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Big Things Tour of Australia

 

Ever wondered where to find the world's largest rocking horse? Or a 9 meter tall prawn? How about an 11 metre long Cod or a banana the size of a semi-trailer? From historic attractions with offbeat pasts to cool art installations, legendary Australian Big Things attractions have been adding extra twists to the Aussie road trip since the 1960s. So strap in and get ready to discover things you never knew you needed - on the Big Things Tour Australia!

 

The Big Rocking Horse - Gumeracha, Adelaide Hills, SA

 
Standing a proud 8 metres high and weighing around 25 tonnes, the World's Largest Rocking Horse can be found only 40-minutes from Adelaide. Since 1981 this wooden structure has been welcoming visitors inside, where you can climb the stairs to look out across the gorgeous Adelaide Hills. The outside attractions include a mini-golf course, café, and wooden toy factory - with a seven-acre native wildlife park that is home to kangaroos and alpacas.
 
  • Location: 452 Torrens Valley Rd, Gumeracha SA 
  • Open: 9:00am – 5:00pm daily 
  • Price: Free complex entry $1.00 per person to climb the horse.

Image courtesy of: Frame

 

The Big Banana Fun Park - Coffs Harbour, NSW

 

One of the first iconic Big Things Australia had to offer, the Big Banana is an iconic NSW destination. Since Beginning in 1964 as a roadstop attraction, this site has grown further to include Big Banana Fun Park - home to a four storeys high water park, a six-lane giant slide, a 600m toboggan ride, a 36-hole mini-golf course, laser tag and the Plantation Coaster. Enjoy a walk through the banana plantation and visit the café for a choc-dipped banana or classic banana split.

  • Location: 351 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour NSW
  • Open: Daily from 9:00am – 4:30pm or 5:00pm.
  • Price: Free to enter the Big Banana, tickets and combo deals for rides and park attractions.

Image courtesy of: Destination NSW

 

The Big Prawn - Ballina, NSW

 

Ballina’s 9-metre-tall, 35-tonne prawn is a classic Aussie triumph. Located on River Street, the Big Prawn has been a great photo stop since 1989 - especially since it finally got a proper tail and uplift in 2013 after some debate about its future. Luckily, this famous Australian ‘Big Thing’ is continuing to captivate, bigger and brighter than ever. Of course, you can also enjoy some real local prawns down on the water at the Fisherman’s Co-Op

  • Location: 507 River St, West Ballina NSW 
  • Open: Accessible 24 hours a day.
  • Cost: Completely free.

Image courtesy of: Destination NSW

 

Big Pigeon Sculpture - Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA

 

Created by South Australian artist Paul Sloan in late 2020, this 2.3-metre-tall public artwork is one of your classier Big Things. Known as ‘Pigeon’, and made of 400 kilograms of polished steel and brass, Pigeon feels right at home in the heart of Rundle Mall where it stands alongside other art installations such as the famous bronze pigs and mirrored spheres. Stop by and say hello while you’re out shopping and dining.

  • Location: Gawler Place, Rundle Mall, Adelaide 
  • Open: Accessible 24 hours a day.
  • Price: Free public art installation.

Image courtesy of: South Australian Tourism Commission

 

The Big Penguin - Penguin, North-West Coast, Tasmania

 

A short drive west along the coast from Davenport brings you to the picturesque seaside town of Penguin - home to The Big Penguin. Standing three metres tall this concrete resident was welcomed in 1975 to mark the town's centenary. It has since been added to the Tasmanian Heritage Register, making it one of the very few big things in Australia to receive formal heritage status. You’ll also find nearby viewing platforms at nearby Lillico Beach (a 15 minute drive from the Big Penguin) to watch real little fairy penguins waddle up the beaches.

  • Location: 74 Main Rd, Penguin 
  • Open: Accessible 24 hours a day.
  • Price: Completely free.

Image courtesy of: Stu Gibson

 

The Big Cod - Swan Hill, VIC

 

Standing proudly by the mighty Murray River, the Giant Murray Cod pays homage to the fish that has sustained the region from European settlement back to the Aboriginal mythology that weaves the story of the cod into the river’s creation. Eleven metres long and 6 metres high - this cod was originally built as a prop for a film called 'Eight Ball'. While you’re here visit the fascinating Pioneer Settlement, where you can explore an historic township. 

  • Location: 139 Curlewis St, Swan Hill  
  • Open: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Price: Free to view 
 

The Big Bull - Rockhampton, QLD

 

Get ready to encounter the Big Bulls of Rockhampton. Built between 1978 and 2000, Rockhampton’s seven bull sculptures represent the important role that bullocks played in local history, from providing valuable beef to hauling timber and goods across vast distances. These sculptures are the face of the annual Australian Beef Expo event. Take some time to visit Mount Archer National Park on the edge of town, and enjoy spectacular views of the city. 

  • Location: Multiple sites across Rockhampton, QLD 
  • Open: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week 
  • Price: Free to view 

Image courtesy of: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

The Giant Koala - Horsham, VIC

 

Towering at 14 metres, the quirky Giant Koala has been capturing visitors’ hearts since it became an attraction in 1989. Weighing 12 tonnes and made of bronze, you’ll find photo opportunities galore. Step inside the koala to explore a shop where you’ll find souvenirs and more information. Only 30 minutes from town, Grampians Gariwerd National Park is home to hiking trails and waterfalls. Horsham is also known as a gateway to the Silo Art trail.

  • Location: 5829 Western Hwy, Dadswells Bridge (30 minutes before Horsham)
  • Open: Souvenir shop and cafe generally open 8:30am – 3:00 pm daily.
  • Price: Free to view. On-site animal display has a small entry fee

Image courtesy of: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria

 

The Big Pineapple - Mooloolaba, QLD

 

Proudly representing Australia's vibrant tropical fruit industry, the 16-metre high Big Pineapple is a doorway to sunkissed adventure. Explore the nearby plantation and taste delicious pineapple treats. You can also visit the zoo where you’ll meet monkeys and red pandas. Enjoy one of the many restaurants next to the beautiful Mooloolaba Beach or take a Mooloolaba Canal Cruise – with a dash of champagne and seafood.

  • Location: 76 Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye (About a 15-20 minute drive inland from Mooloolaba).
  • Open: 8:30am – 4:00pm daily.
  • Price: Free to visit the grounds, $12 to climb inside the Pineapple or separate costs for the Pineapple Train and Wildlife HQ Zoo

Image courtesy of: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

The Big Golden Guitar - Tamworth, NSW

 

A tribute to the city's rich country music heritage, this towering guitar celebrates Tamworth's deep connection to music and creativity. Tamworth is hailed as the Country Music Capital of Australia, and the Big Golden Guitar stands proudly over the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, which is home to extensive memorabilia. This region is also known for its delicious fresh produce. Savour the local flavours with a culinary experience at DECO Wine Bar & Restaurant.

  • Location: 2 The Ringers Rd, Tamworth NSW 
  • Open: Free to view Museums are open daily from 9:00am – 4:00pm
  • Price: Ticket for National Guitar Museum or the Country Music Wax Museum

Image courtesy of: Destination NSW

 
 
 

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