We’ve rounded up 10 of the most memorable Big Things across Australia — iconic pit stops that offer a unique slice of Aussie history, humour and local flavour.
In this special two-part series, we’re kicking off with five larger-than-life landmarks that invite you to slow down, stretch your legs and discover the local stories behind them — from tropical fruit to towering crustaceans.
1. The Big Banana: Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
Arguably one of Australia’s most iconic Big Things — and also one of the first — the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour has turning heads since 1964. At 15m long, the Big Banana was designed and built by John Landi to draw visitors to his roadside fruit stall — inspired by the success of the Big Pineapple in Hawaii. The concept worked, and this bright yellow landmark quickly became a staple of road trip itineraries up and down the east coast. Photos outside the Big Banana are a must — but it’s also hollow with a walkway going through the centre.
The attraction has grown over the decades, with a massive $140m redevelopment in 1989 that included the Big Banana Fun Park, a sprawling amusement park that sees around one million visitors each year. There’s no entry fee to the park either — visitors are free to explore and only pay for the activities they want to try out. The park is now managed by Village Building Co., but its family-run roots still shape its charm.
It’s easy to get a photo with the Big Banana for the Insta page
Getting there:
Coffs Harbour sits along the Pacific Highway, roughly hallway between Sydney and Brisbane — making the Big Banana an ideal stop on any North Coast drive.
Where to stay:
There’s no shortage of caravan-friendly options around Coffs Harbour. The BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park and Reflections – Coffs Harbour Holiday Park are both only short drives away, with plenty of facilities on offer.
There are also two designated free camping spots on Elizabeth Street near the Greyhound bus stop. For low-cost bush camping options a little further out, check out Coffs Harbour Camping and Farm Stay, Yildaan Trail Campgrounds, Station Creek campground in Yuraygir National Park or Glenreagh Recreation Reserve.
What to do:
Beyond snapping your photo with the Big Banana and checking out the Fun Park, Coffs Harbour offers plenty more to explore. Visit Park Beach or Jetty Beach for swimming, surfing and coastal walks, or stroll Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve for great views and birdwatching.
Snorkel, dive or fish at Solitary Islands Marine Park, or head north to Yuraygir National Park for hiking and beach camping. Coffs Harbour itself has a strong cafe and seafood scene.
And if you want to keep the road trip going, the Waterfall Way is a 185km route between Coffs Harbour and Armidale that (as the name suggests) features an abundance of waterfalls throughout the New England High Country.
2. The Big Pineapple — Woombye, Queensland
Towering 16m high and bursting with character, the Big Pineapple has been a Sunshine Coast favourite since 1971. Originally part of the Sunshine Plantation, this iconic attraction near Woombye was designed to celebrate Queensland’s booming pineapple industry — and it quickly became one of Australia’s most visited tourist spots, drawing more than a million people a year in its heyday.
The Big Pineapple has been a popular attraction since the 1970s
While you can’t currently climb inside the two-storey fibreglass fruit, the site is still popular with plenty on offer and is open from 9am–4pm daily. Visitors can climb aboard the heritage-listed Big Pineapple Train for a scenic ride through the plantation grounds or stop by Wildlife HQ, a zoo packed with exotic and native animals. For those chasing a bit more adrenaline, the TreeTop Challenge ropes course delivers with 120 aerial obstacles and ziplines stretched across 10 acres. You’ll want at least half a day for that one and bookings are essential.
There’s no entry fee to check out the Big Pineapple, but the train, zoo and ropes course have their own prices. The cafe near the entrance is a handy pit stop for a snack or coffee and the souvenir shop offers plenty of retro pineapple merch. There’s even a distillery within walking distance — Sunshine & Sons.
Adding to its legacy, the Big Pineapple Music Festival kicked off in 2013 and has been a crowd-favourite event since (don’t miss this year’s event — 1 November 2025).
The Big Pineapple site is undergoing a massive redevelopment plan, with upgrades such as a glamping precinct, hotel, water park, service station and more on the cards.
