Welcome to part two of our Big Things adventure, where we continue the journey through Australia’s most eye-catching roadside icons. From giant galahs to boxing crocodiles and Tassie devils, these next five Big Things showcase the creativity, character and charm found in every corner of the country.
Didn’t catch part one? We kicked things off with some of the country’s most iconic Big Things — think bananas, mangoes and a massive merino — so it’s worth a look before we jump into the next five.
6. The Giant Koala — Dadswells Bridge, Victoria
Just off the Western Highway in the tiny town of Dadswells Bridge stands a larger-than-life local legend — the Giant Koala. Rising 14m high and weighing around 12 tonnes, this imposing marsupial is impossible to miss. Crafted in 1989 by Dutch artist Ben Van Zetton, the hollow sculpture has earned its place as one of Australia’s most iconic Big Things — and arguably one of the eeriest with its deep-set red eyes and solemn expression.
Sam the Giant Koala has a somewhat eerie appearance
Originally built to lure passing travellers, the Giant Koala has since taken on deeper significance. In 2009, it was affectionately renamed ‘Sam’ in honour of Sam the Koala, whose rescue during the Black Saturday bushfires captured hearts around the world. Sam became a symbol of the ongoing struggles facing koalas, particularly habitat loss, chlamydia and the impact of bushfires.
Today, the Giant Koala houses a small gift shop and visitor information centre, with koala-themed memorabilia and insights into local conservation.
Getting there:
Dadswells Bridge is nestled along the Western Highway, approximately 27km northwest of Stawell and 20km southeast of Horsham.
It’s a convenient stopover for travellers between Melbourne and Adelaide, offering a unique roadside spot with the beautiful backdrop of the Grampians region.
Where to stay:
Just 900 metres from the Giant Koala, across Mount William Creek, is Escape @ Grampians Edge — a peaceful bushland stay with family-friendly facilities and pet-friendly options. You’ll also find plenty of accommodation in nearby towns such as Horsham, Stawell and Halls Gap, from caravan parks to cabins and cosy B&Bs.
What to do:
The Grampians region is one of Victoria’s most scenic and rewarding destinations — and there’s never been a better time to visit, with local communities welcoming support and the return of visitors in the wake of the 2024–2025 bushfires.
Right next to the Giant Koala, there’s a small area with farm animals and wallabies — perfect for families with young kids or anyone keen to learn more about local fauna.
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is the region’s star attraction, with dramatic peaks, native wildlife and world-class walking trails. Iconic MacKenzie Falls is a must-visit, while Beehive Falls and Silverband Falls offer more secluded beauty — especially after rain. The 4.2km walking track to the Lower Waterfalls of Gar (Mount Difficult) has also recently reopened.
For seasoned hikers, the 160km Grampians Peaks Trail is a multi-day epic, but day walks and shorter segments are also popular. Just be sure to check for bushfire recovery updates from Parks Victoria before setting off.
If you’re after art and culture, the Grampians also forms part of the Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail, stretching over 600km with Horsham as a great starting point.
7. The Big Galah — Kimba, South Australia
There wouldn’t be many Nullarbor Plain travellers who don’t stop in Kimba, SA, to get a picture with the quirky, pink, 8m tall Big Galah out the front of the Halfway Across Australia souvenir shop on the Eyre Highway. Originally built in 1993 by Roger Venning and his family, the Big Galah underwent a makeover in 2021 and is now one of the most photographed big things in the country.
Constructed from steel, bird wire and fibreglass, the Big Galah weighs more than two tonnes. Once you’ve taken your pic, check out the souvenir shop and cafe right behind the iconic sculpture.
Halfway across the country stands the Big Galah in Kimba, SA (Image Allison Watt)
Getting there:
Kimba is about 468km from Adelaide on the Princes/Augusta Highway (A1) to Port Augusta and then the Eyre Highway through Iron Knob. From the west, it’s a whopping 2143km from Perth or a more doable 313km from Ceduna along the Eyre Highway.
Where to stay:
The Kimba Recreation Reserve is one of the best caravanning spots along this vast east–west route and offers free camping in town for caravans, camper trailers and tents. The free camping area is located in the centre of town and has been named the Best Grey Nomad Council Free-Stay Campsite in Australia for three years-running. Facilities include barbecues, toilets, coin-operated showers and a dump point. Visitors can stay up to five days, or longer with council approval.
