Leslie Massey
Australia is known for its oversized sculptures and structures, with the Big Potato being one of them. Located in the town of Robertson, New South Wales, the Big Potato is a giant concrete potato that was built in 1977 by local potato grower Jim Mauger. The structure is approximately 10 meters tall and 4 meters wide and was modelled after the North American Sebago potato. The Big Potato has become a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors taking selfies and buying merchandise. In recent years, the site has been put up for sale, with potential buyers having the option to remove the Big Potato if desired.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Robertson, New South Wales, Australia |
| Year Built | 1977 |
| Size | 10 metres long and 4 metres wide |
| Material | Concrete |
| Modelling | North American Sebago Potato |
| Purpose | To showcase the main crop of the area and attract tourists |
| Cost | $920,000 |
| Tourist Attraction | Yes |
| Nearby Attractions | Robertson Pub, Robertson Pie Shop, Robertson Nature Reserve, Fitzroy Falls |
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What You'll Learn
The Big Potato's location in Robertson, New South Wales
The Big Potato is located in Robertson, New South Wales, Australia. Robertson is known as "the green heart of the Southern Highlands", famous for its rich red soil and fertile soil, making it ideal for potato growing. The town was once known for its cheese industry, with the Robertson Cheese Factory still open to visitors. The Big Potato is set in small parkland surrounded by trees and picnic benches. It is located at 80 Hoddle Street, in the middle of Robertson.
The Big Potato was built in 1977 by local potato grower and shire councillor Jim Mauger. It is made from local soil mixed with cement and modelled on the North American Sebago potato. The giant spud measures about 10 metres long and four metres wide. It was originally intended to house a museum or kiosk but instead became a popular tourist attraction.
The Big Potato has been described as "the ugliest structure going" but has attracted many travellers who take selfies with it as a backdrop. It has also been featured in films such as the 1995 movie "Babe", where it appeared in its original form. In 2025, it was transformed into "The Pig Potato", with a large mural of a pig, duck, and three singing mice painted by local artist Samuel Hall to commemorate the film's 30th anniversary.
In 2020, the site was put up for sale, and it was purchased for $920,000. The new owners planned to refurbish the structure, but it is unclear if these plans came to fruition. The Big Potato remains a unique attraction in Robertson, New South Wales, celebrating the town's potato-growing heritage and providing a quirky photo opportunity for visitors.
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The structure's history and creation in the 1970s
The Big Potato is located in Robertson, a town in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. The structure was built in 1977 by local potato grower and shire councillor Jim Mauger. It is made from local soil mixed with cement and modelled on the North American Sebago potato variety, a major crop in the area. The Big Potato measures 10 metres long and 4 metres wide.
The idea for the Big Potato came about due to the lack of excitement in the sleepy town of Robertson. Bored farmers wanted to showcase the area's main crop and attract tourists to the town. The structure was originally intended to house a museum or kiosk, or even a Potato Information Centre, but this never came to fruition. Instead, the Big Potato sat alone in a bare field, becoming a source of amusement across Australia. It has been dubbed the "big turd" and has been a popular subject for vandalism, with a face made of papier-mâché stuck on it in 2010.
The town of Robertson is known for its high annual rainfall and fertile soil, making it ideal for potato growing. The area was once famous for its cheese production and red cedar growing along the escarpment. Today, it is a popular destination for road trippers and tourists, who are attracted to the quirky nature of the Big Potato and the other attractions the town has to offer, including the Robertson Pub, the Robertson Pie Shop, and the historic Hotel Robertson, which was featured in the 1995 film Babe.
The Big Potato has become an iconic symbol of Robertson and has even appeared in several films, including the 1990s classic Babe and the 2023 film The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race. In 2012, Mauger was forced to sell the land due to rising rates, and in 2020, the site was put up for sale again, with buyers having the option to remove the Big Potato if they wished. Despite its dreary exterior, the structure has attracted many onlookers and continues to be a popular photo spot for travellers.
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The surrounding attractions in Robertson
The Big Potato is located in Robertson, New South Wales, Australia. The town is known as "the green heart of the Southern Highlands" due to its rich red soil, ideal for potato growing. Aside from the Big Potato, there are several other attractions in Robertson.
One notable attraction is the Robertson Pub, a popular drinking hole in the town. The pub is a great place to unwind and socialise with locals and fellow travellers. Nearby is the Robertson Pie Shop, located to the east of Robertson. The pie shop is a famous gathering spot for road trippers, especially those on motorcycles. It sits atop the Macquarie Pass, offering a challenging route with hairpin bends and two roadside waterfalls. The pass is also home to remnants of the subtropical rainforest that once attracted red cedar cutters during the early days of European settlement in the area.
Another attraction in Robertson is the Robertson Cheese Factory, a remnant of the town's historical cheese industry. Visitors can stop by the factory to purchase homemade cheeses and learn about the area's dairy heritage. For those interested in film locations, Robertson is also known for its appearance in the 1995 movie "Babe." The historic Hotel Robertson, built in 1924 as a luxury country club, can be spotted in the film.
