The famous "Big Things" are among the oddest and most popular roadside attractions in the world. These massive monuments, which can be found in every state and territory, have come to symbolize Australian road journeys and pride in little towns. These icons, such as the large prawns and bananas, demonstrate the resourcefulness of the residents, the importance of local companies, and a touch of authentic Australian humor.

Every "Big Thing" has a tale to share. Some were designed to attract tourists, while others were built to celebrate local culture or agricultural achievement. Today, they remain key stopovers for travelers looking to discover more of Australia's culture outside of the major cities.

On your next cross-country travel, don't miss these ten legendary "Big Things."

1. The Big Banana, New South Wales

Let's start with the first one: the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. People frequently refer to it as Australia's first "Big Thing," as it was erected in 1964. It was originally intended to draw attention to a banana farm, but it quickly became a national emblem.

It's become much more than just a photo shoot location. Visitors can enjoy the entire amusement park, which includes a water park, an ice skating rink, laser tag, mini-golf, and the famous banana split café. The Big Banana is still a terrific spot for families to visit year-round, and it honors Coffs Harbour's tropical history.

2. The Big Pineapple, Queensland

The Sunshine Coast of Queensland is famous for its beaches, farms, and one iconic landmark: the Big Pineapple near Woombye. This 16-meter pineapple was created in 1971 to commemorate the region's thriving pineapple industry. It has evolved over the years into a heritage-listed complex that includes a café, local markets, and even its own zoo.

The venue also hosts the very popular Big Pineapple Music Festival, which draws thousands of people each year. This demonstrates that roadside attractions in Australia can alter and remain popular throughout time.

3. The Big Merino, New South Wales

The Big Merino, commonly known as "Rambo," stands tall in Goulburn. This 15-meter-tall concrete sheep was erected in 1985 to commemorate Australia's world-renowned wool industry.

People can climb inside the building to a viewing platform near the Merino's eyes, which provides a 360-degree view over the town. The wool museum and gift shop on the ground level educate visitors about the importance of the wool trade to Australia's economy.

This monument represents the hardworking rural heart of New South Wales and is one of the most photogenic "Big Things" in the country.

4. The Big Lobster, South Australia

The Big Lobster, sometimes known as "Larry," is a popular roadside sight in Kingston SE, South Australia. Larry has been a local treasure since the 1970s and is about 17 meters tall.

Ian Backhouse, a business owner, came up with the idea to improve his seafood restaurant. The lobster itself became the primary attraction instead. Larry has been restored several times over the years thanks to community donations, ensuring that he remains one of the world's largest and most famous crustaceans.

5. The Big Koala, Victoria

Dadswells Bridge, located midway between Stawell and Horsham, is where you can encounter the Big Koala, a gentle giant. It was built in 1989 and is composed of bronze and steel. It weighs more than twelve tons.

It is more than just a monument; there is also a wildlife park nearby where visitors may observe real koalas, kangaroos, and native birds. If you're traveling from Melbourne to Adelaide with your family and want to see some Australian wildlife without venturing too far off the beaten route, this is the spot to stop.

6. The Big Peanut, Queensland

Queensland is recognized for its sunny weather and peanut plantations, particularly at Kingaroy, also known as Australia's peanut capital. The charming and amusing Big Peanut is there to commemorate the town's farming background.

The sculpture perfectly represents the essence of rural Queensland: friendly, hardworking, and proud of its crops. People traveling north frequently stop by to grab a quick selfie and look at the peanut silos nearby. 

Aside from being new, it's a good reminder of how Australia's farming background still influences its tourism economy.

7. The Big Mango, Queensland

The Big Mango, located further north in Bowen, proudly boasts the town's reputation for producing the sweetest mangoes in Australia, the Kensington Pride variety.

The mango stands 10 meters tall and is near to the local visitor center. There, visitors may learn about the fruit's history and cool off with mango sorbet. The Big Mango became renowned throughout the world in 2014 after Nando's "stole" it as part of a hilarious marketing trick that continues to make people laugh today.

8. The Big Golden Guitar, New South Wales

If you appreciate music, you must see the Big Golden Guitar in Tamworth. Slim Dusty, a country music legend, launched the 12-meter guitar in 1988 to pay tribute to Australia's blossoming country music scene.

It is located outside the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre, which houses a museum and gift shop for country music aficionados. Every January, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, one of the largest music events in the Southern Hemisphere, features the landmark as a primary attraction.

The Big Golden Guitar serves as a shining reminder of how important country music is to people in rural Australia.

9. The Big Crocodile, Northern Territory

As you go north, Wyndham's Big Crocodile is an excellent way to explore the Northern Territory's wild, rugged landscape. The massive edifice at the town's entrance defends it while also representing the dangers and beauty of the Top End's biodiversity.

It's an excellent place to stop if you're coming from Darwin or exploring the Kimberley region. The crocodile represents Australia's deep respect for nature, which is aggressive, unpredictable, and undeniably fascinating.

10. The Big Prawn, New South Wales

Australia enjoys sculptures that resemble seafood, and Ballina's Big Prawn is a prime example. This nine-meter-tall crab was originally made in 1989 and later restored in 2013. It now glows gloriously adjacent to the local Bunnings Warehouse.

People enjoy taking selfies under its massive claws and eating fresh prawns from neighboring restaurants. The Big Prawn remains a cheerful reminder of beach life and fishing heritage in the neighborhood.

Why Australians love their ‘Big Things’

These attractions' attractiveness stems in part from their connections to the community and history. Families have been stopping at these famous locations on long road trips for decades, turning monotonous drives into exciting adventures.

The banana in Coffs Harbour signifies local farming, the Merino honors wool production, and the Big Peanut in Queensland celebrates agricultural pride. Every "Big Thing" tells a tale about where it is. These artifacts may appear weird, but they are an integral part of the fabric of Australian towns.

They also contribute to the local economy in ways other than tourism. Many of these attractions now have nearby cafés, museums, and gift stores that sell locally produced goods. This makes them valuable not only for entertainment but also for assisting little towns across the country.

Tips for planning your own “Big Things” road trip

Here are some tips to help you see Australia's most famous large landmarks:

• Start with a route: The east coast features an incredible range of sites, including the Big Banana and the Big Pineapple.
• Use a checklist: With over 150 "Big Things" across the country, establish a list of things you want to see before you come.
• Visit during local festivals: Woombye and Tamworth, for example, hold annual commemorative celebrations for their monuments.
• Take your time: Don't rush; many of these sites are in gorgeous locations with other hidden gems worth visiting.
• Support local: To support the community, buy souvenirs, try local cuisine, and interact with residents. This is all part of the Australian experience.

Cultural meaning behind the “Big Things”

These monuments are usually humorous or amusing, but they also have cultural importance. They demonstrate how innovative and resilient Australians are by transforming daily activities such as farming, fishing, and tourism into sources of pride.

They also allow people to connect with their surroundings. The Big Crocodile symbolizes the wildness of the Top End, the Big Koala raises awareness of local wildlife, and the Big Merino represents Australia's long history of farming.

Australians can discover joy and community in the most unexpected locations, such as a giant peanut or prawn on the side of the road.

Final thoughts

Australia's "Big Things" are more than simply bizarre items you see by the side of the road; they celebrate the country's wit, diversity, and identity. Each large monument depicts something distinctly Australian, ranging from Queensland's coastal towns to New South Wales' rural center.

Plan to visit these well-known destinations the next time you're on the road. They may make you laugh, surprise you, or teach you something new about Australia's diverse culture. Whatever happens, they'll leave you with unforgettable memories of the Great Aussie Road Trip.

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