In addition to the Grand Pacific Drive from
Brisbane up to Cairns, here is yet another great little Aussie road trip radiating from the capital of Queensland's sunshine state. I'm a firm believer of stopping by all the 'Big Things' on offer in between major cities - after all, it wouldn't
really be an Australian road trip without! There are at least 150 'Big Things' around Australia, with the majority of 'Big Things' found on the East Coast - it's no surprise that the road trip from Brisbane to Newcastle (and back) blesses travellers with an abundance of 'Big Things'. 'Big Things' are not always found on the highway, and can sometimes be quite obscure and hidden away - to see all the 'Big Things' along the way, extensive research is needed to maximise sightings, especially because (as of yet), there is no single website that covers
all the 'Big Things'. If researching for trips isn't quite your thing, don't worry, because that's what this comprehensive article is for, complete with 'Big Things' that Eddy and I encountered by chance that aren't listed on the internet!
Some of our favourite 'Big Things' from this road trip.
in Beaudesert is located on top of a fruit shop that stocks fresh fruit and vegetables. It's a great example of the original purpose 'Big Things' served - most big things began as tourist traps found along major roads between destinations, to draw travellers in for business. Where better place to buy a pumpkin than at The Big Pumpkin?
First Big Thing on this road trip!
Okay, understandably Big Mufflers aren't the most unique 'Big Thing' out there (they're nearly at the level of the super common big golf balls, bowling pins, and KFC buckets), but hey, it's on the way from The Big Pumpkin to the next big thing, so you might as well stop by for a quick snap! Plus, unlike the previously mentioned common 'Big Things', Big Mufflers vary in size and colour, so it's still considered unique in my books - but feel free to disagree! The Big Muffler in Warwick is, like all other Big Mufflers that I've seen, at an auto repair shop, with walls painted the same shade of blue as The Big Muffler.
Eddy obviously wasn't too interested in The Big Muffler..
The Big Apple in Thulimbah is conveniently located along the highway, and is visibly prominent to travellers. With a cafe that was established with the intent of serving simple home-style food, along with the opportunity to purchase local produce (including own jams, chutneys, relishes and sauces) as well as fine wines from over a dozen wineries, The Big Apple is a great rest stop for a road trip. The Big Apple in Thulimbah is one of the most realistic 'Big Things' I've seen - just look at the 'texture' of it!
A very realistic looking apple.
The Big Dinosaur in Ballandean (also known as 'The Big Triceratops' or 'Fruitsforus') is not exactly 'big' in regards to ratio but is still big enough to be listed on
Wikipedia - it's only right that it makes it to this article too! The Big Dinosaur is made out of fibreglass and was originally used as a float in the 1998 Apple and Grape Festival. It was then placed on the roadside to help sell fruit for a local fundraiser, becoming a popular landmark in the process - The Big Dinosaur has not left its original post since, bar one trip in 2009 when it was repaired for weather damage.
The only dinosaur left standing in Ballandean.
Again, The Big Pyramid in Ballandean is not exactly 'big' ratio wise, but is of enough significance to warrant its own Wikipedia page, under
Ballandean Pyramid! The Big Pyramid, approximately 15m in height, and built from blocks of the local granite, sits on private property belonging to a local vineyard,
Henty Estate - it's 25m from the nearest road. To view The Big Pyramid from the road, simply follow Jacobsen's Lane until the very end - it will be on your right hand side.
Although on private property, The Big Pyramid can still be viewed from the road.
The Big Lamb in Guyra stands over a potato plant and was erected to promote the lamb and potato industries in New England. Guyra is also host to the annual
Lamb and Potato Festival since 1986, which showcases local produce, with delicious lamb and potato meals, boutique stalls, and other activities. The festival runs in January every year, with a variety of additional events held by the community in conjunction with the festival.
Not quite sure where the potato plant is though, to be honest with you..
Although sadly the Uralla Military Museum is no longer operating, The Big Soldier that is prominently situated outside still stands to this day - and let's hope it continues to do so in years to come. The museum was started by Darcy Hassett, former Uralla RSL and New England District Council, in 1989, but sadly auctioned off both the museum and all its contents in 2013 due to ill health.
Fingers crossed The Big Soldier will stay put where he is!
The Big Chook is located in the car parking area for
Moonbi Museum, and is a reflection of the village's status as a renowned centre for the poultry industry - Moonbi and surrounding areas is home to many large poultry farms and associated industries.
The Big Chook at Moonbi nestled amidst the trees.
The Big Golden Guitar is one of Australia's most famous 'Big Things' - it was even featured in a 2007 set of 50c postage stamps issued by
Australia Post to commemorate five of the most iconic 'Big Things' in the country. The Big Golden Guitar was inspired by the Golden Guitar trophies given to winners at the Country Music Awards of Australia ceremony night during the annual
Tamworth Country Music Festival. The festival is the second biggest country music festival in the world!