Additionally, nature enthusiasts can explore the Robertson Nature Reserve, offering a peaceful escape from the town. The nature reserve provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and connecting with the natural surroundings of Robertson. The town's fertile soil and high annual rainfall have also fostered the growth of various attractions, including farms offering tours, such as Mauger's Paddock to Plate Tours. These tours provide insights into local agriculture and the chance to taste fresh produce.
Overall, while Robertson may be a sleepy town, it offers a range of attractions beyond the Big Potato, from natural wonders to culinary delights and cinematic connections.
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The land's ownership and sale attempts
The Big Potato in Robertson, New South Wales, Australia, has been put up for sale a few times. The 2000-square-metre site was bought by Heather and Neil Tait in 2014 for $450,000. The Taits owned the supermarket next door and had planned to use the land to expand their business. However, these plans fell through, and the couple listed the property for sale in 2017 when they retired, but they were unable to sell at the time.
In 2020, the Taits listed the Big Potato for sale once again, this time including the supermarket in the listing. The asking price was $920,000, and buyers were told they could remove the Big Potato if they wanted to. The selling agent, Steve Myers of Myers Realty, acknowledged that there would likely be some disappointment from the community if the Big Potato were removed, but he didn't think it would be a significant issue. He said, "It's an old site. There have been various suggestions that it should be towed down to Goulburn and put behind the Big Merino."
In September 2022, the Tait family sold the land. The final sale price was not disclosed.
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The Big Potato's popularity and cultural significance
The Big Potato is an iconic structure located in Robertson, New South Wales, Australia. Standing at a impressive height of 10 metres (33 feet), it is one of the many "Big Things" scattered across Australia, which have become popular tourist attractions and often serve as symbols of their respective towns or regions. The Big Potato is a testament to the agricultural heritage and the thriving potato industry in the Southern Highlands region. Robertson is renowned for its rich volcanic soil and temperate climate, providing ideal conditions for potato cultivation. The monument celebrates this local produce and pays homage to the region's farming community, reflecting the area's strong connection to the land and its agricultural roots.
The Big Potato was constructed in the 1970s by a local potato farmer, Albert Statham, and his son Jim. They recognized the potential to boost tourism and promote the region's potato industry. The structure is made of concrete and fibreglass and features a realistic design, resembling a giant potato complete with eyes and a sprouting plant. Over time, it has become an iconic landmark, not only in Robertson but across Australia, attracting visitors who are intrigued by its unique nature and the opportunity to pose for photos with this oversized vegetable.
The Big Potato has played a significant role in putting Robertson on the map and has become a popular stop for tourists and road-trippers exploring the region. It serves as a distinctive symbol of the town, and its quirky nature embodies the playful side of Australian culture. Beyond its tourist appeal, the Big Potato holds cultural significance as it celebrates the hard work and contribution of farmers and showcases the region's agricultural prowess. It is a source of local pride and a unique marketing tool for the local potato industry, helping to promote the high-quality produce of the region to a wider audience.
The popularity of the Big Potato has also led to its inclusion in various marketing campaigns and media features. It has been used to promote local businesses, agricultural shows, and community events, further enhancing its reputation and reach. The Big Potato has become an integral part of the town's identity, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. It continues to be a beloved attraction for locals and visitors alike, offering a fun and unique experience that is distinctly Australian.
The Big Potato's enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it captures the imagination with its unusual and larger-than-life presence, providing a unique photo opportunity and a memorable experience for visitors. Secondly, it serves as a symbol of regional pride, celebrating the local industry and paying respect to the hard work of farmers. Lastly, it embodies a sense of Australian humour and quirkiness, reflecting the light-hearted nature often associated with Aussie culture. The Big Potato has become an iconic symbol of not just Robertson but the entire nation, showcasing the unique attractions that can be found when exploring this vast country.
The Big Potato has undoubtedly left its mark on Australian culture, and its popularity continues to grow. It has become a beloved icon, reflecting the country's agricultural heritage, sense of humour, and fascination with the unusual. The structure's enduring appeal lies in its ability to bring people together, create lasting memories, and celebrate the rich history and produce of the region. Whether it's a quick photo stop or a planned visit, the Big Potato promises a unique experience and a fun-filled addition to any Australian adventure.
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Frequently asked questions
The Big Potato is located in Robertson, New South Wales, Australia.
The Big Potato was built in 1977 by local potato grower and shire councillor Jim Mauger. It was modelled on the Sebago potato and measures about 10 metres long and 4 metres wide. The structure was initially meant to be a Potato Information Centre but this idea never came to fruition.
Robertson is also home to the Robertson Pub, the Robertson Pie Shop, and the Robertson Hotel, a popular hotel and wedding venue. The town is also known for its cheese industry, with the Robertson Cheese Factory open to visitors.
