Sometimes, bigger really IS better—and that’s certainly the case when it comes to travel plans and tinnies.
To celebrate the launch of Coopers Big Green Pale Ale 440ml cans, we’ve teamed up with the beer legends to curate a list of the state's absolute must-see ‘big things’. From a big banana to boots, consider this your getaway hit list for when you're craving something a little different.
How To Score Your Own Big Aussie Attraction
Coopers is giving thirsty travellers the chance to win a Big Green Cooler—because these cans are simply too big for a regular-sized cooler. Decked out in classic Coopers green, this life-sized cooler isn’t just for your Big Greens—it’s big enough for an ice bath, too. Only available through their competition, enter here for your chance to win a Big Green Cooler for your Big Greens.
The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour
536km From Sydney
The OG of Australia’s ‘big things’, a visit to Coffs Harbour isn’t complete without checking out the Big Banana.
This absolute icon is home to a nostalgia-inducing fun park, complete with the world’s biggest indoor slide—it's the biggest water park between Sydney and the Gold Coast. Pro tip: don’t leave without devouring their famous choc-coated bananas.
While you’re in the hood, be sure to soak up all of its natural beauty—it’s the state’s first certified eco-destination. Hike to Crystal Shower Falls, 4WD along the sand at Bongil Bongil National Park and watch the roos gather at Emerald Beach with a packed picnic in hand.
The Big Potato, Robertson
140km From Sydney
If you consider yourself a carb connoisseur, then set your sat nav to Roberston for a piccy in front of the Big Potato. Nestled in the Southern Highlands, this tiny country town is known for farming—you guessed it—spuds.
To celebrate everyone's favourite root veg, the Big Potato (measuring 10 metres long and four metres wide) was built by a local farmer in the late seventies. But beyond the photo op, you’ll want to linger in this rural gem.
Snag yourself some Big Potato merch from the grocer next door, then head to Old Cheese Factory where you can shop antiques, chocolates and local cheeses. Finally, stay the night at Robertson Public House & Kitchen—this charming pub serves up 11/10 locally sourced meals.
The Big Prawn, Ballina
734km From Sydney
Prefer your seafood supersized? It doesn’t get much better than the Big Prawn in Ballina—standing at a whopping nine metres tall and weighing 35 tonnes.
Originally built in 1989, the giant crustacean had a $400,000 upgrade in 2013 and is still looking as juicy as ever. Located on the main drag, position yourself in the Bunnings carpark for the best pic.
All that posing is sure to work up an appetite, so grab fresh-from-the-trawler seafood across the road at Northern Rivers Seafood and Ballina Fishermen's Co-Op. Pro tip: snag some juicy king prawns, premium-grade sashimi and a tray of oysters and head to Gawandii Beach.
The Big Lawn Bowl, Port Macquarie
385km From Sydney
For one of the most unique ‘big things’ in Australia, dust off your bowling whites and make tracks to Port Macquarie—in particular Club Lake Cathie.
As well as practising your best lunge and roll, you can grab a pic with the town’s icon, the Big Lawn Bowl. Weighing two tonnes, measuring 1.9 metres tall, and nearly six metres wide, the bright blue ball has been luring tourists and locals since it rolled into town back in 1975.
Once you’ve had a game (and a frothy), tick off some of Port Macquarie's other top spots like the Koala Hospital (the city has the highest population of koalas on the East Coast), scope out the incredible local street art, and take part in the Port Mac ‘Walk n Fork’, an 8km coastline trail dotted with epic food, sips and swimming spots.
The Big Ugg Boot, Maitland
162km From Sydney
It doesn’t get much more true blue Aussie than pulling on a pair of humble uggs. But in Maitland, there’s nothing humble about these giant boots. Weighing a whopping 600kg each, these huge steel and fibreglass structures are so sturdy they even weathered a cyclone just 24 hours after they were installed back in 2015.
But what makes these big boots so special is the local artists that give the uggs a glow-up, with stunning new murals created every two years—so multiple visits here are encouraged.
Grab some Big Ugg Boot souvenirs (yes you can buy actual Uggs) from Mortels Sheepskin Factory next door, check out the museum, grab a feed at the cafe (the hearty lamb stew is a must) and if you’re there on a Sunday, wander the artisan markets.
The Big Trout, Adaminaby
392km From Sydney
Perched in the postcard-perfect setting of the Snowy Mountains, the rural town of Adaminaby lures tourists with epic bush walking trails, skiing, snowboarding, goldfield history and trout fishing. Which is why you’ll find a 10-metre-tall pink-hued Big Trout standing proudly in the middle of town. The fibreglass structure was built by local artist Andy Lomnici back in 1973 and is so adored that it's now heritage listed.
If you want to embrace the local fishing culture, you can hire bait and tackle and throw out a line on Lake Eucumbene.
If you’re in the area from October to April, you can take part in the Snowy Trout Challenge—simply catch one of the 500 tagged rainbow trout between this time and win a prize.
Coopers are giving you the chance to win a big Aussie attraction of your own. Enter here for your chance to win a Big Green Cooler for your Big Greens from the legends over at Coopers.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Coopers and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Images: Supplied.