Our pick of NSW's 'BIG THINGS' - Good old fashioned fun for your next road trip

Cast your mind back to road trips in the 60s, 70s or 80s. Before the Internet. Before handheld devices. Car travel, especially as a young passenger, was a little more, well, tedious.

But my, how we all perked up when we stopped at a Big Thing, and someone yelled, “There it is!”

So what’s a Big Thing?

It’s a giant roadside attraction that’s as Aussie as a kookaburra on a Hills-Hoist. And definitely more kitsch than culture. Larger-than-life animals. Oversized fruit. Massive musical instruments. Apparently, there are almost 60 of these big Aussie icons in NSW alone.

Tourist traps? Perhaps. Fantastic pit stops for the kids? Most definitely. Here are some big things to visit in NSW on your next road trip.

The Big Prawn, Ballina

This ain’t no shrimp!

Perched proudly above the Bunnings carpark, Ballina, the Big Prawn was almost sent to the scrap heap in 2009 before locals rallied to restore this beloved crustacean. While you can’t walk inside anymore, it remains one of the North Coast’s quirkiest photo ops.

• Stay: Perfect if you’re staying at Reflections Shaws Bay or Reflections Ballina.
• Where to find it: Pacific Highway (Bunnings precinct), Ballina, just off the highway as you enter town.
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours (external landmark).

The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour

Australia’s very first Big Thing (opened in 1964) and still one of the best.

What started as a simple roadside attraction is now the Big Banana Fun Park, complete with waterslides, mini golf, laser tag, ice skating and more. It’s more than a photo stop; it’s a full family day out.

A must-visit when staying at Reflections Coffs Harbour, and an easy drive from any of our Coffs Coast parks.

• Stay: Stay at Reflections Coffs Harbour as an overnight stop or longer at Reflections Moonee Beach right on the water.
• Where to find it: 351 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour — on the northern approach into town.
• Opening hours: Fun Park: Daily, typically 9am–5pm (extended hours during school holidays).
  The Big Banana structure itself is visible anytime.

The Big Axe, Kew

This one’s worth a look if you’re heading towards either North Haven or Bonny Hills in the Port Macquarie Hastings Region. It’s an axe—a rather large one.

This 8-metre-long Big Axe is a tribute to the region’s timber heritage. But it’s not the original. That sculpture, built in 1979, was so badly damaged by ants that it had to be rebuilt in 2002.

• Stay: Bring a van or experience luxurious glamping at Reflections Bonny Hills, or choose the leafy tranquillity of Reflections North Haven.
• Where to find it: iKew Visitor Information Centre, Ocean Drive (just off the Pacific Highway).
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours (external landmark). The Visitor Centre hours: typically 9am–4pm daily.

The Big Bowl, Lake Cathie

Lawn bowls lovers, this one’s for you.

Weighing almost two tonnes and made from steel and concrete, The Big Bowl at Lake Cathie Bowling Club is believed to be one of the largest in the world.

• Stay: An easy stop when staying at Reflections Bonny Hills or Reflections North Haven.
• Where to find it: Lake Cathie Bowling Club, 5 Stewart Street, Lake Cathie.
• Opening hours: Club grounds are accessible daily; club hours vary.

The Big Oyster, Taree

An iconic Pacific Highway landmark, the Big Oyster was originally built as a seafood restaurant and has since housed various food outlets over the years. No matter what’s inside, it remains one of NSW’s most recognisable Big Things.

• Stay: Reflections Bonny Hills or Reflections North Haven
• Where to find it: Pulteney Street, Taree (near the Pacific Highway).
• Opening hours: Exterior landmark — visible anytime.

Big Blue, Scone

Here’s one for the art lovers, dog lovers, and travellers who appreciate something a little different.

Big Blue is a striking sculpture of a horse crafted from vibrant blue string — an eye-catching piece by acclaimed artist Nick Adams. Standing at around 2.2 m tall, it’s a fun and unique stop for photos and a quick leg stretch.

A great little stop if you are on a road trip between Sydney and Reflections Lake Glenbawn, or heading north towards the Hunter Valley, Upper Hunter towns, or Muswellbrook.

• Stay: Reflections Lake Glenbawn is where it's at. Book a cabin up on the hill with lake views, or bring your van and set up camp around the water for the ultimate in relaxed nature stays.
• Where to find it: Hunter Warbirds Museum, Walter Pye Avenue, Scone NSW 2337 (just off the New England Highway as you head inland).
• Opening hours: Accessible any time as an its an outdoor sculpture. Museum hours may vary if you also want to explore the aviation displays.

The Big Blue Heeler, Muswellbrook

On your way to Glenbawn Dam? Make a quick stop in Muswellbrook to pat a very good (and very big) dog.

The Big Blue Heeler pays tribute to the Australian Cattle Dog, first bred in the region. It’s a great leg-stretch stop for families — including four-legged travellers.

• Stay: Reflections Lake Glenbawn
• Where to find it: Muswellbrook Visitor Information Centre, New England Highway.
• Opening hours: Sculpture visible anytime. The Visitor Centre is generally open daily 9am–4pm.

The Big Golden Guitar, Tamworth

If you’re travelling towards Lake Keepit, then you’re likely to journey via Tamworth, Australia’s country music capital. And who can go to Tamworth without visiting the Big Golden Guitar?

Standing 12 metres high, the Big Golden Guitar is modelled on the trophies awarded at the annual Country Music Awards. Take a selfie, then explore the visitor centre and wax museum next door.

• Stay: Pull up to lakeside tranquillity at Reflections Lake Keepit - complete with a Canteen filled with local gourmet produce - or indulge in the ultimate glamping stay at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.
• Where to find it: 2 The Ringers Road, Tamworth (New England Highway).
• Opening hours: The guitar is visible anytime from the outside. Tourist Centre: Daily, generally 9am–5pm.

*All images courtesy of Destination NSW.

Ready to plan your road trip?

Australia is a big place, so it makes sense we like big things.

Whether you’re cruising the Pacific Highway, heading inland towards the New England region, or road-tripping south, there’s always an oversized surprise waiting around the bend. So next time you're travelling, make time for a big thing, honestly, they’re just good old-fashioned fun.

Keep reading for our road trip inspiration...