Australia Road Trip: Hunting for 15+ 'Big Things' for Check-in Enthusiasts
More Than Just a "Selfie" - A Journey to Discover the Soul of Australia
Have you ever imagined driving on the endless roads of Australia and suddenly encountering a sheep as tall as a 3-story building or a bright yellow banana 13 meters long? Welcome to the world of "Big Things"—giant objects that have become a unique cultural feature and an essential part of any road trip in the land Down Under.
At first glance, they might seem like just quirky monuments for taking "Instagrammable" photos. But in reality, the "Big Things" culture carries a much deeper meaning. They were born in the context of Australia's post-war car boom, when vehicle traffic doubled in just a decade from 1950 to 1960. Small roadside towns, which relied on a single industry, needed a unique way to attract this new stream of tourists to stop and explore. And so, these "giants" were born, each statue a proud symbol of the local agriculture, industry, or history.
This article is not just a list of check-in spots. It is a detailed guide from tourfinder.au for you to embark on a unique journey, where each "Big Thing" is a gateway to the stories, culture, and people of each region. Let's hit the road and begin the adventure of "hunting" for these great symbols!
The Legendary East Coast Route: Hunting the Four Giants from NSW to Queensland
The Pacific Coast route connecting Sydney with the bustling coastal cities to the north is one of Australia's most classic road trips. It is also home to many of the most famous and iconic "Big Things," making it the perfect starting point for your journey.
1. The Big Merino (Goulburn, NSW): The Giant "Rambo" - Heart of the World's Wool Capital
Just a two-hour drive south of Sydney, your first stop will be Goulburn, where you'll be amazed by "Rambo"—not the action movie character, but a giant concrete merino sheep, the unmistakable symbol of the city.
Credit: Destination NSW
History and Significance
Built in 1985, The Big Merino is a grand structure honoring the premium wool industry of the Goulburn region, which proudly calls itself the "Wool Capital of the World." This reinforced concrete statue is 15.2 meters high, 18 meters long, and weighs a staggering 97 tons. It's not a product of imagination but was modeled after a famous ram named "Rambo" from a local farm called 'Bullamallita'. This structure is a prime example of how a "Big Thing" is not just a decoration but a living monument to the economic and cultural heritage of an entire region.
Visitor Experience
Explore inside "Rambo": Inside this 3-story structure is a permanent museum detailing the 200-year history of the Australian wool industry. Visitors can also climb to the top and look out at the surrounding landscape through the sheep's eyes.
A paradise for wool shopping: The gift shop inside is widely recognized as having one of the best collections of wool products in Australia. You can find everything from ultra-light merino wool clothing, high-end knitwear, and yarn for knitting, to sheepskin products and cosmetics containing lanolin.
An interesting story about "Rambo's" resilience is that in 2007, when the Hume Highway was rerouted to bypass the town, causing a severe drop in tourism, the community decided to move the entire 97-ton statue 800 meters to be closer to the new route. This shows the dynamism and determination of the community in preserving its symbol.
Practical Information
- Address: 1 Sowerby Street, Goulburn, NSW.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily.
- Tickets: Free to visit and take photos outside. Entry to the exhibition inside is also completely free.
- Amenities: There is a cafe, ample parking for cars and coaches, a picnic area, and public restrooms.
2. The Big Banana (Coffs Harbour, NSW): A Fun Icon & The "Grandfather" of Big Things Culture
Continuing your journey about 6 hours north to the coastal city of Coffs Harbour, you will encounter The Big Banana – considered the "grandfather" of the "Big Things" trend in Australia and one of the country's most famous roadside attractions.
History and Significance
The story began in 1964 when a plantation owner named John Landi, inspired by The Big Pineapple in Hawaii, had the idea to build a giant banana to attract passing traffic to his roadside banana stall. The 13-meter-long, 5-meter-high structure quickly became a phenomenon, starting a movement of building giant symbols across Australia.
Visitor Experience
The Big Banana has far surpassed its original purpose. From a simple stop, it has evolved into a multi-purpose amusement park called the Big Banana Fun Park, a destination that can keep visitors, especially families, entertained for a whole day.
