The Big Merino is definitely imposing. There’s no way you can drive past a ram that big and not stop. (It’s also adjacent to a gas station so that probably helps a bit.)

As you might imagine, the large ram, aptly named Rambo, is a tribute to the wool industry. He was built in 1985 and was originally located on the opposite end of town. Due to changes in highway and city development, Rambo was starting to feel a bit lonely. So, in 2007 he was moved to his current location connected to a gift shop and an exhibition on Australian wool. Can you imagine seeing this guy coming down the street?

We didn’t check out the shop or exhibit, but you really have to give it to them for two reasons. 1. The thing is absolutely huge (15.2 meters high, 18m long) and 2. It’s anatomically correct. You really can’t help but check.

Big Thing: Merino ram
Location: Goulburn, NSW
Rating: 

The Big Pineapple was a favorite of mine. Not only is it an awesome giant pineapple, you can also go inside! And learn! As you climb the spiral staircase to the top (there’s a look out over the plantation), you get to read about pineapples, their production, and various pineapple products. The displays are charmingly homemade and a bit past their prime. You also get to see the labels from old cans of pineapple, and I really love stuff like that.

If kitsch isn’t your thing, you can also visit the market or eat a famous sundae. We did neither but the pineapple is still a winner in my book!

Big Thing: Pineapple
Location: Woombye, Queensland
Rating:

Driving distances in Queensland can get pretty long, so if I didn’t sufficiently tempt you with promises of pineapple knowledge and sundaes, you’ll probably stop anyway! 

xo, jill 

If you’re not Australian or a fan of history, you might not be familiar with Ned Kelly. He was a bushranger back in the 1800s and is one of Australia’s most famous folk heros (or killers, depending on your perspective). Kelly officially became an outlaw in 1878 after he shot and killed three police officers. His eventual arrest involved a violent confrontation where Kelly appeared in a suit of homemade armor. So that bucket-thing on his head? Actually a helmet.

I know that Kelly is well-loved by many Australians and I really am fascinated by the history, but that armor… it’s just so comical. You can see the real stuff at the library in Melbourne (it’s pretty cool), or you can visit Big Ned Kelly at a gas station in Queensland.

Big Thing: Ned Kelly
Location: Maryborough, Queensland
Rating:

(for the historical connection)

The Big Banana in Coff’s Harbour is the show piece of a banana plantation and fun land. It was built in 1964 and was one of the first big things. I’ve read a few places that it was “the original,” but who knows!

After you walk through the banana you can spend the day eating banana dishes, buying banana souvenirs, or playing in the amusement park. We settled for a few photos and one run down the toboggan. It was $5 well spent.

Big Thing: Banana
Location: Coff’s Harbour, NSW
Rating:

Behold! A new short-term bi-monthly feature focusing on Australia’s Big Things!

I love a good roadside attraction, the cheesier the better. So when I learned that there are giant “things” strewn about the Australian highway system, I was pretty excited. I might have even made a special map to highlight the ones we’d encounter on our travels.

I’ve decided to rate the attractions based on a scale of 1-5 stop signs. Because, you know, when it’s a roadside attraction you want to know if you should stop!

Big Thing: Mosquito
Location: Hexham, NSW

                     

I’m seriously hope I never encounter a mosquito this big. What a nightmare.

xo, jill