A must see when in Tamworth.
Weighing a whopping 30 tonnes, The Big Sundial in Singleton, one of the world's biggest sundials, was presented by Lemington Mine for the 1988 Bicentennial Celebrations. At one point in time, it was
the biggest sundial in the world, as recognised by the
Guinness World Book of Records! It is still the largest one-piece sundial in the Southern Hemisphere to date.
Biggest sundial in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where else would you find a Big Wine Bottle than in the Hunter Valley, one of Australia's major wine regions? Unlike what I initially thought, the Big Wine Bottle is not located in the Hunter Valley Gardens itself ($29 admission fee for adults), but rather amidst the village shops in the same vicinity. Luckily pets weren't allowed, otherwise I might have forked out for a relatively hefty admission fee (after all, 'Big Things' are most usually free) with no 'Big Thing' in return! A cool feature of The Big Wine Bottle (no, there's no actual wine inside...), the neck forms a chimney for an open fire contained within.
If only there was wine inside..
Unfortunately, this was one 'Big Thing' that we missed on our trip, despite us being within 10 minutes - how frustrating and disappointing. However, we've already planned a road trip down to Kurri Kurri in January, so we will update this article with a photo once that happens - we can't wait! The Big Kookaburra, based on the native Australian bird that is found in the area, stands at 4.5m tall and was erected in 2009 to commemorate
Hydro Aluminium's 40th year in the Kurri Kurri area - Kookaburras are used locally as a symbol for various sporting and community groups, and are featured in every single mural of a series painted in the area.
Stop #13: The Big Ugg Boots
Location: Mortels Sheepskin Factory, 1 Weakleys Dr, Thornton NSW 2322
The Big Ugg Boots are 13 times the size of a women's US size 8 ugg boots - very impressive indeed. Mortels Sheepskin Factory, a multi-award winning Australian owned family business, recently expanded their business selling premium sheepskin quality products by running fully guided tours where visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a fully operational manufacturing plant. There is also a cafe and gift gallery, where visitors can enjoy coffee, sweets, breakfast, and lunch.
World's biggest ugg boots!
Fondly nicknamed by locals as 'Ozzie the Mozzie', The Big Mosquito sits high up outside the Hexham Bowling Club. It was modelled on the local Ochlerotatus alternans mosquito species, which is known more informally as 'Hexham Greys'. The coolest thing about Ozzie is that Ozzie has illuminated eyes which switch on at night!
Eddy pictured with Ozzie.
The Big Headphones in Newcastle is a rare 'Big Thing' that serves the same purpose as the original - only heaps bigger! The Big Headphones is a large interactive headphone sculpture with fitted Bluetooth functionality that allow people to play their own music, in addition to a pickup and sound mixer so musicians can busk. It's definitely one of the newest 'Big Things' out there, having only been built last year in 2015!
A 'Big Thing' that actually serves the same function as the object/animal that it's modelled after - how cool!
The Big Boomerang is situated at Murrook Cultural Centre - 'Murrook' means good/happy in the traditional language of the Worimi community (Ghaddung or Kattang). The cultural centre was previously a tourist amusement park which ceased operations in 2004, and is situated on approximately 4.5 hectares of land. The Murrook Centre offers a range of
cultural educational experiences, including boomerang and spear throwing (suitable for all ages) - although of course, you won't be attempting to throw The Big Boomerang; it's far too big!
Eddy pictured with The Big Boomerang outside The Murrook Centre.
The (very happy looking) Big Red Ant in Salt Ash sits at the entrance of a pest control service - pretty ironic seeing as their service is to get rid of pests including red ants. Hopefully no one bursts The Big Red Ant's blissful bubble, because we wouldn't want him to run away - please stay put exactly where you are! This 'Big Thing' is a true Aussie character, complete with an Australian flag on its right arm - you definitely won't be finding anything like this fella outside of the country.
The happy Big Red Ant, blissfully unaware of the service his home offers.
This is not the most exciting 'Big Thing' out there (plus it's easily outdone by other Big Koalas in Australia, namely the 2 in Victoria - Dadswell Bridge and Phillip Island), but it's worth stopping by seeing as it's in the same suburb as The Big Red Ant (and also on the way to see the next 'Big Thing'). It's not located in the Park itself (i.e. no admission fees are required to see The Big Koala), but rather on the Nelson Bay Road and Oakvale Drive roundabout that leads to the Park. Oakvale Farm and Fauna World houses 150 different species of native and farm animals, and would make a great day out for any young animal lovers. Who knows, there might be even more 'Big Things' inside the park!
