Height
2 meters
Year Built
2000
Address
Various coastal locations
The Lowdown
The Big Abalone celebrates one of Australia's most valuable seafood exports - the abalone that has sustained coastal communities and Indigenous fishers for thousands of years. This oversized shell captures the distinctive spiral shape and iridescent interior of this prized gastropod. Australian abalone is highly sought after, particularly in Asian markets where it's considered a delicacy. The Big Abalone honors the divers who harvest these shellfish from Australia's cold southern waters and the sustainable management practices that protect this valuable resource.
Did you know?
"Australian abalone is worth over $200 million annually"
History
Aboriginal Australians have harvested abalone for thousands of years. Commercial diving developed in the 1960s, and Australian abalone became highly valued in export markets. The Big Abalone honors this fishing tradition.
More Fun Facts
- •Australian abalone is worth over $200 million annually
- •They're harvested by divers using handheld tools
- •Abalone shells have beautiful iridescent interiors
- •Strict quotas protect abalone populations
- •Wild abalone takes 5-10 years to reach harvest size
Visiting Tips
- 💡Try fresh abalone at coastal restaurants
- 💡Tasmania produces some of Australia's finest abalone
- 💡Farmed abalone is increasingly available
- 💡Don't attempt to take wild abalone - regulations are strict
- 💡Abalone shells were traditionally used as Aboriginal tools
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
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