Don’t miss the TreeTop Challenge ropes course behind the Big Pineapple
Getting there:
The Big Pineapple is located off the Bruce Highway via Nambour Connection Road, around 11km inland from the Sunshine Coast.
Where to stay:
You’ll find plenty of great caravan spots across the Sunshine Coast. BIG4 Maroochy River is only a short drive away. Or if you’re after a farm stay experience, check out Sixty6 Acres — just 10-minutes from the Big Pineapple — with 93 powered sites, a country farm vibe, onsite dining and more.
What to do:
The Sunshine Coast is packed with things to see and do. Once you’ve explored the Big Pineapple and its nearby attractions, head to Aussie World or cool off at Thrill Hill Waterslides. Buderim Forest Park offers scenic walking trails and a waterfall, while the coastline delivers plenty of opportunities for water activities, seaside strolls and eateries.
Bonus: The Big Macadamia Nut is just a short walk from the Big Pineapple.
3. The Big Mango — Bowen, Queensland
If you’re heading along the Bruce Highway, a quick detour to Bowen will reward you with one of northern Queensland’s most colourful landmarks — the Big Mango. At 10m high, this oversized fruit was built in 2002 as homage to the region’s famed Kensington Pride mangoes (also known as the Bowen mango) which have been grown in the region since the late 1800s and has become a favourite selfie stop for road trippers.
The Big Mango is a popular stop on the busy Bruce Highway
Perched just south of town at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, the Big Mango site also features a shady picnic area, sculptures by local artists and an off-leash dog zone. Step inside the centre for a scoop of refreshing mango-flavoured sorbet and browse and range of mango-themed gifts — think candles, soaps and locally made goods.
This giant fruit made headlines in 2014 when it mysteriously disappeared overnight. After a brief and very public search, it turned up behind the centre. Though many suspect it was all part of a cheeky marketing campaign by a local advertising agency, the centre has never confirmed it. Either way, it made clear just how much affection locals and visitors alike have for this Big Thing.
Getting there:
You’ll find the Big Mango along the Bruce Highway, about 3km south of Bowen and featuring views of the Whitsunday coast. It’s roughly halfway between Townsville and Mackay, and a very short detour from the main route.
Where to stay:
Bowen is a great spot for caravanners who love coastal getaways, featuring seven holiday parks either right on or within walking distance from the beach, and more just a short drive away. The NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park is a popular option with waterfront access and excellent facilities.
For those chasing a quieter spot, Glen Erin Farmstay offers bush camping. And there are also several free rest stops a bit further afield (45min–1hr 15min), including Guthalungra Rest Area, Collinsville Showgrounds and Bloomsbury BP Service Station.
What to do:
Stick around for a fantastic coastal getaway with beautiful beaches, the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands all within easy reach. There’s swimming, surf, snorkelling, fishing and so much more on offer.
Bowen itself has some of the region’s most underrated beaches — check out Horseshoe Bay for snorkelling straight off the sand, or Rose Bay for a scenic swim. You can also hike up to Flagstaff Hill for panoramic views or take the coastal mural trail through town to see local history brought to life on walls and buildings.
Catch a film at the historic Summergarden Cinema and don’t miss the beachfront markets at Hansen Park on weekends — a great spot to pick up local produce and handmade goods. Just be prepared for busy parking lots if you’re towing.
4. The Big Merino — Goulburn, New South Wales
Standing 15.2m tall and weighing in at around 100 tonnes, the Big Merino — affectionately known as ‘Rambo’ — is one of Australia’s biggest ‘Big Things’. Built in 1985, it proudly celebrates Goulburn’s rich pastoral history and its status as the ‘Fine Wool Capital of the World’.
Originally located on Hume Street, Rambo was relocated in 2007 to a more prominent spot at the intersection of Hume and Sowerby streets due to the Hume Highway bypass. It was a significant effort, but the relocation revitalised visitor numbers, reaffirming Rambo’s place as a must-see roadside attraction.