Prefer powered sites or a roof? The Kimba Motel Roadhouse and Caravan Park on the Eyre Highway has both powered and unpowered van sites and motel rooms available, plus access to a range of facilities
What to do:
Have a break from the long drive and spend a couple of days exploring Kimba and surrounds — there’s plenty to see and do.
Kimba’s giant silo art, painted by Cam Scale in 2017, is an impressive sight by day or night thanks to solar-powered lighting. A second mural by the same artist now graces the town hall on Cross Street.
For something quirky, Workshop26 is housed in an old tractor repair shed where you can browse handmade wares and watch local artists in action.
If you’re keen for a scenic stroll, nearby walking trails lead to the striking Edward John Eyre Sculptures — a tribute to the explorer and his Aboriginal guide, Whylie.
History buffs should stop in at the Kimba and Gawler Ranges Historical Museum, a sprawling complex of heritage buildings showcasing agricultural machinery, a pioneer shop and more.
8. The Big Croc — Wyndham, Western Australia
Menacing and open-jawed, the Big Croc sculpture of a saltwater crocodile guards the entrance to Wyndham, WA, Australia’s northernmost port, established in 1885 during the Halls Creek gold rush.
The Big Croc is a reminder that crocodiles are common in the area. At 3m high and 20m long, the Big Croc was built by architect Andrew Hickson with help from students from Halls Creek TAFE in 1987.
The frame was formed from 5.5km of steel rod and covered with 10 rolls of bird mesh and six cubic metres of concrete.
The Big Croc reminds visitors to Wyndham, WA, that there’s salties in local waters (Image Allison Watt)
Getting there:
Wyndham sits about 100km north of Kununurra on the sealed Great Northern Highway. You’ll spot the Big Croc at the entrance to town — you can’t miss it.
Where to stay:
Wyndham Caravan Park is a great basecamp, only 1.5km from the Big Croc. The park has 45 powered sites, a large unpowered camping area and a mix of cabins and budget donga rooms. Facilities include a pool, camp kitchen, barbecues, laundry, kiosk, dump point and free Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome by arrangement.
It is often touted as the home of the largest boab tree ‘in captivity’, mainly because of the fence surrounding it and many visitors pop into the caravan park just to see it.
What to do:
Take in sweeping views from Five Rivers Lookout on the top of the Bastion Range, where the Ord, Forrest, King, Durack and Pentecost rivers all converge into Cambridge Gulf — a stunning panorama at sunset.
History buffs can visit the Wyndham Museum, housed in the old courthouse, with displays covering early settlement, the meatworks, aviation history and WWII air raids. Open daily May–September.
To the south, Moochalabra Dam (26km out of town) is a peaceful picnic spot known for wildlife, huge boab tree and nearby Aboriginal cave paintings. Moochalabra Dam is accessed via the Gibb River Road or Great Northern Highway, turning onto the unsealed King River Road, which is only suitable for four-wheel drives.
Don’t miss the Warriu “Dreamtime” Park statues — life-sized bronze and copper figures of an Aboriginal family and native animals that represent early Aboriginal life at Wyndham 3 Mile. The statues were unveiled in 1988 and restored in 2017.
For a refreshing dip, The Grotto is a natural swimming hole tucked into a rocky gorge 30km away, accessed via steep stone steps. A waterfall feeds the deep pool at the base of the 144 stone steps.
If you’re keen to cast a line, the rebuilt Anthon’s Landing jetty (destroyed in 1944 and rebuilt in 2011) is now a favourite local fishing spot — just across the road from the caravan park.
9. The Big Boxing Crocodile — Humpty Doo, Northern Territory
Wearing red gloves and standing six metres tall, the Big Boxing Crocodile is a quirky outback icon found in Humpty Doo — just 30 minutes southeast of Darwin. Built in 1988 to draw visitors to the now-closed Humpty Doo Bush Shop, this seven-tonne concrete croc took 16 weeks to complete and cost $137,000. Its design was inspired by the famous boxing kangaroo mascot from Australia’s 1983 America’s Cup campaign, offering travellers a photo op with one of the NT’s more unusual roadside attractions.
While this croc is safely made of concrete, the Top End is true croc country. Saltwater and freshwater crocodiles are prolific in the region — making this oversized reptile a fitting tribute to the NT’s most fearsome residents.
