Australian is covered in quite a collection of Big Things. Most road trips feature a request for a selfie or two with those along the way and there’s rarely a shortage. Australians take a whole lot of pleasure checking them off when enjoying a road trip. But which of Australia’s Big Things should be on your Kid Bucket List?

Australia’s Big Things : The List

Aussie Big Things Top Dozen

Every single state has at least a couple of Australian Big Things to seek out. They can be a little over the top, sometimes not so well maintained, but they are always, always beckoning for you to snap a picture with them.

There are hundreds all around Australia, but not all Australian Big Things are made equally. We have listed those that we think need to be on Australia’s Big Things Kid Bucket List.

The Big Banana

Since the mid-1960s, the Big Banana has been one of the must stop pit stops on a road trip to the Gold Coast. Whilst you can take your photo outside the Big Banana for FREE, it is also touted as the BIGGEST and BEST Fun Park on the Northern NSW coast. It’s iconic and I am certain that many Australian’s have at least one picture of the bigbanana in their family photo albums, and if not, will need to add it to their Australian kid bucket list. 

Location: 351 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Cost: The Big Bunch of Fun pass | Adults (14yrs+) $65.00 / Kids (4-13yrs)  | $59.00/ Under 1.2m $53.00
Special notes:
Website: Head to the Big Banana website

The Big Prawn

Built in 1989, the Big Prawn underwent a makeover and was reopened in July 2013 at a new destination and with the addition of a tail. Today the Big Prawn is situated adjacent to Bunnings Warehouse on River Street which is a little detour if you’re driving through to the Gold Coast. It’s free, it’s iconic, it’s a must stop to add to your collection of Australia’s big things.

Location: 507 River St, West Ballina NSW 2478
Cost: FREE
Special notes: The giant crustacean is available for public viewing (and photos) at all hours of the day and night.
Website: Head to Ballina Tourism website for details. 

The Big Merino

When it comes to Australia’s Big Things, the Big Merino in Goulburn is a must stop on a road trip from Sydney to Canberra, Sydney to Melbourne or vice versa Built in 1985, this Australian big thing plays homage to the districts fine wool industry. It stands at 15.2 meters high and 18 meters long and weighed 97 tones at the time of construction. You can actually climb up through the sheep inside it’s hollow insides. The sheep is an impressive life-like model of Rambo, a stud Ram from a local property, “Bullamallita”.

Location: Corner of Hume and, Sowerby St, Goulburn NSW 2580
Cost: FREE
Special notes:
Website: The Big Merino Webpage

The Big Bogan

Whilst we think the Big Bogan has been modelled on Hulk Hogan, we still think the singlet, thongs and esky make this Australia’s big thing an Outback NSW icon. It’s a must stop on the way to Broken Hill, although time your visit to avoid the glare of the sun. 

Location: 70 Pangee St, Nyngan NSW 2825
Cost: FREE 
Special notes:
Website: Head to our post on Nyngan with Kids and discover the Big Bogan for yourself. 

The Big Potato

Robertson’s Big Potato is a real talking point for visitors to the Southern Highlands with many debating whether this Australian big thing is a potato or a large poop. Regardless, stopping here before feasting at the Robertson pie stop provides the perfect opportunity to add to your Australia’s big thing list. 

Location: Illawarra Hwy, Robertson NSW 2577
Cost: FREE 

The Big Ned Kelly

Built in the 1980s to celebrate the Irish-Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly, this Australian big thing stands six-metre high and weighs 1.5 tonne fibreglass, making it a great way of documenting your trip to Bushranger country. 

Location: Gladstone St & Kate Street, Glenrowan VIC 3675
Cost: FREE

The Big Park Bench

The Big Park Bench in Broken Hill can be found atop the famous slag heap, Line of Lode. Originally built in September 2002 as part of the Landscapes and Backgrounds exhibition, this Australian big thing has become one of the most popular photo spots in the township. Be mindful that the Big Park Bench now has a fence around it with signs informing visitors that it is dangerous to climb. 

Click here to read about all the things to do in Broken Hill with kids

Location: Broken Hill NSW 2880
Cost: FREE

The Big Pineapple

The Big Pineapple is a heritage listed big thing and a national tourism and food icon based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Featuring a 16m fibreglass pineapple structure, historically the Big Pineapple drew over a million visits a year, being the most popular tourism attraction in Australia. These days, it’s a quick stop unless you are visiting the zoo. 

Location: Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye QLD 4559
Cost: There is no entry fee to visit the Big Pineapple. There are fees to ride on the train, visit the zoo and to complete the TreeTop Challenge course.
Special notes: The Big Pineapple is heritage listed
Website: Head to the Big Pineapple webpage. 

The Big Lobster

The Big Lobster is a tourist attraction located in the town of Kingston SE, South Australia. Known locally as Larry the Lobster, the sculpture of a spiny lobster stands 17 metres tall, and is regarded as one of the most impressive of Australia’s Big Things

Location: 17 Princes Hwy, Kingston SE SA 5275
Cost: FREE

The Big Murray Cod

When it comes to fish in Australia, the Murray Cod is probably the most sought after for most fishing enthusiasts throwing a line into the Murray River. The big Murray Cod celebrates this elusive fish and is possibly the only spot most people will see one! 

Click to learn about Pioneer Settlement in Swan Hill, a must stop destination if you are in the area

Location: 139 Curlewis St, Swan Hill VIC 3585
Cost: FREE

The Big Mango

The 10-metre high Big Mango represents the delicious fruit which carries the name sake of the town “Bowen Mango”. The Big Mango is located at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, 4 kilometres south of Bowen on the Bruce Highway. Stop by the top of the Whitsundays to get your photo with the Big Mango! While you’re here – drop into the Information Centre and try some delicious local mango sorbet.

Location: Bowen, Queensland 
Cost: FREE

The Big Rocking Chair

The Big Rocking Horse and the Toy Factory share the same site at Gumeracha, in the glorious Adelaide Hills, only 40 minutes from Adelaide. So come and visit us for fun, educational value and an experience of a lifetime.

Location: Gumeracha, SA
Cost: Climb the Rocking Horse for $2.00

Aussie Big Things Map

With only a dozen big things listed above, we’re keen to find more and document them here on the Kid Bucket List. Would you like to join the hunt too? Head to Family Travel Guides Australia community and upload your image.

We will be adding to our Aussie Big Things map throughout our travels. If you would like us to add one, let us know!

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