Wot's Big Tour
07 September 2004: The BIG Buffalo - Adelaide River, NT
Highlights: The Adelaide River Inn serves good grub, VERY cold beer and lets you check Charlie... the BIG Buffalo out!
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "Oh, I've got no reception on my mobile." Tim answers: "You beauty, I've got the bar to myself!"
Accommodation: Skycity Darwin.
07 September 2004: The BIG Croc - Humpty Doo, NT
Highlights: The local tavern is a hoot and the croc is impressive in its size!
BIG comment of the day: Don't try the camel jerky at the supermarket...
Accommodation: Skycity Darwin.
08 September 2004: The BIG Peanut - North Tolga, QLD
Highlights: Hot nuts - all the local products sold at the stores... peanuts, macadamias - delicious
BIG comment of the day: "Are you two on your honeymoon are ya?" :) Locals are really friendly and helpful.
Accommodation: Hotel Cairns.
08 September 2004: The BIG Cassowary - Mission Beach, QLD
Highlights: Close to the beach and the Cassowary is really BIG
BIG comment of the day: I love this place - holiday 365 days a year!!
Accommodation: Hotel Cairns.
08 September 2004: The BIG Gumboot - Tully, QLD
Highlights: View from the top inside the boot - mountain landscape is stunning, great history about the Tully rainfall and the region
BIG comment of the day: Tully measures rain in METRES, not in millimetres - highest rainfall in Australia!
Accommodation: Hotel Cairns.
09 September 2004: The BIG Barramundi - Daintree, QLD
Highlights: Daintree backdrop is gorgeous with rainforests galore
BIG comment of the day: Tim comments: "It's stubbies-and-singlet-weather here!" Kristy says: "We'll be back!"
Accommodation: Hotel Cairns.
09 September 2004: The BIG Captain Cook - Cairns, QLD
Highlights: Captain Cook is BIG - he stands tall and proud
BIG comment of the day: "It's the atmosphere that makes Cairns."
Accommodation: Hotel Cairns.
10 September 2004: The BIG Miner - Rubyvale, QLD
Highlights: The mine tour with Ian - definitely the most interesting so far!
BIG comment of the day: It gets up to 48 degrees here!
Accommodation: Rockhampton Plaza Hotel.
10 September 2004: The BIG Easel - Emerald, QLD
Highlights: It is huge...on a scale of 1-10 the Easel is 11! The locals were really friendly and three of them welcomed us when we arrived.
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "Is that a camel?" Tim answers: "No, it's a horse!"
Accommodation: Rockhampton Plaza Hotel.
11 September 2004: The BIG Bull - Rockhampton, QLD
Highlights: There are more than one scattered around Rockhampton...and their "family jewels" are solidly attached so no one can take them. The locals are great fun.
BIG comment of the day: Tim comments "I've seen bigger." (referring to the bulls' appendage) A BIG thanks to Capricorn Tourism!!
Accommodation: Rockhampton Plaza Hotel.
11 September 2004: The BIG Crab - Miriam Vale, QLD
Highlights: Good stop to fill up on petrol, or eat kangaroo burgers and crab sangas
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments "The BIG Crab has a very proud owner."
Accommodation: Billabong Motor Inn Mundubbera.
11 September 2004: The BIG Mandarin - Mundubbera, QLD
Highlights: Being able to walk through the mandarin with Kevin the owner
BIG comment of the day: "There's a karaoke competition on tonight for you guys."
Accommodation: Billabong Motor Inn Mundubbera.
12 September 2004: The BIG Pineapple - Nambour, QLD
Highlights: Impressive size, wildlife park, train tour and you can eat lunch there overlooking fields of pineapples
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "You need at least an hour." Tim says "Great to go up the top and get a piccie."
Accommodation: Australis Noosa Lakes.
12 September 2004: The BIG Macadamia - Nambour, QLD
Highlights: The talking parrot and snake pits...
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "The size is impressive for a nut!"
Accommodation: Australis Noosa Lakes.
