A Guide to the Very Big Things of Australia

Australia is celebrated for many things and known by many names – The Land Down Under, the Land of Plenty and the Land of Wonder, all because of its natural wonders. Most of all, the country is famous for its penchant for massive things.

Some of these may be considered trivial but some are of historic significance. Here are just some of the many must-see big things found around Australia:

The Golden Gumboot – Tully, Northern Queensland

For years, it has been an on-going debate as to which town earns the rightful spot as the dampest town in Australia – Babinda or Tully. Annually, a feast is commemorated every May to remember the rivalry that has long existed between the two towns.

To symbolize the town’s claim of having the rainiest days (about 150 days in total), Tully has founded a massive golden gumboot with a tree frog on it. By far, the greatest rainfall in Tully was in 1950, reaching a whopping 7.9 meters.

Big Penguin – Penguin, North of Coast of Tasmania

Despite being small, the state of Tasmania houses one of many big things – this one is the Big Penguin. The Big Penguin is found in the town called, guess what, Penguin, where obviously, penguins take refuge during the night.

Because the icon has gained popularity not only in the area but all over the world, many items were made after it; such as inflatable penguin-shaped balloons and garbage bins.

Big Lobster – Kingston SE, Southeast Coast of South Australia

Are your looking for a big lobster? Although this place is well known for housing sumptuous lobsters, the biggest is Larry. In Kingston, along the south-east coast of South Australia, “Larry” the Big Lobster awaits.

Unlike the other big things of Australia, Larry is very life-like. Constructed out of steel and fibreglass since 1970, Larry is actually an information centre and a restaurant that serves a delectable lobster.

Big Submarine – New South Wales

Prior to World War I, the town of Holbrook (located on the Hume Highway between Sydney and Melbourne) was formerly known as Germanton. It was renamed to Holbrook after English troops invaded and assaulted the town under the leadership of English Lieutenant Norman Holbrook.

To remember that historic day, the town decided to acquire the retired 90-meter HMAS Otway submarine in 1997 and made as an iconic landmark of the town.

Big Pineapple – Woombye, Queensland

Australia has truly professed its love for big things with the Big Pineapple located in Woombye, Queensland; located in the Sunshine Coast, adjacent to the Bruce Highway.

The Big Pineapple towers at 16 meters among a 165-hectare pineapple field and was once included in the royal tour of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana in 1983.

Big Boxing Crocodile – Humpty Doo, Northern Territory

Oftentimes criticised for its name, Humpty Doo has created another silly thing to talk about – the Big Boxing Crocodile.

The 8-meter tall croc can be visibly seen along the driveway of the Kakadu National Park and is a 40-kilometer drive from Darwin (from Stuart to Arnhem Highway).

A crocodile wearing boxing gloves and a sarcastic grin must have been the way the townspeople have agreed to replace and relieve the town from its horrible history of war and being flood-stricken.

Big Banana – North of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

Dubbed as one of the most unusual tourist attractions on the planet, the Big Banana has never ceased to amaze tourists as they pass along the Pacific Highway.

The Big Banana has served New South Wales since 1964 as a restaurant;  serving banana products such as banana jam, banana milkshakes, banana fruit and banana-shaped holders.

Big Rocking Horse – Gumeracha, Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Joining the list of animals chosen to be memorialised as one of Australia’s big things is the Big Rocking Horse of South Australia. Standing at 18 meters all, the rocking horse signifies the insignia of a local wooden toy factory, which is currently a tourist attraction of the area, with tourists often stopping by to take pictures of the large piece.

Even if you’re not a fan heights, you can climb up the horse and take pictures at three different positions: the saddle, the rockers and even at the top of head.

As much as the name suggests – no, the piece does not rock.

Big Galah – Kimba, South Australia

Looking for a wild pink bird at a petrol station? Driving along the highways of Australia may bring you just what you’re searching for!

Perched in front of a petrol station for more than 30 years, Kimba is a Galah; standing at 8 metres high, 2.5 metres wide and weighing over two tonnes. Kimba is located half way across Australia on the Eyre Highway – north-west of Adelaide.