Damon Mcknight
Australia is known for its love of oversized objects, with about 150 sculptures and large structures sprinkled across the country. One of these is The Big Orange, a 15-metre-tall spherical marvel that opened on 14 January 1980 and is located in Berri, South Australia. It is currently closed and has been for the best part of 20 years, but an urban planner has submitted a proposal to build a brewery and distillery at the site.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Berri, South Australia |
| Height | 15 metres |
| Opening Date | 14 January 1980 |
| Current Status | Closed for the last 20 years |
| Future Plans | Construction of a brewery and distillery, a bar, a restaurant, and a cafe inside the Big Orange |
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What You'll Learn
The Big Orange's location in Berri, South Australia
The Big Orange is located in Berri, South Australia and has been closed for almost 20 years. It was officially opened on 14 January 1980 and stands 15 metres tall. It is situated near the Sturt Highway and is described as being in good condition, despite being closed and inaccessible to the public.
The Big Orange is one of many "Big Things" in Australia, a collection of about 150 sculptures and large structures spread across the country. These often serve as popular tourist attractions. The Big Orange in Berri was inspired by the success of other "Big Things" in Australia, such as Ploddy the Dinosaur and Scotty the Big Scotsman in Adelaide.
The structure was designed and constructed by John Twopenny from Hoffmann Engineering, with funding from local entrepreneurs Bronte Coombe, Vern 'Chubby' Chubb, and David Marshall. It is modelled after the Valencia orange variety.
Despite its initial popularity, by the turn of the century, The Big Orange fell into disrepair and became unprofitable. However, there are plans to redevelop the site, including the construction of a brewery, distillery, bar, and restaurant, and a small cafe inside the Big Orange. The redevelopment aims to pay homage to the history of the area and showcase locally sourced produce.
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The history of the Big Orange
The Big Orange is a unique and iconic structure located in Berri, South Australia, and it stands as a testament to the region's rich citrus-growing history. The idea for this giant piece of fruit architecture was conceived in the early 1970s by a local fruit grower and businessman, John Heddle, who wanted to promote the town and its abundant produce. Construction of the Big Orange began in 1974, and it quickly became a symbol of the Riverland region, known for its citrus orchards and sunny climate.
Standing at 15 metres tall, equivalent to the height of a four-storey building, the Big Orange is an impressive sight. It is believed to be the largest structure of its kind in the world, and it certainly lives up to its name. The orange is not just a hollow shell; it is a functional building with multiple levels inside. Visitors can enter and climb up to a viewing platform, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding orchards and the town of Berri.
The structure is not just a novelty; it also serves an educational purpose. Inside, visitors can learn about the history of citrus growing in the region, the different varieties of oranges and other citrus fruits grown locally, and the process of cultivating and harvesting the fruit. The Big Orange has become an important tourist attraction, drawing people from all over Australia and even internationally. It has also played a significant role in promoting the local agriculture industry and raising awareness of the region's produce.
Over the years, the Big Orange has undergone several changes and upgrades. In the early 2000s, a major refurbishment took place, ensuring that the structure remained safe and accessible to visitors. The surrounding area has also been developed, with the addition of a café, a gift shop, and an information centre, enhancing the overall visitor experience. The Big Orange has become such an iconic landmark that it has even been featured on Australian postage stamps, further cementing its place in the country's cultural landscape.
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The Big Orange's decline and closure
The Big Orange in Berri, South Australia, was once a symbol of national pride and a testament to the country's achievements. However, over time, it fell into a state of decline and eventually closed its doors.
The Big Orange was officially opened on January 14, 1980, and it stood as a towering monument, rising fifteen metres above the outback. It was the result of a collaboration between local entrepreneurs Bronte Coombe, Vern 'Chubby' Chubb, and David Marshall, who each invested $145,000 into the project. The structure was designed and constructed by John Twopenny from Hoffmann Engineering.
By the turn of the century, however, The Big Orange had fallen into disrepair and was running at a loss. It stood empty, neglected, and forgotten, serving as a reminder of the erosion of moral values and the passing of time. The once-grand attraction had become a victim of changing times and tastes.
The exact reasons for its decline are not clear, but a combination of factors may have contributed. It is possible that the novelty of such "Big Things" wore off over time, and the public's interest may have waned. Additionally, the rise of new forms of entertainment and attractions may have drawn people away from The Big Orange.