Rambo the Big Merino is located just off the busy Hume Highway at Goulburn
One of the fun features of the Big Merino is that it’s hollow, and inside the three-storey structure visitors can explore an exhibition showcasing more than 200 years of Australia’s wool industry. For a unique perspective, climb up to Rambo’s eyes for a view outside. The ground floor also houses a gift shop with high-quality woollen products, including clothing, yarns, sheepskins and more.
Getting there:
The Big Merino is conveniently located just off the Hume Highway at the southern end of Goulburn and is hard to miss for travellers heading between Sydney and Canberra.
Where to stay:
If you’re towing a van, South Goulburn Caravan Park provides a tranquil bushland setting with powered and unpowered sites. It’s just a short drive from Rambo and other local attractions, making it an ideal base to explore the area.
What to do:
Take a leisurely stroll along the Wollondilly River Walkway, a scenic 4km path beside the river ideal for spotting native birds and enjoying the outdoors. Visit Goulburn Wetlands, a community-led conservation area rich in native flora and fauna — a perfect place for birdwatchers. For a taste of local flavour, Grit Cafe near the Big Merino is a good spot for a cuppa and meal before continuing your trip.
History buffs might also enjoy visiting the nearby Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre or the historic Belmore Park with its statues and gardens (there’s long vehicle parking in the Goulburn Visitor Information Centre car park).
5. The Big Lobster — Kingston SE, South Australia
Standing tall at the entrance to Kingston SE, ‘Larry’ the Big Lobster is a striking tribute to the town’s proud fishing heritage. Commissioned by locals Ian Backler and Rob Moyse, the 17-metre spiny crustacean was unveiled in December 1979 and designed by Paul Kelly — who also created the Big Scotsman in Medindie. Larry was carefully constructed from steel and fibreglass, modelled on a real lobster to ensure lifelike detail.
Larry the Big Lobster (Image Emma Watson)
Larry’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. By the early 2000s, the iconic crustacean was showing signs of wear. In 2016, radio hosts and comedians Hamish and Andy spearheaded the #PinchAMate campaign, rallying public support for Larry’s much-needed restoration. The successful fundraiser led to a comprehensive makeover, ensuring Larry’s legacy lives on.
Today, visitors can enjoy a meal at Janet’s Takeway, nestled beneath Larry’s massive claws. The eatery offers everything from classic breakfasts to fish and chips, making it a perfect pitstop for SA road trips.
Getting there:
Kingston SE is located on South Australia’s picturesque Limestone Coast, approximately three hours from Adelaide.
Where to stay:
Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park provides a serene setting by the sea, just a short drive from Larry.
Kingston SE RV park offers stays for up to six days ($20 per two days) and is situated right on the beachfront adjacent to the Lions Park and walking distance from local stores. No bookings required – simply purchase a ticket at the ticket machine prior to choosing your site.
What to do:
Kingston SE is a charming small seaside town and a great base camp for exploring nearby towns such as Robe, Beachport, Naracoorte, Millicent, Penola and Mount Gambier.
Fishing and boating are some of the major drawcards — whether it’s surf fishing off the beach, casting a line off the Kingston Jetty or heading out into Lacepede Bay with your boat.
Stop in at Cape Jaffa Lighthouse and its museum or enjoy a stroll along the foreshore to soak in the town’s maritime charm. Nature lovers should explore Butcher Gap Conservation Park, where you’ll find walking trails through saltmarsh and native bushland, ideal for birdwatching.
History buffs will enjoy the Kingston Heritage Trail — a 35-stop self-guided walking tour through the town’s colonial past. Highlights include the Lightkeepers’ Cottages, the Old Courthouse, the Old Wool Store and the former Cooke Brothers’ Store.
An even bigger adventure
From bananas and pineapples to giant sheep and lobsters, these Big Things are more than quirky photo ops — they’re celebrations of local stories, landscapes and character. And we’re just getting started.
Stay tuned for part two, where we hit the road again to discover five more of Australia’s most iconic oversized attractions, including the Giant Koala, Big Boxing Croc and more.
For a handy guide to more than 200 of Australia's Big Things, check out Hema Maps’ Big Things of Australia map.
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