The top 5 ‘Big Things’ in NSW

The Big Bogan, Nyngan

Australia loves its oversized objects, and in NSW there are plenty of them. From giant animals to enormous ugg boots, here are 5 of the iconic ‘Big Things’ in NSW to add to your road-trip bucket list.

1) The Big Bogan, Nyngan

Offering a friendly welcome to the country town of Nyngan, near Dubbo, the 5.96m-tall Big Bogan – with his thongs, fishing rod, esky and Southern Cross tattoo – references the town’s warm hospitality and serene Bogan River. While you’re in town visit the Nyngan Museum for a wander through the town’s past, and stay the night at luxurious farm stay Callubri Station.

2) The Big Potato, Robertson

Big Potato, Southern Highlands - Credit: Eloise Basuki

In honour of the Southern Highlands town’s biggest crop, the 10m-long Big Potato is modelled on a sebago. Next door at Robertson’s supermarket, you can buy merch and locally farmed spuds, and the Robertson Potato Festival is held every May. Try a potato pie from the Robertson Pie Shop, and taste more local ingredients at farm, restaurant and cooking school Moonacres Kitchen, which grows produce for many Sydney restaurants.

3) The Big Tennis Racquet, Barellan

Barellan's Big Tennis Racquet - Credit: Narrandera VIC

In honour of Australian tennis star, Barellan local and Wiradjuri woman Evonne Goolagong-Cawley MBE AC, the Big Tennis Racquet is an exact 20:1 scale model of Evonne’s signature wooden Dunlop racquet. Swing south to go bird watching at the Fivebough Wetlands, and learn its Indigenous significance at the Budyaan Baamirra Centre and Wiradjuri Garden.

4) The Big Trout, Adaminaby

Big Trout, Adaminaby - Credit: Snowy Mountains Tourism

The waterways that run off the Snowy Mountains are famous for their pristine quality, and, in turn, excellent fishing. The 10m-tall Big Trout in Adaminaby references the plentiful trout in nearby Lake Eucumbene. Bait and fishing tackle, boat hire and fishing charters are available around Adaminaby and Lake Eucumbene, or go on a fly fishing tour nearby in Lake Jindabyne with Snowy Monaro Fly Fishing.

5) The Big Beer Can, Cobar

Big Beer Can, Cobar - Credit: www.letitbefood.com

Standing proudly at the entrance to the Grand Hotel in Cobar, the 5m-tall Tooheys beer can is so big that if it was filled with actual beer it would hold 22,000 litres (or about 58,666 tinnies). Another massive site in town is Cobar’s famous copper mine – the best views are at Fort Bourke Hill Lookout. And don’t miss the Cobar Sound Chapel, a permanent sound installation set in an old water tank and inspired by the Australian outback.