Depression, much like a hideous squid from the darkest depths of the deepest ocean, wraps its slimy tendrils around us all at some point or another. Tragically, Big Things, despite their beauty and fame and cultural importance, are no more likely than the rest of us to escape its wrath. Never is this more evident than with Diver, who stands forlornly out the front of … Continue reading The Big Diver, Darling Harbour, NSW
People are always complimenting me on my childlike exuberance (or, as they usually put it, my emotional immaturity), so when I found out there was a six-metre-tall statue of a playful kiddie on the Sunshine Coast, I grabbed Bigella and trundled over there. After having my sippy cup and an afternoon nap, of course! iDIDIT! was created by babyfaced artist Russel Anderson in 2017, and … Continue reading iDIDIT!, Birtinya, QLD
Girl, you’re my angel, you’re my northern angelClose to Newcastle in England’s east, babyShorty, you’re my angel, you’re my northern angelGirl, you’re a friend to all Geordies, lady A hedonistic folly of steel and ambition, The Angel of the North serves as a tribute to the unique soul of those oop norf. Mired in controversy, and loved and loathed in equal measure – much like … Continue reading The Angel of the North, Gateshead
Strike it rich with The Giant Prospector Twins! These 12-foot golddiggers have spent the last 70 years criss-crossing southern Nevada in search of the one treasure that’s always eluded them – a place to call home. And now, moving with times, they’re preparing to dig their way into the hearts of Fallout: New Vegas fans. The dynamic duo were first installed atop the Lucky Strike … Continue reading Giant Prospectors, Goodsprings, Nevada
If you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as heck don’t deserve me at my BIGGEST! Marilyn Monroe may have sashayed off this mortal coil six decades ago, but her spirit lives on in downtown Palm Springs, California. There you’ll find Forever Marilyn, a 26ft tribute that perfectly captures the sensuality of the bosomy Hollywood starlet. The statue’s voluptuous curves and golden … Continue reading Forever Marilyn, Palm Springs, California
Walk like an Egyptian to beautiful Buronga, near Mildura, where you’ll find an eight-metre-tall tribute to King Tutankhamun. All together now – Way-oh-way-oh, ooh-way-oh-way-oh! Surrounded by swaying palm trees and perfectly located by the roadside for a selfie (don’t forget to Nile!), King Tut provides the full Egyptian experience, without the 45-hour flight to North Africa. Like Cairo, there are a few dodgy types lurking … Continue reading The Big Tutankhamun, Buronga, NSW
You must be 122cm tall to ride Sea World’s newest thrill ride – but that shouldn’t bother The King of Atlantis. At nine metres from fishy feet to golden crown, this ocean god holds the tidal for tallest humanoid sculpture in Australia, and so can do pretty much water-ever he likes. Well, except wear a shirt, apparently. But then again, who wouldn’t wanna show off … Continue reading The King of Atlantis, Main Beach, QLD
Look at me and my big, black friend! Of course, as a progressive gentleman I’m proud to have many friends of colour, including Larry Fishburne, Halle Berry, and that dude who sings in Counting Crows. Wait, maybe he’s not black. But he does have a great set of dreadlocks, so I’ll count him anyway. Anyway, back to Big John, the 18-foot-tall coal-black miner who stands … Continue reading Big John, Helper, Utah
Forget about Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylie Jenner and Jiffpom the Pomeranian, because there’s only one Instagram influencer who matters – the incomparable Ven a la Luz. This 10m-tall wooden beauty is synonymous with the social media platform, serving as the backdrop for millions – if not billions – of carefully-copped selfies. No trip to Tulum is complete without a happy snap with this fiery Latina. Her … Continue reading Ven a la Luz, Tulum, México
Let’s go surfin’ now, everybody’s learnin’ how, come see Blue Perspective with Biggsy (and Bigella, Gordon and Gordina!). Surf’s up, dude, so wax up your board and don’t forget the shark spray, because this perspective will blue you away! With skin and hair as azure as the Pacific, this three-metre tall surf rat is hard to miss. She stands alone in Southport’s Broadwater Parklands, gazing … Continue reading Blue Perspective, Southport, QLD
