Big Things of Australia: Iconic Roadside Attractions & Photo Stops

Big Things of Australia: The Ultimate Guide to Quirky Roadside Attractions
From bananas to penguins and pitchforks, Australia’s obsession with oversized sculptures is both hilarious and heartwarming. These Big Things have become roadside icons — and in this guide, we take you across the country to visit them all.
Why Big Things of Australia Are the Ultimate Road Trip Stops
Australia is famous for its vast landscapes, epic road trips — and some truly quirky roadside attractions. Scattered across every state and territory, the country’s “Big Things” are larger-than-life sculptures that celebrate everything from local produce to native wildlife. Whether it’s the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, the Big Lobster in Kingston SE, or the Big Penguin in Tasmania, these iconic landmarks offer travellers a fun and offbeat way to explore regional Australia.
Originally created to draw in passing motorists, many of these oversized sculptures have become beloved national treasures and popular photo stops. Some are proudly kitsch, others surprisingly artistic — but all of them reflect the charm and character of their local communities.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll find a comprehensive list of Big Things across Australia, organised by location, with key details such as when they were built, their size, and any unique backstories. Whether you’re planning a cross-country adventure or a weekend getaway, use this guide to plan your next quirky photo op and discover the stories behind Australia’s most unusual attractions.
Big Things in Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Big Things in New South Wales (NSW)
Big Things in the Northern Territory (NT)
Big Things in Queensland (QLD)
Big Things in South Australia (SA)
Big Things in Tasmania (TAS)
Big Things in Victoria (VIC)
Big Things in Western Australia (WA)
Bonus Big Things & Quirky Roadside Attractions Across Australia
Australia is famous worldwide for its giant roadside icons like the Big Banana in New South Wales and the Big Lobster in South Australia. But beyond these famous landmarks, many towns feature lesser-known Bonus Big Things — quirky, oversized sculptures that celebrate local heritage, industries, and unique stories. These hidden gems offer fun photo opportunities and a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s rich and diverse culture and landscape.
New South Wales (NSW)
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Big Potato (Robertson) — Built in the 1990s, this 4.5-metre-tall monument celebrates Robertson’s rich potato farming history and attracts visitors interested in agricultural landmarks.
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Big Horse (Gundagai) — A unique tribute connected to the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox, one of Australia’s most iconic bush heritage statues.
South Australia (SA)
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Big Almond (Loxton) — Celebrates the thriving nut industry in the Riverland region with this photogenic almond sculpture.
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Big Citrus Fruit (Renmark/Loxton region) — A bright and vibrant nod to the region’s expansive citrus orchards, perfectly complementing South Australia’s famous Big Orange.
Tasmania (TAS)
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Big Apple (Huon Valley) — A charming symbol of Tasmania’s renowned apple-growing tradition and a popular roadside attraction for visitors exploring the region.
Victoria (VIC)
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Big Gum Tree (Various towns) — Smaller yet meaningful sculptures that honour Victoria’s historic forestry and timber industry.
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Mini Pineapple (Local farms) — Charming, lesser-known tropical fruit sculptures complementing Queensland’s bigger pineapple icons.
Western Australia (WA)
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Big Boat (Geraldton and other coastal towns) — Pays homage to Western Australia’s rich maritime heritage and fishing industries.
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Big Camel & Big Sheep (Various farming towns) — Unique agricultural icons representing the significance of livestock farming in rural WA.
Why Visit Australia’s Bonus Big Things?
These quirky, oversized sculptures provide unique roadside attractions and excellent photo opportunities for travellers exploring regional Australia. Perfect for road trips and local tourism, Bonus Big Things add character and local flavour beyond the most famous landmarks.
Explore More of Quirky Australia’s Unique Roadside Attractions
Australia’s Big Things are iconic symbols of the country’s playful spirit and rich regional heritage, attracting visitors from near and far. To make the most of your road trip, be sure to also explore the vibrant Silo Art of Australia, where large-scale murals transform rural landscapes into open-air galleries. For a dose of the unexpected and eccentric, the Offbeat Aussie Icons showcase even more quirky landmarks that celebrate local stories and community pride. Together, these three collections offer a comprehensive and unforgettable journey through the quirkiest corners of regional Australia — perfect for art lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike.
Spotted a Big Thing that’s Missing or Moved?
If you’ve visited one of these big icons and found it’s no longer accessible, or if you know of another great “Big Thing” that should be on this list, please get in touch!
Send us a photo along with the location details, and we’ll be happy to update the page and share it with everyone.
Contact us here at gday@australiabucketlist.com.au — we’d love to hear from you!
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