The Big Prawn: Australia's Juiciest Roadside Icon 🦐
Australia has no shortage of larger-than-life attractions – from the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour to the Big Pineapple in Nambour. But towering over them all (literally and figuratively) is one of the country’s most famous seafood-themed sculptures: The Big Prawn in Ballina, New South Wales.
Whether you think it's a masterpiece of kitsch or a crustacean colossus, there's no denying it – the Big Prawn is an Aussie legend.
A Giant Among Shrimp
Located in the coastal town of Ballina, the Big Prawn is an eye-catching monument to the region’s strong ties to the seafood industry, particularly prawning. Standing at a whopping 9 metres tall and 6 metres wide, this massive prawn is perched atop a building near the Bunnings Warehouse on River Street.
Originally built in 1989, the Big Prawn was designed to draw tourists into a nearby service station and promote Ballina’s reputation as a prawn hotspot. With its wide black eyes and curled tail, it's both slightly surreal and oddly charming — a perfect example of Australia’s love for quirky roadside attractions.
A Close Call with the Frying Pan
In 2009, the Big Prawn faced a grim fate: demolition. Its original owners were ready to scrap it, deeming it too costly to maintain. But the community had other ideas. Locals campaigned to save their oversized shrimp, and in 2013, Bunnings stepped in to purchase and refurbish it. They even gave it a tail, which it originally lacked — making the Big Prawn finally anatomically correct (at least, for a fiberglass version).
Since then, the prawn has become a renewed symbol of Ballina's coastal identity and its resilience as a regional town that embraces both tradition and oddity.
Why Visit the Big Prawn?
Aside from the obvious photo op (who doesn’t want a selfie with a 9-metre prawn?), the Big Prawn has become a bit of a pilgrimage site for road-trippers exploring the Northern Rivers region. Here’s why it’s worth the stop:
📸 Iconic Photo Moment: Grab that must-have travel snap standing under its giant legs.
🍤 Seafood Lovers' Paradise: Ballina is home to some excellent seafood markets and restaurants – you can admire the big prawn, then enjoy a real one cooked to perfection.
🛣️ Easy Pit Stop: Conveniently located on the Pacific Highway, it’s a fun break during the drive between Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour.
🛍️ Nearby Shops: The Big Prawn sits near a retail hub, so you can stretch your legs and stock up on snacks or supplies.
Fun Facts
🎨 The prawn weighs over 35 tonnes.
🦐 It's considered one of the largest Big Things in Australia.
📺 It’s been featured on travel shows and even inspired memes thanks to its sheer absurdity.
🧼 Locals sometimes give it a wash to keep it looking fresh — no one likes a dirty prawn!
More Than Just a Gimmick
Australia’s Big Things aren’t just roadside oddities – they’re cultural touchstones. The Big Prawn celebrates Ballina’s roots, its fishing industry, and the laid-back humour that Australians are known for. It’s a monument to the unusual, a beacon of community pride, and a must-see for lovers of Aussie nostalgia.
So next time you're cruising along the east coast, swing by Ballina. Take a moment to marvel at the Big Prawn, order a bucket of the real deal from a local seafood joint, and appreciate the wonderfully weird charm that makes regional Australia so unforgettable.
The new collectable Australian coin!
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