Wander into the roughest pub in St Helens, amigo, and tell the toughest hombre you find that he has a big, fat head. Go on, padre, do it! You’ll be delighted to discover that, rather than break a pint of Old Speckled Hen over your cabeza, he’ll thank you for your kindness, take you by the hand, and lead you on a whimsical journey through … Continue reading Dream, St Helens, England
Nachi Cocom was a brilliant and inspirational Mayan chief who led his people with a stern yet fair hand, before standing up to the Spanish conquistadors as they raided his lands. He also looked really cute in a loin cloth, which is much more important – tee-hee! Unveiled in 2018 before dozens of shirtless admirers, this statue depicts Nachi in his traditional battle attire, ready … Continue reading Nachi Cocom, Chetumal, México
If you’ve been pondering a visit to the picturesque European microstate of Andorra, don’t put it off for another second. For there, high in the Pyranees mountains, rests the handsome and mysterious Ponderer, forever gazing out over the verdant valleys of this remote oasis. Mirador Roc del Quer is a tranquil viewpoint that sits hundreds of metres above the charming village of Canillo, and it’s … Continue reading The Ponderer, Canillo, Andorra
What’s beneath a Scotsman’s kilt? Head to Scotty’s Motel, in the northern Adelaide suburb of Medindie, to find out. There’ll you’ll encounter the five-metre-tall Big Scotsman, who makes up for his lack of trousers by having a truly remarkable story to tell. Scotty, as he’s known to his clan of admirers, is a beloved citizen of the city and a must-see tourist attraction. Brimming with … Continue reading Scotty the Big Scotsman, Adelaide, SA
New Yorkers, I’m sad to say, are a pack of perverts. Adam here simply wants to live a peaceful, naturist lifestyle amidst the hustle and bustle of The Shops at Columbus Circle. With his robust physique and cheerful disposition, even his lack of genitallic girth can’t wipe the optimistic smile from his dial. But it seems the locals can’t stop molesting him. Adam, 15 feet … Continue reading Adam (and Eve), New York, New York
The inimitable Bigs Bardot was beginning to get very tired of hanging around the quaint Welsh seaside village of Llandudno, and of having nothing to do. Once or twice he had clambered to the peak of The Great Orme, and he had availed himself of the reasonably-priced goods at the local Aldi, but neither activity truly set his heart aflutter. “What is the use of … Continue reading Alice in Wonderland, Llandudno, Wales
There’s nothing minor about this miner! Seven metres tall, carved from bronze and with his oversized tool in his hand, Map the Miner will dig his way into your heart. Guarding the entrance to the ambrosial village of Kapunda, Map casts a brutally masculine figure amongst the lapidarian landscape. He’s intimidatingly large and, whilst his monochrome complexion may pale in comparison to flashier Bigs such … Continue reading Map the Miner, Kapunda, SA
“Whiskey in the Jar” As I was a goin’ to see the Luke Kelly Statue in DublinI bumped into Colin Farrell sittin’, drinkin’ in a fount’inI first produced me autograph book, careful not to have seizureSaying “I loved you in Phone Booth, Col, the way you held that receiver!” Mush-a ring dumb-a do dumb-a daWhack fall the daddy-o, whack fall the daddy-oLuke’s the Dubliners’ star! … Continue reading Luke Kelly, Dublin, Ireland
What do we want? More Bigs!When do we want ’em? Now! When the slimeballs at the South Australian Government threatened to turn his backyard into a dump, local legend Stephen Jones fought back in the only way he knew how – with a series of increasingly bizarre Big Things. Throughout the 90s, the windswept stretch of road between Lower Light and Dublin welcomed a studious … Continue reading The Protest Statues, Lower Light, SA
Drenched in the blood of his foes and with his name echoing throughout the verdant pastures of Ireland, the mythical warrior Finn McCool set his sights on yet another adventure – a one-week getaway to a sensibly-priced singles resort in Benidorm, complete with half-board and the drinks package. Spirits, of course, were extra, but Finn felt confident that he could smuggle a bottle of Jameson … Continue reading Finn McCool, Belfast, Northern Ireland
