Pacific Highway Big Things Road Trip
Sydney to Brisbane via Australia's most iconic roadside attractions
The 900-kilometre Pacific Highway between Sydney and Brisbane passes through some of Australia's most famous Big Things territory. This classic road trip combines stunning coastal scenery with oversized photo opportunities at every turn.
Sydney to Newcastle (160km)
Start your journey heading north from Sydney. While the motorway section lacks Big Things, you're building anticipation for what's ahead. Consider a detour to the Central Coast where Ploddy the Dinosaur (1963) at the Australian Reptile Park claims to be one of Australia's earliest Big Things. Continue through Newcastle and prepare for the giants ahead.
Newcastle to Coffs Harbour (390km)
This stretch delivers the goods. Stop at Taree for the Big Oyster, built by the Mokany brothers who also created the Big Merino. The Manning River region offers beautiful scenery before you reach the star attraction: the Big Banana at Coffs Harbour. Australia's most famous Big Thing offers not just photo opportunities but a full fun park experience. Nearby, you can spot the Big Bunch of Bananas and explore Coffs Harbour's beautiful beaches.
Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay (240km)
Continue north through Grafton and detour to see the Big Axe at Kempsey, celebrating the region's timber industry. As you approach Ballina, the Big Prawn awaits—a 9-metre crustacean built by the Mokany brothers in 1989. The prawn was controversially relocated from its original position but remains a beloved photo stop. From here, it's a short drive to Byron Bay and its famous lighthouse.
Byron Bay to Brisbane (170km)
Cross into Queensland and the Big Things continue. The Big Macadamia Nut celebrates the Northern Rivers' nut industry. As you approach Brisbane, consider detours to the Sunshine Coast for the Big Pineapple at Woombye—a 16-metre heritage-listed icon with a viewing platform at the top. The Big Pelican at Noosa (known locally as Percy) has been a fixture since 1977. End your journey in Brisbane, having ticked off at least a dozen Big Things.
The Bottom Line
The Pacific Highway Big Things road trip is the perfect introduction to Australia's oversized attractions. Allow at least 3-4 days to do it justice, with overnight stops in Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay. Remember: half the fun is the unexpected discoveries along the way—you never know when another Big Thing might appear around the next bend.