Featured Activities: The park boasts the largest water park between Sydney and the Gold Coast, an indoor ice-skating rink, an exciting toboggan ride, a laser tag arena, a 36-hole mini-golf course, and "The World of Bananas" plantation tour to learn about the banana industry.
Dining and Shopping: After having fun, you can visit the cafe, the handmade candy shop, or the souvenir store to find hundreds of unique banana-themed products, from practical items to the most bizarre gifts.
Credit: Virgin Australia
The evolution of The Big Banana is a testament to how a roadside icon can become a complete and successful tourist destination.
Practical Information
Address: 351 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour, NSW.
Opening Hours: Open daily, except Christmas Day.
Tickets: Admission to the park is completely free. Visitors pay for each ride or can purchase combo packages like the Ultimate Pass or The Big Bunch of Fun to save money.
3. The Big Prawn (Ballina, NSW): The Impressively "Reborn" Shrimp
Just a short drive from the surfing paradise of Byron Bay, the town of Ballina is home to The Big Prawn, a symbol of resilience and a spectacular story of "rebirth."
Credit: Destination NSW
History and Significance
Initially, this giant shrimp was built to honor the local thriving seafood industry. It once had a spiral staircase inside that allowed visitors to climb up and look out through its beady black eyes, but this feature has long been closed.
The truly fascinating story of The Big Prawn began in 2013. Facing the threat of demolition, this icon was "saved" by a A$400,000 renovation, funded by the hardware store chain Bunnings. The shrimp was moved to a new location right in front of the Bunnings store, repainted a vibrant orange-pink, and most importantly, was given a complete tail for the first time. This story shows the deep connection of the community and local businesses to these unique cultural symbols, willing to invest to preserve their heritage.
Visitor Experience
The Big Prawn is a quick but meaningful photo stop. After getting your unique check-in photo with the 9-meter-high, 35-ton shrimp, you can cross the road to the many fresh seafood shops to enjoy the very specialty this statue celebrates.
Practical Information
Address: 507 River Street, Ballina, NSW (right in front of the Bunnings store).
Size: 9 meters high, 35 tons.
Opening Hours/Tickets: You can visit and take photos for free 24/7.
4. The Big Pineapple (Woombye, QLD): A Tropical Heritage Site Once Visited by Royalty
As your journey crosses into Queensland, head to the Sunshine Coast to see The Big Pineapple. This is not just an ordinary "Big Thing," but a nationally heritage-listed structure that had the honor of welcoming Prince Charles and Princess Diana during their 1983 visit to Australia.
History and Significance
Opened in 1971, The Big Pineapple was a pioneering example of "agri-tourism" in Australia. It combined an attractive landmark with the promotion and education of the region's tropical agricultural products. This 16-meter-high fiberglass pineapple structure was once the most popular tourist attraction in Australia, at one point welcoming up to a million visitors a year.
The rise and fall of The Big Pineapple, from its golden age to difficult times and its current path to revival, reflects the changes in Australian tourism. Its proposal as a mascot for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games shows its enduring symbolic value and the affection Australians have for it.
Visitor Experience
Today, The Big Pineapple is undergoing a transformation with many new activities:
Heritage Train: A small train takes you on a tour through tropical rainforests, orchid gardens, and past the adjacent zoo.
Wildlife HQ Zoo: Home to many native and international animals. Visitors can participate in unique interactive experiences like feeding monkeys and red pandas.
Music Festivals: The Big Pineapple Music Festival is a major annual event, attracting top artists and thousands of music fans.
Other Activities: Although visitors cannot currently climb inside the pineapple, the area still has a souvenir shop and new attractions like the TreeTop Challenge high ropes course are being developed.
Practical Information
Address: 76 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye, QLD.
Opening Hours: The grounds are open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. Attractions inside have their own operating hours.
Tickets: Free entry to the grounds. Activities like the train ride, zoo admission, and other games are charged separately.
Expanding the Hunt: Unique Giants Across Australia
Your journey doesn't have to stop on the East Coast. Every state in Australia hides unique "Big Things" that tell their own stories about the land.
