The latest piece in our series focusing on Australia’s Big Things takes a look at the giant sculptures and statues found throughout Tasmania.
Despite being Australia’s smallest state, there’s a surprising number of Big Things dotted around the Apple Isle. Due to its size, it’s super easy to jump in the car and spend a few days travelling between each Big Thing while enjoying everything else the island has to offer.
Read on and discover the best Big Things to check out in Tasmania.
The Big Axe
Longley
Stop into the Longley International Hotel for a pint and a parmi before checking out the Big Axe.
Located outside the hotel, this Big Thing features an axe buried in a wooden stump. Unlike many Big Things, this one is well looked after and often attracts a crowd on the weekend.
There isn’t a lot of information about the Big Axe, but it’s believed it was created to help promote the annual Tasmanian Wood Chopping Carnival that takes place opposite the pub.
The Big Platypus
Latrobe
One of Australia’s most famous mammals is the platypus. According to Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories, the platypus was the result of an affair between a duck and a water rat.
The duck-billed creature can be found in all types of environments, from the tropical forests of Queensland to the cold lakes and rivers of Tasmania.
While the Big Platypus isn’t that big, this carved wooden sculpture is still an impressive sight that pays tribute to the large population of platypuses living around Latrobe.
Carved using chisels and chainsaws, the Big Platypus is located by the Platypus Interpretation Centre which holds a massive collection of taxidermy animals native to Tassie.
The Big Coffee Pot
Deloraine
The Big Coffee Pot is a former grain solo with a handle, lid and spout added to make it resemble a percolator.
Although located on commercial property, you can still get close enough to grab a decent snap of this Tassie Big Thing.
It’s believed the Big Coffee Pot came about over three decades ago when Tasmania Pottery was still in operation. Sadly the structure has fallen into disrepute over the years and could do with a touch-up.
The Big Trout
Cressy
Known as the ‘Gateway to Trout Fishing Paradise’, it’s no wonder the town of Cressy has a sculpture of a giant trout.
Designed by Bruno Barcodi, the Big Trout stands proudly out the front of the recently renovated public toilets on the main strip.
Not exactly the most inviting location, the aluminium Big Trout stands 6 metres tall and makes any visit to the local loos a more colourful experience.
The Big Apple
Spreyton
The town of Spreyton has been the home of Tassie’s apple farming community since the first orchards were planted there in 1908. Both Spreyton Cider Co. and Spreyton Fresh Tasmania, two of the state’s most successful beverage businesses, have orchards there.
In recognition of the fruit that keeps the town alive, there are several Big Apples dotted around Spreyton, with the most famous being the Big Apple found on the top of Spreyton Bakery, which is part of the Big Apple complex.
Here you can indulge in yummy cafe fare such as pies, pastries, fresh sandwiches and of course, a great range of apple-related desserts. We suggest the apple crumb pie.
The Big Rock Lobster
Stanley
You’ll find some of the best seafood at Hursey Seafood in Stanley, which also happens to be home to Tasmania’s Big Rock Lobster.
Perched atop the restaurant’s roof, it not only symbolises the local fishing industry—with lobsters and crayfish found in abundance in the area – but also serves as a tribute to owners James Snr and Valerie Hursey’s son Patrick, who disappeared while rescuing a kayaker who was crossing the Bass Strait in 1986.
After stopping for a bite to eat at Hursey Seafood and taking a snap of the Big Rock Lobster, be sure to visit the Nut, an ancient volcano just a short walk from the restaurant that’s an incredible natural wonder with amazing views.
The Big Spud
Sassafras
The Big Spud is one of Tassie’s favourite Big Things. Erected in the mid-80s by Rick Rockliff, the father of the state’s current premier Jeremy Rockliff, this cheeky chappy wears a blue cap and a big grin on his golden brown face.
Known locally as “Kenny” the Kennebec potato, the Big Potato came a cropper due to high winds, crashing to the ground in 2023.
There was a bit of a worry that bureaucracy would get in the way of getting the Big Spud back up, but thankfully after being given a makeover, Kenny was re-erected earlier this year and once again greets passer-bys with his massive smile.
The Big Penguin
Penguin
Penguin is one of our favourite small towns in Tassie, and as you can probably tell by its name, there’s a hub of penguins that inhabit the area.
To celebrate the flightless birds, the town erected a 3-meter-tall penguin near the foreshore. Made from fibreglass, the Big Penguin was revealed to the public in 1975 and is often decked out in a Santa costume during the festive season.
You’ll also find several other penguin-related statues and murals around the coastal town, including penguin-decorated rubbish bins.
The Big Beer Can
Launceston
The Big Beer Can is a replica tinnie of Boag’s famous draught beer.
Unlike the Big Beer Can that’s part of the Grand Hotel in Cobar, NSW, this take on Australia’s favourite drink is actually an empty tank once used for brewing.
It sits in the beer garden of James Boag Brewery in Launceston where you can taste test the local product while marvelling at the size of the Big Beer Can.
The Big Wickets
Westbury
The Big Wickets in Westbury were erected to celebrate the career of local cricketer Jack Badcock, one of the first Tasmanians to play cricket for Australia.
Bradcock played seven tests for the country between 1936 and 1938, making his highest score of 118 in the fifth and final Ashes test in 1936, helping Australia win the match and claim the Ashes trophy with a 3-2 series win.
Standing 6 metres tall, there isn’t anything fancy about the white Big Wickets, but if you’re a cricket fan, they are certainly worth a detour.
The Big Tasmanian Devil
Mole Creek
A list of Tassie’s Big Things wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Big Tasmanian Devil. When people talk about what the state is known for, the Tasmania Tiger is up there with Cradle Mountain, Dark MOFO and MONA, so it’s only natural there’s a huge Tassie Devil on display.
Located out the front of the Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary at Mole Creek, the Tassie Devil acts as a mascot for the park. Despite having no back legs, it’s a decent recreation of a Tasmania Devil.
Along with a visit to the wildlife sanctuary, there’s a lot to do around Mole Creek, including visiting the Mole Creek Caves, stopping in for some sweet stuff at Melita Honey Farm and following the Sculptures of the Great Western Tiers trail that passes through the towns of Deloraine, Mole Creek, Mayberry and Lake Mackenzie.
The Big Raspberry
Westerway
If you’re a fan of raspberries, head to the Westerway Raspberry Farm where you can pick your own raspberries and admire the Big Raspberry.
Crafted by local Richard Clark, the Big Raspberry is made from recycled farm equipment, including around 70 disused plough discs, a 44-gallon drum and an old tractor exhaust that makes up the stem.
Fun fact: It’s also about 100,000 times heavier than a standard raspberry!
Other Notable Big Things in Tasmania:
- The Big Pitchfork, Huntingfield
- The Big Golf Ball, Grindelwald
- The Big Whale, Recherche
- The Big Pot, Melrose
- The Big Nut and Bolt, Launceston
- The Big Boot, Swansea
- The Big Thumbs Up, Scottsdale
- The Big Picture Frame, Stanley
- The Big Seal, Eaglehawk Neck
- The Big Wave, Devonport
