Australian BIG Things Bucket List
For whatever reason may be behind it, Australians and tourists love scouring for as many BIG things as they can! Many travellers will hunt them out when in rural towns or road tripping around the country.
Australia’s love for BIG things has gotten so absurd, that there are outrageously strange statues scattered around the country, like the Big Poo in Kiama, or the Big Dead Fish in Fishy Creek.
Often, the BIG items signify more than just an epic photo opportunity. They represent a historical significance for the town and can be surrounded with unique things to see and do. Thanks to their bizarre popularity, they have been known to bring small towns alive.
So, while you’re visiting one or all these Iconic landmarks, make a day of it by settling into the town, visiting the surrounding attractions, and having a meal at a local café! While there are hundreds to see, here are 10 of our favourite BIG things:
THE BIG MERINO, GOULBURN, NSW
? Visit NSW
When it comes to BIG things – and there are a lot of them in Australia - the Big Merino is up there the greats! Beside the Hume Highway, this giant Ram doubles as a gift shop and wool museum full of interesting history. You can even climb up and look out into his eyes, making it one of the most interactive BIG things.
For a delicious lunch stop, head around the corner from The Big Merino and you’ll find Grit Café. A beautiful, bustling cafe with a range of locally made treats and great milkshakes!
THE BIG UGG BOOTS, THORTON, NSW
? The Big Ugg Boots
Take a family photo in front of the world’s largest Ugg Boots! A fun thing about this BIG item, is that the boots are regularly painted depending on the occasion/season. Easter, Football finals, Christmas, Halloween, you never know what design they’ll come up with next!
Visit the museum and get some Australian made Ugg Boots – a classic Aussie accessory that you’ll love having on the road with you! You don’t have to go far to find a nice meal. Just behind the Big Ugg is Café at Mortels –go here for great coffee an unforgettable breakfast.
THE BIG GOLDEN GUITAR, TAMWORTH, NSW
? Visit NSW
The Big Goldan Guitar is an Australian icon! It was first launched 1988, presented by country legend Slim Dusty. If that gets you excited, you must step inside the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame which showcases significant outfits, awards, and memorabilia. Pop into the Australian Music Wax Museum to take a selfie with Slim, Buddy Williams, Beccy Cole & many more!
For a classic bistro meal, head across the road to Longyard Hotel – a pub with huge country charm. You might even catch some live music while you dine!
THE BIG BANANA, COFFS HARBOUR, NSW
The Big Banana was the beginning of Australia’s craze with BIG things, being the very first of its kind in 1964
In terms of inspiring a fun filled day for the kids, The Big Banana wins. While you can simply get your photo in front of this BIG item, you’ll probably want to walk inside it, which will take you to the Big Banana Amusement Park! There is an abundance of fun to be had. Waterslides, ice skating, mini golf & laser tag are just some of the things on offer.
Skip the Big Banana’s tourist-filled restaurant and drive 5 minutes down the road, where you’ll find Ernie’s Kitchen. This beautiful café showcases native herbs, spices flora and fauna into their dishes. The love they put into their meals is evident within first bite! Try their crab roll or lemon myrtle cheesecake.
THE BIG PELICAN, NOOSA, QLD
On the foreshore of Noosa River in the Queensland Central Coast is the Big Pelican. While it is not one of the country’s most renown BIG items, it has a rich and interesting history! Behind it, you will find ice cream, kayak hire and a ferry stop – so the adventure ahead is up to you!
For a classic Noosa dining experience, head to the jetty and visit the Boathouse to enjoy an upscale seafood experience.
THE BIG WATERMELON SLICE, CHINCHILLA, QLD
? Tourism Queensland
This huge watermelon, as simple as it may be, made the small town of Chinchilla a bustling new tourism destination! Over three metres tall and nine meters wide, it was gifted from travel website Wotif after the town won a competition thanks to their reputation of Melon Capital! Seriously, they have The World’s biggest Melon Festival.
After stopping by for a photo, head to the Downtown Café for friendly service and a delicious all-day breakfast or lunch. Alternatively, check out Merrit’s Bakery for an incredible bakery experience.
THE BIG PINEAPPLE, WOOMBYE, QLD
The Big Pineapple is such a loved Queensland Icon, it draws over a million visitors a year and there is an entire music festival dedicated to it!
It’s a beautiful detailed BIG item, that makes for an iconic Queensland holiday selfie. The structure is surrounded by fun thanks to a train, zoo, zipline and cocktail bar!
After a day of fun out in Woombye, pick up a delicious pizza and a slab from Glass House Brewery for a relaxing night in your motorhome!
THE BIG WINE BOTTLE, RUTHERGLEN, VIC
? Explore Rutherglen
While most BIG things are made with the intent to be a structural tourist icon, this one began its life as a water tower. The steel mesh top was added in 1969, courtesy of Rutherglen Wine Festival. It’s now known as The Big Wine Bottle, and is an icon located near the Murray River.
Drive up the road and visit The Pickled Sisters Café for an impressive menu showcasing the local produce of Rutherglen. They also have an incredible takeaway menu where you can pick up olives, pate, smoked trout – to name a few. Great option before scouting out a scenic picnic location.
THE BIG PENGUIN – PENGUIN, TAS
There is something so special about this little seaside town, and the Big Penguin is a big representation of that! Each year, locals will dress the statue up in a Christmas outfit, tailor-made just for him! After you tick this one off your BIG bucket list, stroll the beach and count the other penguins you find along the way.
For your food stop, head to Letterbox Café for breakfast or brunch! This central café will make you feel right at home, both through service and style. Try their famous red velvet latte and Pumpkin Benedict!
THE BIG WICKETS, WESTBURY, TAS
? Trip Bucket
These wickets are a whopping 6 metres tall and were placed on the cricket pitch to commemorate local player Jack Badcock. A must-see for any sport fans, BIG item bucket-listers.
Westbury is one of the lesser-known towns in Tassie and can be easily missed – but it shouldn’t be! There are some beautiful spots for picnicking in the area, multiple museums, and an incredible whisky distillery.
For great coffee, slices, cakes, and more be sure to visit the Westbury Maze & Cafe – the epic maze is an adventure fit for the whole family!
Finding these iconic structures has now been ingrained into Australian holiday culture. It’s such a surprisingly exciting activity when on a motorhome or campervan holiday!
Seriously, once you take a photo with one BIG item, it really is hard to resist the urge to find more! For kids and adults, there is just so much fun to be had when driving through scenic and historic towns in Australia – making a spontaneous stop when you suddenly spot one.