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Following the conclusion of our around-the-world trip, we have made it our mission to see a lot more of our own backyard here in Australia.
Our first day trip was to Phillip Island, located less than two hours drive from Melbourne. But we weren’t there to see the popular Penguin Parade or The Nobbies and Seal Rocks; we were there to check out some of the “big things” located on or close to the island.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Australia’s Big Things, there are over 150 such objects spread right across the country. Ticking a few off this list was a great excuse for a road trip!
The Giant Worm, Bass
The Giant Worm, a 100-meter long structure, can be found at Wildlife Wonderland in Bass, Victoria and was our first stop for the day.
Located approximately 15 kilometers before Phillip Island, the Giant Worm features a museum inside that celebrates the unique Giant Gippsland Earthworms, a creature that can reach a whopping 3 meters in length.
The Big Wave, Newhaven
The Big Wave is situated just 200 meters over the bridge after San Remo and it a great photo opportunity for those wanting to get inside this giant lifelike wave structure.
It has been there for over 20 years and is probably the most recognized “Big Thing” attraction in this region of Victoria.
The Big Cows, Newhaven
The Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, one kilometer after the bridge to Phillip Island, is the sweetest attraction on Phillip Island. They even offer free chocolate sample to all visitors – massive bonus!
But as awesome as that is, that’s not the reason we visited. The chocolate factory is also home to the Big Cows which were very popular with the visiting tourists who were snapping as many photos as they possibly could.
The Big Tap, Cowes
Located at A Maze’N Things, 5 kilometers before Cowes, the Big Tap is a giant purple tap that seemingly floats in mid-air pumping out thousands of liters of water into a flooded room.
It’s a very cool optical illusion and definitely worth the stop. You may even want to purchase tickets to the maze and the other attractions there including Maxi-Golf, Puzzle Island and the Illusions Room.
The Big Koala, Cowes
Our final stop was the Big Koala, situated just next door to A Maze’N Things at Koala Park Resort.
You can drive in and take a quick picture before continuing on your drive to Cowes, the main township on Phillip Island and a great place to spend an afternoon/evening.
Have you ever seen any of Australia’s Big Things?
Amy & Kieron are two travelers currently on long-term travel adventure that began in Hawaii on 26 July 2011.
14 Comments
Oh wow – those are some very ugly and funny big things!! It’s not a proper roadtrip without one!
Here is my collection, so far: http://jouljet.blogspot.com/search/label/Aussie%20Big%20Things
But next weekend I am about to start a roadtrip to clock the Big Lobster and the Big Rocking Horse! Ha! Can’t wait!
Tash recently posted..Royal Windsor Lamp
Haha LOVE IT! Thanks so much for sharing that link.
It really makes a road trip a fun adventure, we’re definitely gonna tick a lot more off over the next few months.
I love these quirky things which you find all over the world. We certainly have our fair share here in the USA. Two weeks ago I dragged my wife off to photograph the Big Duck, a roadside attraction that has been on New York’s Long Island forever. Keep them coming — I’d like to see more of these from Down Under.
Jim @NeverStopTravel recently posted..A Bittersweet Moment on Flt. 615
Haha just Googled the Big Duck, that looks fantastic! We’ll definitely have more to share in the coming months, stay tuned.
My knowledge of Phillip Island has stemmed from one trip when I was very little to see the Penguin Parade and from watching the Moto GP on TV.
Who would’ve known that an island such as this would be full of so many gems. And you see none of them in the travel brochures for foreign tourists. If only they got more publicity maybe Melbournians would come down to Phillip Island more often and check them out.
There were plenty of tourists there when we visited, both international and local. But you’re right Matthew – there is so much to do there.
It’s not just the Penguin Parade and the Moto GP, there are these big things, there is Cowes and the Night Market and of course, the awesome surf beaches.
Big things are some of my favorite quirky attractions! I never get tired of seeing random giant objects.
Scott – QuirkyTravel recently posted..A lazy Sunday morning in Key West
Haha aren’t they great?!
I love the Big Koala! I was the only person on my tour to jump out of the van and snap a picture. Losers:-)
Rebecca recently posted..Random Weekend: Book: Italian for Beginners
Haha we did the “snap and run” with the Big Koala – didn’t even need to get out of the car to take this picture! But good on you for taking the photo! It’s always better to have it than not.
Haha, fun! I think the big koala is my favorite!
Amanda recently posted..My Night in Prison
It was a fun day out! The Big Koala was pretty cool but there’s an even bigger one on our to-do list (The Giant Koala) which is around a 4-hour drive from where we are.
haha my favourite has to be the tap – SO random =)
Toni recently posted..Words can’t describe Chobe National Park, Botswana
Haha extremely random but very cool.