Where’s Wally the Wren? He’s in the Yiiro Community Garden in Euroa, Victoria! This fantastic fairy wren was built by the metal maestros from Tank & Tobin, and installed in July 2022.

With his vibrant blue plumage, irresistible eyelashes and chubby little tum-tum, Wally is big on personality – if not on size. At around 150cm from golden claws to the tip of his tail, he’s a fraction the height of Euroa’s famous Big Magpie. But that is a good thing.

It means Wally is one of the most approachable Bigs you’ll find. He’s the perfect size for a cuddle and a kiss – or a photo. The individually-crafted feathers give him a sense of realism and gravitas, whilst maintaining a kind of cartoonish charm. Yes, bird fanciers, Wally really is wren-markable!

The community garden is a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown Euroa. Wally stands beside a fellow Tank & Tobin masterpiece – a lone metal sunflower. Several murals by proud indigenous artist Aimee McCartney are also worth checking out.

Feeling hungry after a day hunting down Big Things? Then you’re in luck! Fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables spring forth from the garden’s verdant soil, and visitors are welcome to snatch up a handful.

Whilst Bigella plucked parsley and parsnips, I collected carrots and coriander. How wholesome! Now whenever we cook a hearty soup, it transports us back to that warm spring day when we foraged for food in the shadows of a fairly large fairy wren.

The word Yiiro means ‘joyful place’ in the local Taungurung language. I can’t think of a more appropriate name for this happy little corner of Victoria. When you stand with Wally the Wren – one of the cheekiest, chirpiest Bigs you could ever hope to meet – it’s wren-possible to wipe the smile off your face!