Next time you’re cray-ving a succulent seafood sandwich whilst driving along the Bruce Highway, nip in to the Shell service station at Miriam Vale. Not only will you encounter the most sensational crab sambos in the Gladstone region, but you can get up claws and personal with the lovable Big Crab!

He’s around two metres wide and has lived on the roof of the servo since 1979. Don’t worry, he doesn’t swear much and is certainly not a crass-tacean! Honestly, I still have to pinch myself to realise my encounter with this Big wasn’t just a dream!

Former owner of the petrol station, Lex Milner, crafted the colossal cutie to draw attention to his impressive range of home-made crab sandwiches. The delightful Allan and Judy Taylor adopted the arthropod more than two decades ago and still watch their mouthwatering delicacies scurry out the door to this day.

This side-strolling still looks fresh after all these years, but being on the roof means he can be a menace to take a cheeky selfie with. Or should I say shell-fie – teehee!

Crabsolutely Fabulous

Cars kept rolling into the service station as I posed with The Big Crab, but the drivers invariably smiled and nodded, obviously understanding the majesty and wonder of this particular roadside attraction.

“That giant crab and your sparkling smile are enough to make me forget about the spiralling price of fuel,” one gruff farmer screamed as he peeled out of the car park. I had similar positive responses when I posed with a similar crustacean in San Francisco.

I guess it’s hard to be crabby around a Big Thing – especially when you’re tucking into one of those juicy, meaty crab sambos!

Indulging in one of these irresistible treats was a highlight of my trip to Miriam Vale. I did feel a little guilty tucking into one of the Big Crab’s relatives in front of him, but he’s got a hard shell and didn’t seem too bothered by it.

If you feel like a walk to burn off the calories, head over to Gary Larson Oval, where you’ll find Owe’e the Big Magpie perched happily on the roof of the changerooms.

Don’t be hermit crab – head up to Miriam Vale today!