An Ultimate Guide to Australia’s Top 15 Big Things
Australia is world-famous for its “Big Things” — those larger-than-life roadside attractions that make for the ultimate road-trip photo op. From giant lobsters and bananas to bulls, turtles, and even a stack of books, these quirky landmarks tell the stories of the towns they belong to.
The best part? You don’t need to go out of your way to see them. We’ve rounded up 15 of the most iconic Big Things across the country — each within an hour’s drive of a Discovery Park, so you can pair your selfie stop with a holiday.
THE BIG LOBSTER – KINGSTON SE, SA
CREDIT: South Australian Tourism Commission
Affectionately known as “Larry,” this 17-metre giant has been towering over Kingston SE since 1979. Built to celebrate the local seafood industry, Larry has become one of Australia’s most famous Big Things. It’s the kind of stop that brings out the smiles, especially if you’re heading along South Australia’s stunning Limestone Coast.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Robe is just 20 minutes’ drive away, offering a beachfront stay where you can enjoy fresh local seafood and explore Robe’s shops, history and wineries.
THE BIG ORANGE – BERRI, SA
CREDIT: Land of The Bigs
The Riverland is famous for its citrus groves, and this huge orange is a proud nod to that heritage. Once home to a café and lookout, the Big Orange still stands tall among the vines, marking Renmark as the heart of South Australia’s orange country.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Renmark Riverfront is only 5 minutes’ drive away, set right on the Murray River with cabins, camp spots and easy access to local wine and citrus country.
MAP THE MINER – KAPUNDA, SA
CREDIT: South Australian Tourism Commission
This towering bronze statue honours Kapunda’s Cornish miners, who helped shape the Barossa’s history through copper mining. Standing proudly at the entrance to town, “Map” is more than just a photo op — it’s a reminder of South Australia’s rich mining past.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley is just 23 minutes’ drive away, placing you among world-class wineries, gourmet food and the rolling hills of the Barossa.
BIG ROCKING HORSE – GUMERACHA, SA
CREDIT: South Australian Tourism Commission
This 18-metre rocking horse is more than a landmark — it’s an experience. You can climb right up into it, then wander the adjacent toy factory and wildlife park. Built in the Adelaide Hills, it’s become a family favourite and one of the region’s quirkiest attractions.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Hahndorf is only 30 minutes’ drive away, surrounded by historic villages, boutique shops and cool-climate wineries in the Adelaide Hills.
THE BIG PRAWN – BALLINA, NSW
CREDIT: Destination NSW
Standing at 9 metres tall, this crustacean is a Northern Rivers icon. Saved from demolition by locals, the Big Prawn was given a tail in 2013 and now gleams proudly on the highway. It’s one of those “you can’t drive past without stopping” kind of Big Things.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Ballina is just 5 minutes’ drive away, giving you a riverside base close to beaches, seafood spots and relaxed coastal walks.
THE BIG BANANA – COFFS HARBOUR, NSW
CREDIT: Destination NSW
Australia’s very first Big Thing, built in 1964, is still one of its most loved. The Big Banana is more than just a statue — it’s a whole fun park, with slides, laser tag, ice skating, mini-golf and a plantation tour.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Emerald Beach is only 15 minutes’ drive away, with family-friendly facilities like a water park, pool and playgrounds right by the coast.
THE BIG TROUT – ADAMINABY, NSW
CREDIT: Destination NSW
Standing over 10 metres tall, the Big Trout in Adaminaby is one of Australia’s oldest and most famous Big Things. Built in 1973, it celebrates the Snowy Mountains’ reputation as a world-class trout fishing destination. A must-snap stop on any alpine road trip.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Jindabyne is just 15 minutes’ drive away, giving you a lakeside stay with easy access to alpine fishing, skiing and Snowy Mountains walks.
THE BIG MURRAY COD – ARCADIA, VIC
CREDIT: Natureworks Australia
Completed in 2025, this 16-metre-long sculpture is the world’s largest Murray cod. Sitting above the Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery, it’s part of a new visitor precinct with picnic areas and a fish-themed playground.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Nagambie Lakes is only 30 minutes’ drive away, with lakefront cabins, fishing and boating at the heart of the Goulburn Valley.
THE BIG WINE BOTTLE – RUTHERGLEN, VIC
CREDIT: Tourism Victoria
This towering wine bottle is a tribute to Rutherglen’s world-famous fortified wines. Sitting proudly in the heart of one of Victoria’s most historic wine regions, it’s a perfect stop for a cheeky photo before a winery tour.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Lake Hume, Victoria is just 45 minutes’ drive away, offering a lakeside escape and easy access to Rutherglen’s wineries and the Victorian High Country.
THE BIG RUM BOTTLE – BUNDABERG, QLD
CREDIT: Tourism Queensland
There’s no mistaking Bundaberg’s claim to fame — rum. The Big Rum Bottle stands tall at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, celebrating the region’s world-class drop. A favourite for both rum lovers and selfie hunters.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Bargara is just 15 minutes’ drive away, offering a beachside escape close to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, turtle encounters and reef adventures.
THE BIG BULLS – ROCKHAMPTON, QLD
CREDIT: Tourism Queensland
Known as Australia’s beef capital, Rockhampton proudly displays a series of Big Bull statues across town. These iconic landmarks celebrate the region’s cattle heritage and make for must-snap photo stops as you arrive in “Rocky.”
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Rockhampton is only 20 minutes’ drive away, a central base for exploring the Fitzroy River, Botanic Gardens and the Capricorn Coast.
THE BIG WHEELBARROW – PORT HEDLAND, WA
CREDIT: Atlas Obscura
This oversized wheelbarrow pays tribute to the Pilbara’s mining industry. It’s as quirky as it is symbolic, reflecting the hard-working spirit of the region.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Port Hedland is just 10 minutes’ drive away, offering comfy cabins and powered sites with easy access to the Pilbara’s harbour and red landscapes.
THE BIG BULL – FERGUSON VALLEY, WA
CREDIT: State Library of Western Australia
“Fergus the Bull” is a 4-metre wooden statue holding a wine goblet, a cheeky nod to the Ferguson Valley’s cattle and wine culture. It’s a fun stop before touring the local cellar doors.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Bunbury Foreshore is only 20 minutes’ drive away, set on the beach and close to Bunbury’s cafés and the Ferguson Valley wine trail.
THE BIG PENGUIN – PENGUIN, TAS
CREDIT: Tourism Tasmania
Standing proudly by the sea in the town of Penguin, this 10-foot bird is a playful symbol of Tasmania’s north coast. It’s especially charming during the town’s annual Penguin Parade celebrations.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Devonport is only 30 minutes’ drive away, making it a great base for exploring Tasmania’s north coast or catching the Spirit of Tasmania.
THE BIG CROCODILE – DARWIN, NT
CREDIT: Land of The Bigs
Lurking at the entrance to the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, this towering croc greets visitors with teeth bared. It’s one of Darwin’s most recognisable Big Things and a fun reminder that you’ve entered croc country.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Darwin is just 10 minutes’ drive away, a tropical retreat with pools, shady palms and easy access to Darwin’s waterfront, markets and attractions.
Plan Your Big Things Road Trip
From seafood to citrus, crocodiles to bulls, Australia’s Big Things are part of our national story — quirky, loveable, and always worth a stop. And with every one of these icons sitting within an hour of a Discovery Park, you can turn a roadside selfie into a full holiday experience.
Pack your camera, load up the car, and start your own Big Things road trip today.
READ ALSO: The Big Orange: A Zesty Slice of Riverland History
READ ALSO: Nature Next Door: National Park Adventures from Your Discovery Stay
