Australia’s Big Things: The Ultimate Road Trip Bucket List

Australia is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and epic road trips… but there's another quirky attraction that has become part of the country's travel culture: the Big Things.

What are they? There are oversized landmarks that celebrate everything from local produce and wildlife to regional history and community pride. From a giant banana, a towering guitar, to an enormous penguin, these larger-than-life attractions have become must-see stops for travellers exploring the country.

Why do they exist? Most of Australia’s Big Things were originally created between the 1960s and 1980s as a way to attract travellers to stop in regional towns. Before highways and fast travel routes, these eye-catching structures helped local businesses and communities draw attention from passing road traffic.

Where are they? They're often found in regional towns and along scenic driving routes, making them perfect additions to a motorhome adventure. They offer the ideal excuse to pull over, stretch your legs, snap a memorable photo, and explore destinations you may have otherwise driven straight past.

In this guide, we'll take you around Australia to discover some of the most iconic Big Things worth adding to your road trip itinerary. These unique landmarks are guaranteed to make your journey even more memorable. Let’s start your Big Things Australia road trip!

Image: Big Pelican in Noosa, Queensland

1.  Queensland’s Big Things

Queensland is packed with some of Australia’s most famous Big Things, and they’re perfectly positioned for a motorhome road trip. From the Sunshine Coast to the tropical north, each stop offers a fun reason to pull over, stretch your legs, and explore a slice of local character along the way. If you’re planning your journey, you can explore our Cairns to Brisbane motorhome itinerary to see how these stops fit into a full East Coast adventure.

The Big Pineapple – Sunshine Coast

The most iconic big fruit standing (16 meters tall!), The Big Pineapple is a must-stop when travelling through the Sunshine Coast. Originally built as a tribute to Queensland’s pineapple industry, it has grown into a full visitor attraction.

The Big Mango – Bowen

The Big Mango celebrates one of the region’s most loved tropical fruits. Bright, bold, and unmistakably Australian. This 10-meter-wide mango famously went missing in 2014 as part of a clever Nando's marketing stunt.

The Big Crab – Cardwell

Located along the scenic coastal stretch between Townsville and Cairns, The Big Crab is a quirky tribute to the region’s seafood industry. And of course, you can eat seafood in the restaurant beneath it… the Seaview Deli Café (we recommend trying the crab burger).

The Big Gumboot – Tully

Known as one of the wettest towns in Australia, Tully proudly celebrates its reputation with The Big Gumboot. Standing at over 7 metres tall, this bright yellow gumboot represents the town’s record-breaking rainfall and agricultural heritage.

Nala the Whale – Hervey Bay

A newer addition to Queensland’s Big Things, Nala the Whale sits proudly in Hervey Bay, one of Australia’s best-known whale-watching destinations. This striking sculpture celebrates the annual migration of humpback whales through the region.

Looking for inspiration?

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Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

2.  New South Wales’ Big Things

New South Wales is home to some of Australia’s most famous Big Things, many of which sit along popular coastal and inland road trip routes. For motorhome travellers, this makes NSW the perfect place to break up long drives between Queensland and Victoria while discovering some truly iconic roadside attractions. Pick up your motorhome from our Sydney depot and start exploring with our favourite itineraries!

The Big Banana – Coffs Harbour

Arguably the most famous of Australia’s Big Things, The Big Banana is a must-stop on any East Coast road trip. Located in Coffs Harbour, it has been welcoming travellers since the 1960s and has grown into a full entertainment precinct.

The Big Merino – Goulburn

Known affectionately as “The Ram,” The Big Merino stands proudly in Goulburn as a tribute to Australia’s wool industry. This towering structure even features a small museum inside, where visitors can learn about the history of merino wool and its importance to the region.

The Big Golden Guitar – Tamworth

Located in Australia’s country music capital, The Big Golden Guitar is a fitting tribute to Tamworth’s iconic music scene. Standing tall beside the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre, it celebrates the city’s famous Country Music Festival held every January.

The Big Prawn – Ballina

Sitting in the coastal town of Ballina, The Big Prawn is one of Australia’s most recognisable seafood-themed Big Things. Recently restored and reintroduced as a local landmark, it celebrates the region’s strong fishing and prawn industry.

The Big Potato – Robertson

A quirky inland favourite, The Big Potato in Robertson is a simple but beloved roadside attraction in the Southern Highlands. It reflects the region’s agricultural heritage and adds a touch of humour to the drive through this lush farming area.

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Image: Visit New South Wales

3.  Victoria’s Big Things

Victoria’s Big Things may be fewer in number compared to other states, but they’re packed with character and are perfectly positioned for motorhome travellers exploring regional towns, inland routes, and scenic country drives. Pick up your motorhome from our Melbourne depot and start exploring with our favourite itineraries!