He was an old man who fished alone by the coast of Newcastle upon Tyne and he had gone five years now – ever since his arrival on September 24, 2017 – without taking a fish. For a few days in late-2022 an Australian boy named Bigs Bardot had been with him. But after some time without a fish the local chavs had told Bigs … Continue reading Fiddler’s Green, North Shields, England
I would like to address claims that I, the inimitable Bigs Bardot, was seen scurrying from the bowels of one of London’s most notorious adult shops, beanie pulled down to conceal my identity. The shameful accusations – printed in many of the UK’s most contemptible tabloids – could not be further from reality. The truth is that I was forced to pompously prance through the … Continue reading The Cyberdogs, Camden Town, England
Fort you’d seen everything Lauderdale has to offer? Then allow Thrive to cement your decision to return to this tropical paradise. This 27-foot-tall bombshell, designed by delightful South African artiste Daniel Popper, can be found begging for attention on a dank street corner beneath an apartment block – but she’s certainly no street walker. Well, she doesn’t have any legs, does she? What Thrive does … Continue reading Thrive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
War, huh, yeah!What is it good for?Absolutely nothing other than creating an awesome Big, uhh! War, ebony heartthrob Edwin Starr once sang, should be despised as it means the destruction of innocent lives. But war was also the inspiration for these remarkable Toy Soldiers, so I guess it’s not all bad. Officially known as Monument to the War of 1812, these sexy servicemen have turned … Continue reading Monument to the War of 1812, Toronto, ON
They’re a weird mob, these immigrants. With their moon-shaped heads, olive skin and bizarre clothing, they just don’t look like us. And, of course, they’ve already had a baby! And the father’s wearing a tie, so he’s probably after jobs that the rest of us would never consider doing in the first place. Soon there’ll be so many immigrants that you won’t be able to … Continue reading Immigrant Family, Toronto, Ontario
The mournful cry of a kookaburra swept across the frozen valley, and then the world was blanketed by deep, velvety silence. Within our lonely cabin, a carefully-prepared platter of calamari linguine lay restlessly upon the kitchen table, unloved and cooling as the interminable minutes ticked by. Gordon Shumway, my lifelong partner and bosom friend, was late home from work again. Welcome to the worst days … Continue reading Maddie and Mike, Southport, QLD
If you ever see a bunch of naked weirdos frolicking in a park, run the other way – unless you’re in downtown Calgary! There you’ll find 10 very large, very nude individuals of indeterminate gender, enjoying the Alberta sun upon their ebony skin. Known as The Brotherhood of Mankind, the 6.5-metre-tall naturists were created by Spanish artist Mario Armengol, as part of the British Pavilion … Continue reading The Brotherhood of Mankind, Calgary, AB
Bigfoot is sick of hiding, and has retired to an exclusive beachside chateau on the Gold Coast. The legendary monster now spends his days perusing the local tattoo dens, dodging drunks in Cavill Avenue and tanning himself to a crisp on Surfers Paradise beach. Bigfoot’s Cave can be found in the midst of the verdant McIntosh Island Park, and can be reached via a baroque … Continue reading Bigfoot, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Listen up, pardner. If you’re planning to pinch a caravan from Airdrie, north of Calgary, think again. Western Wayne, a 30-foot cowboy with a huge hat and a mean disposition, guards the Western RV caravan shop… and this Big shoots first and asks questions later! Wearing a tough-guy snarl reminiscent of a young Sam Elliott, Wayne’s towered over Alberta’s desolate prairies for decades. He’s impossible … Continue reading Western Wayne, Airdrie, Alberta
Canada’s Big Things just get curiouser and curiouser! Wonderland is a real head-turner, standing necks to the remarkable Bow building in downtown Calgary. It was unveiled in 2012 by Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa – an artist who openly admits to having a big head. The cheeky bent-wire masterpiece is an incr-head-able 12 metres tall, with two openings for ear-ger visitors to walk through. Wonderland seems … Continue reading Wonderland, Calgary, Alberta
