Height
2.5 meters
Year Built
2001
Address
Matilda Highway, Augathella, QLD 4477
The Lowdown
The Big Ant in Augathella towers over the western Queensland landscape as a tribute to the tenacious bull ants that thrive in Australia's harsh outback conditions. This striking red sculpture captures the aggressive stance and powerful mandibles of the bull ant, one of Australia's most formidable insects. Located on the Matilda Highway, the Big Ant welcomes travelers venturing into the true outback and serves as a reminder of the resilient wildlife that calls this arid region home. Augathella, known as the 'Gateway to the Outback', has embraced the ant as a symbol of the determination and toughness required to thrive in this challenging environment.
Did you know?
"Unlike most ants, bull ants hunt individually rather than in colonies"
History
The Big Ant was erected in 2001 as part of Augathella's tourism development strategy. The town positions itself as the 'Gateway to the Outback' for travelers heading west on the Matilda Highway toward Longreach and beyond. The ant was chosen to represent the toughness and resilience of outback communities and their wildlife.
More Fun Facts
- •Australian bull ants can grow up to 4cm long - among the largest ants in the world
- •Bull ants have excellent vision and can track moving objects from a meter away
- •Their sting is one of the most painful of any insect
- •Bull ants are also called bulldog ants, jumper ants, or inch ants
- •Unlike most ants, bull ants hunt individually rather than in colonies
Visiting Tips
- 💡Great photo stop on the Matilda Highway
- 💡Continue west to Longreach for the Stockman's Hall of Fame
- 💡Augathella has basic services including fuel and food
- 💡Watch for real bull ants in the outback - they pack a punch!
- 💡The nearby Carnarvon Gorge is a spectacular detour
Opening Hours
The Big Ant can be viewed at any time.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Barramundi
A 6-metre long fibreglass barramundi celebrating Normanton's status as the 'Barramundi Capital of Australia'.
Big Golden Gumboot
A 7.9-metre tall golden fibreglass gumboot celebrating Tully as one of Australia's wettest towns.
Big Mango
A 10-meter tall, 7-tonne fibreglass tribute to Bowen's mango industry, famously 'stolen' by Nando's in 2014 for a viral marketing campaign.