12 September 2004: The BIG Pelican - Noosa, QLD
Highlights: The pelican is mobile and really cool (!!) - it has moveable parts that can be operated from within.
BIG comment of the day: Kristy and Tim comment: "It is in desperate need of funds/repairs. If anyone is interested in supporting the BIG Pelican, please contact us."
Accommodation: Australis Noosa Lakes.
12 September 2004: The BIG Shell - Tewantin, QLD
Highlights: 35 year old shell and a very patriotic owner who puts a smile on your face
BIG comment of the day: Kristy and Tim say: "The shell is really well maintained and true to its form."
Accommodation: Australis Noosa Lakes.
12 September 2004: The BIG Stubby - Tewantin, QLD
Highlights: The whole place is made of bottles and there is a slippery dip at the back of the bottle, however it is closed much to the locals' disappointment.
BIG comment of the day: Tim says: "It is going to be demolished for new housing estate - if you want the BIG Stubby to stay, let us know!"
Accommodation: Australis Noosa Lakes.
13 September 2004: The BIG Apple - Thulimbah, QLD
Highlights: Brand new cafe restaurant (Vincenzo's), lovely owners
BIG comment of the day: BIG Apple owner Vince says: "If we don't win, I will make ya wear cement shoes!"
Accommodation: Byron Sunseeker Motel.
14 September 2004: The BIG Prawn - Ballina, NSW
Highlights: The impressive size, the huge souvenir shop, the restaurant next door that sells local prawns and the magnificent sunset on the river
BIG comment of the day: "It's a shame, due to public litigation, that you can't walk up inside the prawn anymore and look out his eyes."
Accommodation: Ramada Riverside Apartments.
15 September 2004: The BIG Banana - Coffs Harbour, NSW
Highlights: The toboggan ride, the ice rink, snow dome, heaps of fun stuff to do and the proud owner Kev!
BIG comment of the day: Kristy says: "Great banana smoothies!", Tim says: "You need at least an hour to enjoy the BIG Banana."
Accommodation: Golden Guitar Motor Inn.
15 September 2004: The BIG Windmill - Coffs Harbour, NSW
Highlights: The blades of the windmill that actually turn and the owner's BIG cat.
BIG comment of the day: "The new owners have opened a restaurant inside the mill for dinner."
Accommodation: Golden Guitar Motor Inn.
16 September 2004: The BIG Golden Guitar - Tamworth, NSW
Highlights: The golden gleam of the guitar, a great selection of country music CDs and the Big Bush Breakfast put on by Tourism Tamworth for Kristy and Tim.
BIG comment of the day: Kristy says: "Tim was great at playing the spoons with his brother in front of the Golden Guitar." Tim comments: "The lamb shanks were great for brekkie."
Accommodation: Golden Guitar Motor Inn.
16 September 2004: The BIG Chook - Moonbi, NSW
Highlights: Hhhhhmmm, his feathers and the tractor...
BIG comment of the day: Tim and Kristy comment: "A photo was once taken with a truck load of chook poop dumped on the ground at the rear!"
Accommodation: Dooralong Valley Resort.
16 September 2004: The BIG Axe - Kew, NSW
Highlights: Very rustic, rest and eating area situated at the BIG Axe on the Pacific Highway - good for a break from driving
BIG comment of the day: Hat in souvenir shop said: "Far Kew".
Accommodation: Dooralong Valley Resort.
17 September 2004: The BIG Bottle - Mangrove Mountain, NSW
Highlights: It's a bottle of Cab Sav!
BIG comment of the day: Kristy says: "It's wine - I love it!"
Accommodation: Dooralong Valley Resort.
17 September 2004: The BIG Fruit Bowl - Bilpin, NSW
Highlights: The fruit bowl is mostly intact despite being recently vandalised.
BIG comment of the day: Kristy and Tim comment: "If anyone is interested in supporting the restoration of the BIG Fruit Bowl, please contact us."
Accommodation: Dooralong Valley Resort.