5. South Australia - The Kingdom of Lobsters and Pink Cockatoos
The Big Lobster (Kingston SE): Affectionately known by locals as "Larry the Lobster," this is one of the most impressive and largest "Big Things" in Australia, standing 17 meters tall. Built in 1979 to promote the restaurant and seafood industry of the Limestone Coast region, Larry is a must-see check-in spot. After taking a photo, stop by the adjacent restaurant to enjoy the famous fresh lobster. Larry's address is Princes Highway, Kingston SE, SA.
The Big Galah (Kimba): In the arid landscape of the Eyre Highway, the 8-meter-high pink and grey Galah statue stands as a welcome. It was built to mark the halfway point of the trans-Australian journey from the east coast to the west, a symbolic stop for long-distance drivers.
6. Victoria - Meet "Sam" the Koala and the Outlaw Ned Kelly
The Giant Koala (Dadswells Bridge): This 14-meter-high, 12-ton koala has a very special name: "Sam." The name was given in memory of a real koala that became world-famous after being given water from a bottle by a firefighter during the devastating 2009 bushfires. Inside the statue is a souvenir shop, and next to it is a small native and farm animal display where you can meet animals like koalas, wallabies, and various poultry. This is an ideal stop for families, located at 5829 Western Highway, Dadswells Bridge, VIC.
The Big Ned Kelly (Glenrowan): Unlike other "Big Things" that honor agriculture or industry, this 6-meter-high statue depicts one of Australia's most controversial historical figures: the bushranger Ned Kelly. Located at 33 Gladstone Street, Glenrowan, VIC, the statue portrays Kelly in his legendary homemade armor, standing guard in the very town where the final siege of the Kelly Gang took place in 1880. The entire town of Glenrowan has turned this story into a "living museum" with attractions like the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub and the Kellyland animated show, offering a unique historical experience.
7. Northern Territory - Box with a Crocodile
The Big Boxing Crocodile (Humpty Doo): On the way from the capital city of Darwin to Kakadu National Park, you can't help but laugh when you see this giant crocodile wearing boxing gloves. The statue, between 8 and 13 meters tall (depending on the source), was built in 1988, inspired by the boxing kangaroo logo from Australia's historic victory in the 1983 America's Cup yacht race. Standing tall outside the United Petroleum station on the Arnhem Highway, it's the perfect stop to rest, refuel, and take a one-of-a-kind photo. Address: 340 Arnhem Hwy, Humpty Doo, NT.
8. Western Australia - Admire a Giant Ram and a Western Lobster
The Giant Ram (Wagin): Locally named "Bart," this giant ram was built in 1985 and is famous for a humorous detail: it is "anatomically correct," a feature that piques the curiosity of many visitors. At 9 meters high and 13 meters long, Bart is a symbol of the region's wool industry. The statue is located in the beautiful Wetlands Park, which has a playground, picnic area, and indigenous artworks, making it a great place to stop and relax. Address: Wetlands Park, Wagin, WA.
The Big Prawn (Exmouth): Not to be confused with its counterpart in Ballina, the 7-meter-high prawn in Exmouth is a symbol of the region's sustainable and world-renowned Western King Prawn fishing industry. The statue is located right outside the Ningaloo Visitor Centre, making it the perfect starting point to get information about the Ningaloo Reef—a UNESCO World Heritage site—before you begin your exploration. Address: 8 Murat Rd, Exmouth, WA.
A Pocket Guide for the Perfect 'Big Things' Road Trip
To make your "Big Things" hunting trip complete, equip yourself with these practical tips.
The Golden Check-in List: A Summary of Can't-Miss "Big Things"
This quick summary table will help you easily plan and decide on your next destination.