What’s better than a half-naked contemporary Chinese artist with a great sense of humour and abs to die for? How about 14 half-naked contemporary Chinese artists with great senses of humour and abs to die for! A-maze-ing Laughter was created by bonkers Beijing-based artiste Yue Minjin, a chap so pleased with his own appearance that he created over a dozen clones and dropped them off … Continue reading A-maze-ing Laughter, Vancouver, BC
Whilst the days of horned warriors raping and pillaging their way through the suburbs of Vancouver are largely behind us, one nordic bad boy still strikes terror into the hearts of those who oppose him. Thankfully The Viking, who guards the entrance to the prestigious Burnaby North Secondary School, saves his rage for any child foolish enough to compete against the local football team. It’s … Continue reading The Viking, Burnaby, British Columbia
Ah, Canadians, they’re so nice, eh! Just look at the charming grin and snappy tunic on the World’s Tallest Tin Soldier, who is about as far from an unbridled killing machine as you can get. Couldn’t you just pinch those chubby cheeks! Standing chin up, chest out, shoulders back, stomach in and 9.75 metres tall, this tin-credible specimen wears size 60 E27 boots and weighs … Continue reading The World’s Tallest Tin Soldier, New Westminster, BC
Once upon a time there were three Biggie Goats Gruff, who lived inside a giant pineapple in the magical Kingdom of Australia. There was a handsome Biggy Goat Gruff, an even handsomer Biggie Goat Gruff, and a third Biggie Goat Gruff who was so super handsome that women – and even some of the more emotionally-resilient men – would weep at his feet as he … Continue reading The Fremont Troll, Fremont, Washington
Vladimir Lenin was responsible for the brutal slaughter of five million people, but this tribute to the deranged dictator is plenty of fun to take photos with, so I’m sure we can all look past that! Yes, it’s unusual – although far from unheard of – to find a massive recreation of a cold-hearted killer, and the story of how he arrived in the liberal … Continue reading Lenin Statue, Fremont, Washington
There once was a Big Thing named DreamerWho was created by Patti WarashinaShe looked quite delishAdmiring her fishOh, what a positive demeanour! On the corner of Westlake and RepublicanDreamer tempts like no other canShe’s 18 feet longAnd great at ping pong!With tootsies larger than those of a pelican One day came a boy from AustraliaWhose hunt for Big Things was no failureBardot was his nameLarge … Continue reading Dreamer, Seattle, Washington
Meet Paul. He’s an outdoorsy, approachable fellow who enjoys artisanal pale ales, daring facial hair and the smell of fresh flannelette in the morning. Oh, and he’s also a 31-foot-tall giant who brandishes a monstrous axe with which to protect the good people of the Pacific North West. All together now; “Hi, Paul!” The mythical Mr Bunyan is a hero to people across America and … Continue reading Paul Bunyan, Portland, Oregon
Kamehameha the Great united the warring islands of Hawaii in 1810, bringing a new age of peace and prosperity to this tropical paradise. The inimitable Bigs Bardot united the world’s Big Things and roadside attractions under one website in 2021, bringing love and happiness and greater awareness of roadside attractions to every corner of the world (yes, even Нады́м, Россия – did you think I … Continue reading King Kamehameha, Hilo, Hawai’i
Yes, the rumours are true! Your friend Bigs Bardot has been seen swanning around Waikiki in the arms of a larger lady. This big, beautiful woman represents the storytellers and traditional keepers of Hawaii’s rich, diverse, exotic culture. I’m Australia’s leading historian on giant bits of fruit and animals the size of houses, so it’s no wonder we got along! The Storyteller, also known as … Continue reading The Storyteller, Waikiki, Hawai’i
Give peace a chance… or should that be give peace a HANDS. This massive set of mitts was created by the ever-talented Stephen Kaltenbach, and can be found right near the State Capitol in downtown Sac. When the world needed a hero, Steve was there to lend a hand, knuckling down to bring Sacramentonians a message of glove and harmony. The results, as you can … Continue reading Peace, Sacramento, California