17 September 2004: The BIG Goldpanner - Bathurst, NSW
Highlights: The Goldpanner overlooks the whole town from his position on the main highway.
BIG comment of the day: Tim comments: "Used to be a gold panning town - come on down and try your luck!"
Accommodation: Sundowner Bathurst.
18 September 2004: The BIG Cherries - Young, NSW
Highlights: They're BIG, red and juicy!
BIG comment of the day: Cherry season isn't until November 12th - bummer!
Accommodation: Country Comfort Wagga Wagga.
18 September 2004: The BIG Guitar - Narrandera, NSW
Highlights: Strumming the guitar (well trying to.) and the friendly locals
BIG comment of the day: Naranderra is striving to be the next BIG country music destination, and it sounds good!
Accommodation: Country Comfort Wagga Wagga.
19 September 2004: Dog on a Tuckerbox - Gundagai, NSW
Highlights: This icon is true to its form, rich in history and of BIG sentimental value for the town.
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "Not a big icon in size, but a big icon in history!"
Accommodation: Adaminaby Country Inn Motel.
19 September 2004: The BIG Merino - Goulburn, NSW
Highlights: Climbing up inside of him and looking out of his eyes! He's very interactive and weighs 97 tonne!
BIG comment of the day: Kristy says: "Its family jewels were removed because the BIG Merino's neighbours didn't want to look at them every day!", Tim comments: "You need half an hour to visit and take in the great sight of the BIG Merino."
Accommodation: Adaminaby Country Inn Motel.
20 September 2004: The BIG Trout - Adaminaby, NSW
Highlights: Iridescent pink sheen and its active twisting pose!
BIG comment of the day: Tourist comments: "Hey! We are from Melbourne and we heard you on 3AW last week!"
Accommodation: Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens.
20 September 2004: The BIG Ned Kelly - Glenrowan, VIC
Highlights: The tour, the history, great replicas of 1880s works and the helpful owners! The BIG Ned Kelly is located in the exact spot of the siege.
BIG comment of the day: Local asks: "Do you want to try some of my 114-year-old jam?" (Turned out to be the recipe!)
Accommodation: Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens.
21 September 2004: The BIG Earthworm - Bass, VIC
Highlights: The earthworm is BIG, the wildlife park is fantastic (you can actually feed kangaroos, koalas and alpacas) and the owners are lovely!
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "Come here and meet Skippy and Fatso the Wombat!"
Accommodation: Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens.
22 September 2004: The BIG Penguin - Penguin, TAS
Highlights: The BIG Penguin's cheeky face, and the hoards of smaller penguins around the town - on shopfronts, bins and corner stores - and meeting the very proud Mayor!
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "Day 17 and it's our first day of rain - we can understand why the grass is so green!"
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston.
22 September 2004: The BIG Platypus - Latrobe, TAS
Highlights: The Lucas Platypus Experience, the Lucas hotel, the fantastic welcoming committee of 40 Grade 1-3 students with drawings, "Scultpas" the art gallery, David Foster Wood Chopping Museum, "Reliquaire" antiques and collectables... the list goes on!
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "I don't want to leave!"
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston.
22 September 2004: The BIG Tassie Devil - Mole Creek, TAS
Highlights: Trowunna Wildlife Park and being able to get up-close-and-personal with the BIG Devil!
BIG comment of the day: "The BIG Tassie Devil was erected as a memento to late resident "Mickey" who passed away in 1987. The BIG Tassie Devil sits on top of Mickey's grave."
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston.
24 September 2004: The BIG Arch of Victory - Ballarat, VIC
Highlights: The Arch itself is impressive in size. It reflects the role the Ballarat residents had in the Great wars. This is a BIG piece of history for all who enter Ballarat and travel through.
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "This has been the biggest of BIG icon historical significance so far!"
Accommodation: Sundowner Warrnambool.
