The Truth Behind Queensland’s Obsession with Big Things – Pineapples, Mangoes and More!
Ever driven down the Bruce Highway and been greeted by a gigantic, glaringly bright tropical fruit? Or maybe you’ve turned a corner in Bowen to be confronted by an enormous mango? If so, you’ve encountered Queensland’s peculiar, endearing, and entirely baffling fascination with ‘big things’.
From the Big Pineapple in Woombye to the Big Mango in Bowen, Queensland’s landscape is dotted with oversized emblems of local identity. But what’s the story behind these gargantuan tributes to produce and other paraphernalia? Let’s dig a little deeper into this uniquely Queensland phenomenon.
Photo by @stef_on_earth
The Big Pineapple, erected in 1971, has become a cultural icon, drawing tourists and locals alike to its 16-meter high structure. It wasn’t just a bid to boost tourism but also a nod to the region’s thriving pineapple industry. Thus, began a trend that blended marketing strategy with a celebration of local produce, industries, and heritage.
Soon, Queensland found itself in an arms race of ‘big things’, each town vying to put itself on the map with an even larger, more outlandish monument. There’s a sense of regional pride attached to these structures, a friendly competition between communities. The Big Mango, standing proudly since 2002, represents Bowen’s lush mango farming industry. The Big Gumboot in Tully (ok quite a fruit, but we’ll let it slide) is a tribute to city’s crown as the wettest city in Queensland.
To the outsider, it might seem like a strange obsession, a kitschy display of civic pride. However, underneath it all, there’s a genuine reflection of Queensland’s diversity and way of life. These ‘big things’ encapsulate Queensland’s quirks, its colourful character, its vibrant industries, and its ever-welcoming tourism ethos.
They’ve become waypoints on the map of this beautiful state, waypoints that tell a story of Queensland’s regional identities and histories. Yes, they might be oversized, a bit gaudy, and provoke a laugh or two, but that’s part of their charm. So, the next time you’re driving down a highway and a gigantic crab, captain Cook, or an enormous cowboy boot comes into view, take a moment to appreciate the story behind it. You’re witnessing a small piece of the large tapestry that makes up Queensland’s identity.
