold it in 1984. The Big Lobster has since become an iconic Australian landmark, with people often climbing on board the giant crustacean to take photographs.
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The Big Bogan
Australia is famous for its "Big Things", a uniquely Australian phenomenon. These large structures, some of novelty architecture and some sculptures, are scattered throughout the country and have become beloved landmarks.
One such Big Thing is the Big Bogan, a six-metre-tall steel statue with Aussie-themed features. Located in Nyngan, near Dubbo and the scenic Bogan River, the Big Bogan celebrates classic Aussie culture with thongs, an esky, a Southern Cross tattoo, and a fishing rod. The fishing rod references the great fishing in the nearby Bogan River. The Big Bogan was unveiled in 2015 and has become a classic example of Australia's Big Things.
The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, is another famous example. This oversized tropical fruit has become a well-known landmark, receiving a royal seal of approval in 1983 when Princess Diana and Prince Charles stopped by to admire it. The Big Pineapple in Queensland is another fruity favourite, with its own music festival held each May, attracting big-name Australian musicians.
From fruit to fauna, Australia's Big Things also include a Giant Koala in Victoria, standing at 14 metres high and weighing 12 tonnes. This large marsupial, originally known as Larry but now named Sam, has become a memorable attraction, complete with a gift shop and a small zoo on site.
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The Big Galah
In addition to The Big Galah, there are several other notable "Big Things" in Australia, such as The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, which is one of the most popular Big Things in the country. The Big Pineapple in Queensland is another well-known example, having received a royal visit from Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1983. Other notable mentions include The Giant Koala in Victoria, The Big Peanut in Queensland, and The Big Bogan in New South Wales.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's Big Things are large structures, some of which are novelty architecture and sculptures. They are often representations of everyday objects or animals.
There are over 150 Big Things in Australia, with one source citing 1,075 as the number in 2022.
Some of Australia's Big Things include the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, the Big Koala in Victoria, the Big Lobster in Kingston SE, the Big Bogan in Nyngan, the Big Wine Bottle in Rutherglen, the Big Galah in Kimba, the Big Pineapple in Woombye, and the Big Penguin in Penguin.
Australia's Big Things were originally conceived as tourist traps strategically placed along major roads to entice travellers to stop and explore the surrounding areas. They have now become beloved landmarks that hold a special place in Australian culture.
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