25 September 2004: The BIG Milkshake - Allansford, VIC
Highlights: The Cheese Factory where the BIG Milkshake sits on top, the BEST milkshake ever tasted & Tim recommends the chocolate melted
BIG comment of the day: Tim comments: "Some consider it to be the 13th Apostle along the Great Ocean Road."
Accommodation: Sundowner Warrnambool.
25 September 2004: The BIG Woolbales - Hamilton, VIC
Highlights: You can walk around the inside of the woolbales and look at the old shearing equipment. Other highlights were: Lorry, the 79-year-old shearer (who only looks 60!) reciting his own shearing yarns and poems for us, the cheap country grub and the lovely owner Gwen - so hospitable!
BIG comment of the day: Tim comments: "Hamilton is the wool capital of the world!"
Accommodation: Olde Horsham Motor Inn.
25 September 2004: The BIG Koala - Dadswells Bridge, VIC
Highlights: The BIG Koala's devilish look, the fully licensed bar and restaurant to sit and relax in!
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "The Koala is the gateway to the Northern Grampians!"
Accommodation: Olde Horsham Motor Inn.
26 September 2004: The BIG Murray Cod - Swan Hill, VIC
Highlights: Kids sitting inside the cod's mouth looking like they're about to be gobbled up! The cod is very BIG and well maintained.
BIG comment of the day: Tim comments: "The BIG Murray Cod was star of the film '8 Ball'."
Accommodation: Best Western Chaffey Motor Inn.
27 September 2004: The BIG Miner - Kapunda, SA
Highlights: Made of cement, fibre glass and bronze and shimmers in the sun! Built by Ben Zen Zeten (who also made the BIG Koala).
BIG comment of the day: Tim comments: "The BIG Miner's Nickname is MAP which stands for Cornish immigrants - the majority of miners came from Cornwall."
Accommodation: Saville Park Suites Adelaide.
27 September 2004: The BIG Rocking Horse - Gumeracha, SA
Highlights: The sheer size of it - arguably Australia's BIGGEST icon when it comes to dimensions - and the amazing view from the top! Anthony the owner has done a brilliant job of restoring it.
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "The rocking horse also has a toy factory and wildlife park below it - plenty of entertainment!"
Accommodation: Saville Park Suites Adelaide.
28 September 2004: The BIG Lobster - Kingston, SA
Highlights: "Larry" the Lobster's bright, bold and orange shell, and some unexpected history - Larry's been there 18 years!
BIG comment of the day: Tim comments: "Bummer - we're 3 days too early for lobster season!"
Accommodation: Saville Park Suites Adelaide.
29 September 2004: The BIG Galah - Kimba, SA
Highlights: The BIG Galah stands tall and is true to its form. It was built by locals and is owned by locals!
BIG comment of the day: Kristy and Tim comment: "Simone and Kim from Kimba were only too happy to rave about the BIG Galah!"
Accommodation: Saville Park Suites Adelaide.
30 September 2004: The BIG DNA (staircase) - Perth, WA
Highlights: The view - once you get to the top of the staircase you have a breathtaking view of the Swan River and the city of Perth!
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "This is the most exercise we've had yet!"
Accommodation: Goodearth Hotel Perth.
1 October 2004: The BIG Black Marron - Walpole, WA
Highlights: The Marron's shiny black exterior and excellent location among the wineries!
BIG comment of the day: Tim comments: "A whole black marron will set you back $50 - pricey, but apparently well worth it!"
Accommodation: Tree Top Walk Motel and Restaurant.
2 October 2004: The BIG Ram - Wagin, WA
Highlights: The Ram is very realistic - he is 9 times the actual size of a normal ram in every dimension!
BIG comment of the day: Kristy comments: "Folklore has is that when the Ram was being built, a truckload of ewes came past and all baaed in the BIG Ram's direction!"
Accommodation: Tree Top Walk Motel and Restaurant.
The Wot's Big winners are Kristy Templeton from Sydney and Tim Hartigan from Tamworth! |
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Big Aussie IconsHover your mouse pointer over each circle on the map to see the Big Aussie Icons the winners will visit. |