The Big Boxing Croc at Humpty Doo, south of Darwin
Getting there:
Humpty Doo lies 37km southeast of Darwin via the Stuart and Arnhem highways. The croc is perched beside a petrol station on the Arnhem Highway — easy to spot for those heading to Kakadu or Mary River national parks.
Where to stay:
The Humpty Doo Bush Camp (CG) is a peaceful spot just 3km from town, set on private land and suited to self-sufficient travellers (no amenities but dog friendly, with fire pit and bins).
The CMCA Humpty Doo RV Park, located behind the Humpty Doo Hotel, opens during the dry season (May to October) and is a low-cost option (approx. $15 per night) that welcomes all sizes of self-contained RVs. Guests have access to two dump points, potable water and use of the hotel’s pool. Toilets and showers are available for a small fee. CMCA members receive discounted rates.
What to do:
Start at the croc, then check out the quirky Didgeridoo Hut and Art Gallery or enjoy a cold drink at the iconic Humpty Doo Hotel — immortalised in songs such as Slim Dusty’s Humpty Doo Waltz.
Nature lovers should detour to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, open year-round with birdwatching, walking tracks and viewing platforms (no swimming or fishing).
Darwin is just a short drive north with plenty of culture and history to uncover and is a jumping-off point for trips to the Tiwi Islands.
Litchfield National Park is just over an hour away, with waterfalls such as Florence and Wangi Falls, bush camping and safe swimming holes.
Kakadu National Park lies two hours east, via Mary River National Park — a haven for birdwatching, fishing and four-wheel driving (always check safety alerts).
Being in the Top End means staying croc smart and planning around the wet and dry seasons — always check access conditions and book ahead where needed.
10. The Big Tasmanian Devil — Mole Creek, Tasmania
Tucked away in Tassie’s central north, just a few minutes from the charming town of Mole Creek, stands a fierce but friendly local — the Big Tasmanian Devil. It might not tower over the landscape like some of Australia’s other oversized icons, but this 3m-tall marsupial built back in the 1970s still makes a great impact.
Sitting at the entrance to Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, the Big Tassie Devil makes for a fun photo stop — and a great chance to meet the real animals in the sanctuary.
The Big Tasmanian Devil near Mole Creek welcomes visitors to the Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary
The Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary has been caring for devils and other native species for decades, playing a vital role in conservation efforts. Tasmanian devils are under threat from a contagious facial tumour disease that can wipe out entire wild populations within 12 to 18 months. Declared a threatened species in 2008, they’re now part of national breeding programs and their iconic status has made them a key figure in local tourism, with many Tasmanian businesses proudly adopting the devil as a mascot.
A visit to the sanctuary offers the chance to see devils, wombats, kangaroos, quolls and more, up close — and learn a little about the challenges these animals face in the wild.
Getting there:
You’ll find the Big Devil just off Mole Creek Road, about 3km east of Mole Creek and 65km south of Devonport. It’s a scenic and easy stopover on your way to or from Cradle Mountain.
Where to stay:
The Mole Creek Caravan Park is a peaceful spot just outside town, with grassy powered and unpowered sites nestled beside Sassafras Creek. Facilities are simple but well-kept, and if you’re lucky you might spot a platypus. If you’re travelling self-contained, Lake Gairdner Free Camping Area is another popular choice about 55km away — a spacious spot that’s especially convenient if you’re heading towards Cradle Mountain. And if you’re keen to stay right in the heart of the national park, Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain is a classic go-to.
What to do:
There’s plenty to uncover in and around Mole Creek. After you’ve finished at the sanctuary, the limestone wonders of Marakoopa and King Solomons caves are close by, as are the beautiful Westmorland and Lobster falls. For something sweet, stop in at R. Stephens Tasmanian Honey for a taste of the local harvest.
This area also makes a great base for exploring further afield — with Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, Mount Roland and Granite Tor Conservation Area all within easy reach, you’re right on the doorstep of some of Tasmania’s most unforgettable scenery.
The big picture
Whether it’s your first stop or one of many, Australia’s Big Things offer a fun way to experience the country’s unique roadside culture. And we’ve only scratched the surface — Australia is home to hundreds of Big Things, from prawns and guitars to giant Ned Kellys and even a massive bench.
For a handy guide to more than 200 of them, check out Hema Maps’ Big Things of Australia map.
THE NEXT STEP
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Top 10 Big Things to see on your Big Lap: Part 2