Queensland already has a reputation for having some of the biggest
natural attractions in the world: The Great
Barrier Reef, Fraser Island - the
largest sand island in the world - and the Riversleigh Fossil Fields near Mount
Isa. But there are other Big attractions, all worth a look-see and a photo...
Big Rig
Located at Roma on the Western Downs, this is Queensland's newest Big Attraction, but it is not overtly oversized. Indeed, it is an actual 42m-high Emsco Rig used in the 1920-1930s oil rush days in that region. The Big Rig complex also includes interactive displays and interpretative panels and exhibits.
Big Sapphire
Located near the Central Qld Gemfields town of Anakie, The Big Sapphire is a 5,080,000 carat, blue, fibreglass sapphire. Inside the adjoining information centre, you will find all there is to know about how you could possibly stub your toe on a fortune in largest sapphire bearing-region in the world.
In your awe, and feverous search for fortunes, don't forget to look out for the other big attractions on the gemfields. They are impossible to miss - The Big Spanner, the Big Pick, Shovel and Sieve, and the Big Sapphire Ring at Pat's Gems; all near Sapphire.
Big Flower
Situated in Morton Park, Emerald, the Big Flower is one of a series to be established around the world. Painted by Canadian artist, Cameron Cross, it is a reproduction of one of Van Gogh's seven Sunflower paintings. Each is the same size, (4ft x 8ft), constructed from 24sheets of 3/4 inch plywood and standing on an 80ft steel easel. This painting was officially 'unveiled' in October 1999 and Emerald chosen as its Australian home, due to the region's reputation for the growing of sunflowers and its renowned Sunflower Festival around Easter each year.
Big Shell
The Big Shell at Tewantin on the Sunshine
Coast boasts an unusual collection of coral, coloured sands and shells. It
includes many curiosities of the ocean, including unusual varieties of crabs and
other sea-creatures.
Big Mandarin
The Big Mandarin is a 9m-high mandarin, which conveniently doubles as a Tourist
Information Centre. This mammoth tourist attraction is located in the rural town
of Mundubbera, well known as the citrus capital of Queensland and home to the
Golden Mile Orchard. Indulge yourself with scoop ice creams and fresh fruit in
season April to September.
Big Castle
Bli Bli Castle on the Sunshine Coast
is a replica of a Norman Castle, complete with drawbridge over a moat. Admire
the diorama scends of fairytale stories and period settings. The castle is home
to over 2,500 dolls in a museum, of which 350 are Dancing Dolls- authentically
dressed in the national costumes of 55 countries - many animated.
Big Dinosaur
A huge 15m long, the Big Dinosaur, (a replica of a Kronosaurus) at Richmond has
its fangs bared at drivers on the Overlanders
Highway in Queensland's Outback. The original Kronosaurus was discovered in
Richmond in 1930 and now resides at Harvard University in the United
States. Not to be outdone, the Richmond Fossil Centre, located behind the
replica, has all manner of fantastic prehistoric fossils, including the 5m long
Richmond pliosaur (a marine reptile) and a 100 million year old ankylosaur: an
armoured dinosaur with much of its fossilised skin and armour intact.
Big Bull
Big bulls lie scattered through Rockhampton
in Queensland's Capricorn region. Known as the "beef capital" of Australia, Rockhampton
has large statues of Santa Gertrudis, Braford and Brahman bulls, mostly located
on Gladstone Road throughout the city. Here, the business of beef is a serious
business!
Big Croc
The largest crocodile ever taken in Australia
was caught in the Norman River in the Gulf Savannah region of Queensland. A magnificent
replica of this 8.6m monster rests in the Carpentaria Shire Council Park in Normanton.
The croc is named after Krystina Pawloski, a female croc shooter, who shot the
beast in 1958.
Big Barramundi
Queensland's most succulent tropical fish has its own big namesake at Daintree
in the Tropical North; also home to the World
Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. The big fish adorns the top of the Big
Barramundi Barbecue Garden in Stewart Street. This tropical restaurant naturally
specialises in 'barra', and its extensive menu also offers croc and emu.
Big Stubbie
The Big Stubbie at Tewantin consists of thousands of beer bottles and stubbies concreted together in the shape of a huge beer bottle. Many headaches achieved this impressive result.
Big Mango - Ripe for Viewing
The Big Mango in Bowen - the town that supplies
Australia and overseas with the most succulent
species of this tropical fruit. Costing more than $60,000, the Big Mango stands
to highlight what the region has to offer and is designed to be a beacon for travellers.
But wait, there's more:
While travelling around the rest of Queensland, be amazed at the stopping power
of the Big Bike at Southport, the Big Mower at Beerwah, the Big Marlin at Cairns,
the Big Apple at Stanthorpe, the Big Gumboot
at Tully, (Australia's wettest region), and the
Big Captain Cook in Cairns!
The Big Thermometer in Queensland's coldest town, Stanthorpe, has also been suggested by the local Chamber of Commerce.
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
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