Taking a long drive in regional Australia, you’ll come across one of the country’s famous “big things.” You’ll find giant fruit and oversized animals, and sculptures that celebrate local industry. Australia’s big things have become quirky icons of the Aussie road trip. With more than 150 scattered across the country, they’re more than just fun photo stops. Each one is tied to the story of its town and often highlights what makes the local community unique.
Originally created as roadside novelties to draw in travellers, many of these attractions are now beloved landmarks. Australia is home to the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, the Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast, and the Big Lobster in South Australia. These oversized structures represent everything from agriculture and wildlife to local culture.
The tradition of building “Big Things” in Australia started in the 1960s. It was often a way to draw in passing motorists on long stretches of road. Over time, these quirky roadside attractions grew into something much bigger than just tourist stops—they became cultural icons. For many Australians, family road trips meant pulling over to snap a photo with a giant prawn, banana, or sheep.
Today, the trend continues, preserving older monuments. It also introduces modern creations like the Big Swoop in Canberra or the giant dog statues in regional towns. These landmarks are more than photo opportunities. They represent the humour, creativity, and resourcefulness of the communities that built them. They also give travellers a reason to visit smaller towns that they might otherwise drive past. This boosts local tourism and supports regional businesses.
These sculptures are often quirky, artistic, or built to celebrate an industry or animal. Furthermore, they are firmly woven into the story of exploring Australia by road. For retirees and travellers alike, “Big Things” remain a nostalgic and uniquely Australian way of experiencing the landscape.
Big things are more than roadside oddities – they’re part of our national identity. They:
It’s no wonder they’ve become iconic stops for tourists and locals alike. Some towns even have multiple big things, creating themed trails that are perfect for road trips.
You’ll find an extensive list of big things in every state and territory. Whether it’s the tropics of Queensland or the cool landscapes of Tasmania, you’ll find big things. A few of the most famous include:
This is just the beginning – each state and territory has dozens more waiting to be discovered.
To get the most out of your big things adventure, plan a route that takes you through regional towns. You will see famous Australian landmarks. You will also find great food, friendly locals, and unique attractions along the way.
When planning, consider:
Because there are so many big things across Australia, we’ve created detailed guides for each state and territory. Each one includes driving routes, nearby attractions, and travel tips so you can make the most of your journey.
👉 Explore:
Australia’s big things are more than giant sculptures – they’re symbols of creativity, humour, and community pride. A big things road trip is a fun way to explore the country. You can visit Aussie roadside attractions, and also discover hidden gems in small towns.
While you’re here, explore more travel and lifestyle articles at Retirement Now to help plan your next adventure.
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