"Big Thing" Name | Location (City, State) | Special Highlight & Reason to Visit |
The Big Merino | Goulburn, NSW | Symbol of the wool industry, with a 200-year history museum inside. |
The Big Banana | Coffs Harbour, NSW | The "grandfather" of Big Things, a huge amusement park for the whole family. |
The Big Pineapple | Woombye, QLD | A heritage site visited by royalty, with a zoo, train, and music festival. |
The Big Lobster | Kingston SE, SA | "Larry" - a 17m tall giant lobster, a chance to enjoy fresh seafood. |
The Giant Koala | Dadswells Bridge, VIC | The giant koala "Sam," with a small zoo next door for animal interaction. |
The Big Boxing Crocodile | Humpty Doo, NT | A unique and humorous symbol of the Top End, a one-of-a-kind check-in spot. |
The Big Prawn | Ballina, NSW | The "reborn" shrimp after a major renovation, a symbol of resilience. |
The Big Ned Kelly | Glenrowan, VIC | A monument to Australia's most famous outlaw; the whole town is a living museum. |
Driving in Australia for Beginners
Drive on the left: This is the most important rule and the biggest difference from many other countries. Always remember to "keep left." When entering a roundabout, you must give way to vehicles already in the roundabout coming from your right.
Driver's license: Foreign tourists wishing to drive in Australia need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the competent authority in their home country, and must always carry it with their original, valid driver's license.
Speed limits: Always pay attention to speed limit signs. The allowed speed varies by area, typically 50 km/h in residential areas and up to 100-110 km/h on highways. Speed cameras and traffic police in Australia are very strict.
Beware of wildlife: This is a real danger, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. Kangaroos, wombats, and emus can suddenly cross the road. Slow down when you see wildlife warning signs.
Tolls: Many highways around major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have automatic electronic tolls. Rental cars are usually equipped with an e-tag, and the cost will be charged to your rental bill after your trip.
Car insurance: When renting a car, you are required to have Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. However, for peace of mind, you should purchase comprehensive insurance packages to cover potential damage to the car you are renting.
Sample Itinerary: 5-Day "Big Things" Hunt on the New South Wales Route
This is a suggested itinerary, focusing on the most prominent "Big Things" in NSW, suitable for those with limited time but still wanting a memorable road trip experience.
Day 1: Sydney - Goulburn (Approx. 200km, 2 hours drive)
Morning: Depart from Sydney, heading south.
Noon: Arrive in Goulburn, enjoy lunch at Trappers Bakery, a famous bakery located near The Big Merino.
Afternoon: Spend time exploring The Big Merino. Go inside to visit the wool museum and shop for souvenirs. If time permits, explore other historical sites in Goulburn like the Goulburn Courthouse or the Rocky Hill War Memorial.
Evening: Overnight in Goulburn.
Day 2: Goulburn - Coffs Harbour (Approx. 650km, 7 hours drive)
This is the longest travel day of the trip, so start early.
You can stop for lunch in Port Macquarie, a beautiful coastal town along the way.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Coffs Harbour, check into your hotel, and rest for the next day's exploration.
Day 3: Explore Coffs Harbour & The Big Banana
Morning: Spend the entire morning having fun at The Big Banana Fun Park. Don't forget to take a photo with the giant banana icon and try exciting rides like the toboggan.
Afternoon: Explore other destinations in Coffs Harbour. Take a walk on the Coffs Jetty and walk up to Muttonbird Island to get a panoramic view of the ocean and see thousands of seabirds nesting.
Evening: Enjoy the famous fish and chips right at the wharf area.
Day 4: Coffs Harbour - Ballina - Byron Bay (Approx. 240km, 3 hours drive)
Morning: Drive north along the Pacific Highway. Stop in Ballina to check in with The Big Prawn.
Noon & Afternoon: Arrive in Byron Bay, one of Australia's most famous beach towns. Enjoy the free-spirited atmosphere here. Walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for a 360-degree view, and swim at the beautiful Wategos Beach.
Evening: Explore the diverse cuisine and vibrant nightlife of Byron Bay.
Day 5: Byron Bay - Return to Sydney (Fly or Drive)
Option 1 (Cost-saving): Spend the day driving back to Sydney (about 8-9 hours).
Option 2 (Time-saving): Return the rental car at Ballina/Byron Airport or the nearby Gold Coast Airport and catch a domestic flight back to Sydney.
The journey to "hunt" for giant objects is not just a trip to fill your photo collection. It is a unique and exciting way to dive deep into the soul of Australia, to see the diversity, humor, pride, and rich history of the small communities that have contributed to making a great nation. Each "Big Thing" is a story, and every road is an adventure.
Australia with its "giant objects" is waiting for you to explore. Are you ready? Let Tour Finder accompany you on every road, turning your dream trip into reality!