BIG THINGS - Ongoing Project

The Australian cultural phenomenon known as Big Things began in the 1960’s. Inspired by popular roadside attractions in America, these large comical statues were designed to entice travellers out of passing cars and buses and into rural towns and businesses. With over 150 spread across the continent there is now a wide variety on display.

Prominent ones include a 50-foot orange in fruit picking country, a 12-ton Koala named Sam with adjoining petting zoo, and a 100-ton concrete merino sheep named Rambo, impressively endowed and large enough to house a museum promoting Australia’s fine wool industry.

For the families traversing the country during school holidays, pulling in for pee-breaks, ice-creams, and photos, to the truckers and long-distance commuters who drink coffee or sleep in their shadow, these totems of trash culture are now an integral part of their travel experience. For the foreigners that find them they offer an amusing insight into the history and character of rural communities across Australia.