The Big Ned Kelly – Glenrowan

Located in the historic town of Glenrowan, The Big Ned Kelly pays tribute to one of Australia’s most infamous bushrangers. Set in the heart of Ned Kelly country, this towering figure is a striking reminder of the region’s colonial history and folklore.

The Big Strawberry – Koonoomoo

In the rich agricultural region near the Murray River, The Big Strawberry in Koonoomoo celebrates one of Victoria’s favourite crops. Bright, playful, and instantly recognisable, it’s part of a larger farm experience that includes a café, farm gate produce, and seasonal strawberry picking.

The Giant Koala – Dadswells Bridge

One of Victoria’s most iconic roadside landmarks, The Giant Koala stands proudly along the Western Highway between Melbourne and Adelaide. This 14-metre structure is one of Australia’s most recognisable Big Things and a classic photo stop for road trippers.

The Giant Murray Cod – Swan Hill

Located in the Murray River region, The Giant Murray Cod celebrates one of Australia’s most iconic freshwater fish. Found in Swan Hill, this Big Thing highlights the importance of fishing and river life in northern Victoria.

The Big Wine Bottle – Rutherglen

In the famous wine region of Rutherglen, The Big Wine Bottle is a fitting tribute to one of Victoria’s most established wine-producing areas. It reflects the region’s long-standing history of winemaking and its reputation for fortified wines and cellar doors.

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Image: Visit Victoria, Melbourne Playground & The Big Strawberry

4.  Tasmania’s Big Things

Tasmania may be Australia’s smallest state, but it still has its share of Big Things that add fun and character to any road trip. With short driving distances plenty of natural beauty, these roadside attractions are perfect for motorhome travellers exploring the island at a relaxed pace. Pick up your motorhome from our Hobart depot and start exploring with our favourite itineraries!

The Big Tassie Devil – Mole Creek

In the heart of Tasmania’s north, The Big Tassie Devil in Mole Creek is a fitting tribute to the state’s most famous native animal. This oversized sculpture celebrates the Tasmanian devil and the region’s strong connection to wildlife conservation.

The Big Penguin – Penguin

Located in the coastal town of Penguin, The Big Penguin is one of Tasmania’s most charming and recognisable Big Things. This friendly statue reflects the town’s name and coastal identity, making it a fun and light-hearted photo stop.

The Big Trout – Cressy

In Tasmania’s renowned trout-fishing region, The Big Trout in Cressy celebrates the importance of freshwater fishing and the local rivers. It’s a simple but iconic roadside stop that reflects the rural heart of northern Tasmania.

The Big Cherry – Huonville

Located in the heart of the Huon Valley, The Big Cherry celebrates one of Tasmania's most famous fruit-growing regions. The Huon Valley is renowned for its cherries, apples, berries, and other fresh produce, making this oversized cherry a fitting tribute to the area's rich agricultural heritage.

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Image: Megan Gutsell & landofthebigs

5.  Western Australia’s Big Things

Western Australia is all about wide-open roads, long driving distances, and unforgettable regional stops. Its Big Things are scattered across farming towns, coastal hubs, and inland routes, making them perfect landmarks for motorhome travellers. Pick up your motorhome from our Perth depot and start exploring with our favourite itineraries!

The Big Camera – Meckering

Located in the Wheatbelt town of Meckering, The Big Camera is a unique tribute to both photography and the region’s history. Built as a roadside landmark, it reflects the town’s resilience following the 1968 earthquake, which reshaped much of the area.

The Big Orange – Harvey

In the fertile farming town of Harvey, The Big Orange celebrates one of the region’s key agricultural industries: the citrus farming. Bright and unmistakable, it’s a classic roadside Big Thing that reflects the area’s strong food production heritage.

The Big Ram – Wagin

Standing proudly in the agricultural town of Wagin, The Big Ram pays tribute to Western Australia’s sheep farming industry. It is one of the most well-known Big Things in the state and represents the importance of wool production in the region.

The Big Lobster – Dongara

On the Coral Coast in Dongara, The Big Lobster celebrates the region’s strong seafood and fishing industry. With its coastal location, it fits perfectly into a north–south WA road trip between Perth and Geraldton.

The Giant Sundial – Perth (Cottesloe)

Overlooking the Indian Ocean in Cottesloe, the Giant Sundial is a more artistic take on Australia’s Big Things. It blends public art with coastal scenery and is a great stop when exploring the Perth coastline.

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Image: Daniel L, beinganolddad & Harvey Region

Start Planning Your Road Trip!

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