Aloha, and greetings from the tropical wonderland of Hawai’i. Millions of people travel to this Pacific paradise for the golden beaches, bottomless drinks and topless women. But the most popular reason for visiting this alluring archipelago is the assortment of Big Things, with the Water Giver at the top of the list. Just look at his rippling muscles, square jaw and G-string that leaves little … Continue reading The Water Giver, Honolulu, Hawai’i
Knights once roamed the vast plains of Penrith, slaying dragons and making inappropriate comments towards fair maidens. But with a severe shortage of snarling serpents in Sydney’s suburbs and the rise of the #MeToo movement, this silver stud was forced to transition into a new career. Meet Big Joe – friendly neighbourhood mechanic and undisputed King of the ‘Wood! This great big grease monkey is … Continue reading Big Joe, Kingswood, NSW
Please welcome the flag waving, money saving, always smiling, quite beguiling, 18-foot-high, super-nice guy… Ernie the Giant Tractor Salesman! This gregarious goliath has been Shepparton’s most eligible bachelor for more than three decades, and currently works at the family-owned Konigs Agricultural Supermarket. The eternally-eleemosynary Ernie started work way back in 1992, and is yet to miss a day! He’s polite, kind and never shies away … Continue reading Ernie, Shepparton, Vic
Fee-fi-fo-fumLook at me with my massive chumHe be large and he be hairyBut the Coota Giant is never scary! Now THIS is a Giant worth climbing up a beanstalk for! The Cootamundra Giant is enormous, approachable, fun to take a photo with… and, best of all, he won’t try to gobble you up! But this big boy has a story even larger than his smile, … Continue reading The Giant, Cootamundra, NSW
Oh, you want more-itius Big Things from around the world? Here’s a really stat-huge one hidden within the gorgeous Black River Gorges National Park, on the island paradise of Mauritius! The world’s biggest statue of Hindu goddess Durga took six years to complete and lives above the pristine Grand Bassin crater-lake. As the official Big Thing consultant to the Mauritian Government, I oversaw the closing … Continue reading Durga Maa Statue, Mauritius
Big Girls don’t cry, but I’m man enough to admit I was reduced to a blubbering mess after an encounter with this fifteen-foot female. Not even a few jars of homemade chutney and pair of happy pants from the nearby Eumundi Markets could settle me down. Officially known as For You, she’s the work of local artist Meg Geer, who installed the Big Girl in … Continue reading The Big Girl, Eumundi, QLD
A word of warning, this Big is a real gold digger! Tall, dark and handsome, the Big Gold Panner Man sauntered into the historic inland city of Bathurst in 1979, taking up residence outside the lavish Gold Panner Motor Inn. He welcomes millions of visitors from Sydney each year, many of whom can barely pan-dle their excitement. Not surprisingly, he’s become by far the most … Continue reading The Big Gold Panner Man, Bathurst, NSW
Hear ye, hear ye! ‘Tis I, Sir Bigs-a-Lot of Kingdom Bardot, and I doth welcome thee to a time when fearless warriors and ferocious dragons roamed the landscape of northern New South Wales. Please pop on ye olde face mask, as ’tis a spot of bubonic plague around – tee hee! Just kidding, I’m really your friend Bigs Bardot, and it’s knights for you to … Continue reading The Big Knight, Knockrow, NSW
As a passionate supporter of the LGBTQI+ community, it’s my pleasure to introduce Australia’s very first transgender Big – the voluptuous Wo-Man! Xe is loud and proud and shimmers like a disco ball, bedazzling all who venture into the backwoods of Wollombi. This remote location is a surprising home for such a progressive Big, who’s happy to show off xis ample bosom and metallic member … Continue reading Wo-Man, Garland Valley, NSW
“Bigs,” I’m sure you’re screaming, “the Big Rig – despite standing 140 metres tall and being an icon of the Maranoa Region – isn’t a Big Thing at all! He’s an actual oil drilling rig from the 1960s who was relocated to the centre of Roma in 2000 to attract tourists. If you’re going to include him, you might as well open the flood gates … Continue reading The Big Rig, Roma, QLD
