Big things (Australia)



The big things of Australia are large structures, some of which are novelty architecture and some sculptures. In Australia, big things have come to be seen as a uniquely Australian phenomenon, although they emerged at the same time as the so-called Roadside Giants (fibreglass sculptures of things) of the United States. These structures have become affectionately known landmarks scattered throughout the country. In 2022, there were about 230 big things in Australia. There are big things in each state and some territories in continental Australia.

History and importance
Originally, many of these big things were conceived as tourist traps strategically placed along major roads, enticing travelers to make a stop and explore the surrounding areas. They served as eye-catching attractions, drawing attention to local businesses and promoting tourism in the region. Over time, these structures have evolved beyond their initial purpose and have acquired a special place in Australian culture.

The big things have garnered significant attention from locals and visitors, becoming something of a cult phenomenon. Travelling to visit and photograph these structures has become a popular activity, inspiring road trips where enthusiasts aim to see as many big things as possible. These journeys often culminate in group photographs, using the larger-than-life structures as unique backdrops and symbols of shared experiences.

Many of the big things have been recognised as works of folk art. Their whimsical and often exaggerated designs reflect the creativity and ingenuity of their creators. Several big things have been heritage-listed, ensuring their preservation and contributing to the country's cultural heritage. These listed structures serve as reminders of the unique character and history of the regions they are located in.

Despite their popularity, some Big Things have faced controversies and potential demolition threats. Factors such as maintenance costs, changing priorities, or debates over their aesthetic value have ignited discussions regarding the delicate balance between preserving cultural icons and allocating resources for alternative purposes.

The influence of Australia's big things extends beyond the country's borders. These unique structures have inspired the creation of oversized sculptures and replicas in other parts of the world, highlighting the impact of Australian creativity and cultural exports.

In popular culture

 * The London production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: the Musical references the Big Prawn, Big Merino, Big Pineapple and the Big Banana.
 * The ABC produced a documentary titled Big Things as part of its program The Big Picture.
 * The National Museum in Canberra has a comprehensive multimedia exhibit displaying many big things.
 * In 2007 Australia Post issued a set of 50c postage stamps by Reg Mombassa, commemorating five of the most iconic big things:
 * The Big Banana at Coffs Harbour (NSW)
 * The Big Golden Guitar at Tamworth (NSW)
 * The Big Lobster at Kingston SE (SA)
 * The Big Merino at Goulburn (NSW)
 * The Big Pineapple at Nambour (QLD)
 * Danny Wallace mentions Australia's big things in his book Yes Man.
 * Travel writer Bill Bryson details his visit to the Big Lobster and the Big Bull in his book Down Under / In a Sunburned Country
 * In the Australian comedy film Young Einstein, when the titular character books into a hotel, the desk clerk asks if he's "Here to see the Big Bed?"
 * English stand-up comedian Ross Noble visited many of Australia's big things during his 2009 tour Ross Noble's Australian Trip.
 * Australian comedians the Listies categorise Australia's big things in their comedy dictionary, Ickypedia, as "Enbigenating".
 * The Big Pineapple appears in TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue.
 * In 2004, the Foxtel channel TV1 featured Magda's Big Things hosted by Magda Szubanski between commercial programming. Szubanski would visit a "Big Thing" and provide amusing, but often fictional, commentary. Magda's Big Things was the winner of the 2004 ASTRA Award for Most Outstanding Australian Production Short Form.
 * In 2022, Australian confectionary brand Allen's released a gummy lolly mix called Big Aussie Road Trip containing 5 gummy sweets inspired by the Big Things.
 * In 2023, Melbourne punk band Private Function released their third album 370HSSV 0773H. The album cover included a scratchcard competition to win $2999, a test pressing of the album and the winner's face on all future pressings of the album if all three scratchcard pictures matched. The scratchcard pictures included photos of the Big Banana and the Big Koala.
 * In 2023, the Royal Australian Mint released a set of commemorative $1 coins featuring ten of the "big things".
 * In 2023, five of the sculptures were used to illustrate Australian $1.20 stamps.

General references

 * Scutt, Craig. The Little Book of Big Aussie Icons. Five Mile Press. ISBN 9781741786002.
 * Clarke, Amy (2017). "Australia's 'Big' problem – what to do with our ageing super-sized statues?" The Conversation (Australia). 19 September 2017.
 * Clarke, Amy (2017). "Australia's Big Dilemma: Regional/National Identities, Heritage Listing and Big Things." Quotation: Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference of the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand, edited by Gervork Hartoonian and John Ting, p. 46–56. University of Canberra. ISBN 9780646981659.
 * Clarke, Amy (2017). "Australia's Big Dilemma: Regional/National Identities, Heritage Listing and Big Things." Quotation: Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference of the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand, edited by Gervork Hartoonian and John Ting, p. 46–56. University of Canberra. ISBN 9780646981659.