Despite its closure, The Big Orange still holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians. In recent years, there have been efforts to revitalise the site and bring it back to life. Proposals include the construction of a brewery and distillery, along with a bar, restaurant, and a small cafe inside The Big Orange itself. The goal is to pay homage to the history of the area and showcase locally sourced produce, creating a unique and interactive experience for visitors.
While The Big Orange may no longer serve its original purpose, the impact it had on the country's culture and identity cannot be denied. It stands as a reminder of a bygone era and a symbol of Australia's unique spirit and daring nature.
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Plans to redevelop the site
The Big Orange, a 15-metre-tall structure in the shape of an orange, is located in Berri, South Australia. It was opened in 1980 to showcase the region's citrus industry and became a beloved symbol of the area. However, the site has been closed for over 20 years, and various attempts to reopen it have not succeeded.
In 2023, plans were submitted to redevelop the site with a brewery, distillery, bar, and restaurant. The proposal was put forward by Adelaide-based urban planner Mark Kwiatkowski, who aims to pay homage to the history of the area and showcase locally sourced produce. The Big Orange would retain its original viewing platform and include a small cafe. The proposal also includes plans to establish orange orchards and create orange-themed beers and gins.
Kwiatkowski's proposal is not the first attempt to revive the site. In 2012, the then-owner Frank Vallelonga intended to reopen the site as a small theme park, but his application for a state government grant was rejected, and no further development occurred. There were also local initiatives in the late 2010s, including a tongue-in-cheek proposal to turn it into a strip club, but these were not successful.
The current owner of The Big Orange, Fred Vallelonga, has been approached for comment on the latest redevelopment plans. The community of Berri has expressed excitement about any prospect of reviving the nostalgic landmark, with the Berri Barmera mayor, Ella Winnall, stating that the Big Orange is an icon of the whole Riverland region.
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Other Big Things in Australia
Australia is home to more than just one Big Orange. In fact, there are over 1000 "Big Things" across the country, with each state and some territories boasting their own. These Big Things are large structures, some of which are novelty architecture and some of which are sculptures. They are often located along major roads and highways or between prominent travel destinations, serving as eye-catching attractions to draw attention to local businesses and promote tourism in the region. Over time, these structures have become beloved landmarks, acquiring a special place in Australian culture.
The Big Banana
Located in Coffs Harbour, the Big Banana was one of the first Big Things in Australia and remains one of the most popular. Standing at 13 metres long, the Big Banana is accompanied by an award-winning fun park with laser tag, a giant slide, mini golf, ice skating, a toboggan ride, and a water park, among other attractions.
The Giant Koala
Located in western Victoria's Wimmera region, the Giant Koala, also known as Sam, stands at 14 metres high and is made from 12 tonnes of steel, fibreglass, and bronze. The structure was designed by Dutch sculptor Ben Van Zetten and honours the koala that captured hearts around the world when it was photographed drinking from a water bottle offered by a firefighter in 2009.
The Big Pineapple
Found in Queensland, the Big Pineapple is a 10-metre-long concrete structure that received a royal seal of approval in 1983 when Princess Diana and Prince Charles stopped by to marvel at its fibreglass fronds. The Pineapple Train, which circles the property's plantation, has been added to the Queensland Heritage Register.
The Big Lobster
Located in Kingston SE, the Big Lobster is another iconic Big Thing in Australia.
The Giant Murray Cod
This 11-metre-long replica of an Australian freshwater fish can be found in Swan Hill, along the Murray River. The Giant Murray Cod was originally a movie prop from the 1992 film "Eight Ball".
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Frequently asked questions
The Big Orange is located in Berri, South Australia. It is also located near the Sturt Highway and the Murray River.
The Big Orange was officially opened on January 14, 1980, and is 15 metres tall. It was designed and constructed by John Twopenny from Hoffmann Engineering. It is one of about 150 large structures and sculptures in Australia.
The Big Orange was modelled on Valencias, a sweet variety of oranges. It is also located in an area known for its citrus growing.
The Big Orange was a popular tourist attraction. However, it has been closed for over 20 years. There is a proposal to build a brewery and distillery at the site, with the Big Orange featuring its original viewing platform and a small cafe inside.
