What are Australia's Big Things?
Australia's Big Things are giant roadside sculptures of everyday objects, animals and produce, such as the Big Banana, the Big Pineapple and the Big Merino. There are more than 150 of them across the country.
The trend began in the 1960s, when businesses built oversized landmarks to attract passing motorists. The Big Scotsman in Adelaide, built in 1963, and the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, built in 1964, are among the earliest.
Many Big Things celebrate local industries. The Big Merino in Goulburn honors the wool industry, the Big Prawn in Ballina celebrates seafood and the Big Pineapple near Nambour promotes Queensland fruit.
Road trip icons
Stopping to take photos at Big Things is a classic part of Australian road trips. Some include shops, cafes or small museums, while others are simple sculptures.
Other famous examples include the Big Lobster in Kingston SE, South Australia, the Big Golden Guitar in Tamworth, the Big Mango in Bowen and the Big Koala near Dadswells Bridge in Victoria.
Some Big Things have been restored or moved after falling into disrepair, and communities often campaign to keep them because they have become local landmarks. They are celebrated in books, souvenirs and even postage stamps.