Big Barramundi

The Big Barramundi was created in 1995 by Billy Miller, a keen angler and local businessman who recognized the marketing potential of celebrating Normanton's exceptional barramundi fishing. As the owner of a motel and caravan park, Miller understood that travelers exploring the remote Gulf Savannah region needed landmarks and reasons to stop in small outback towns. The fibreglass sculpture was designed to capture the sleek, powerful form of the barramundi - a fish that holds almost mythical status among Australian anglers. Normanton's position on the Norman River gives it access to some of Australia's best barramundi fishing grounds, with the species growing to impressive sizes in the tropical waters. The sculpture serves as a permanent advertisement for the town's fishing opportunities and has successfully drawn countless visitors over nearly three decades. While the town is also famous for the Big Crocodile (a statue commemorating Krys, an 8.64-metre saltwater crocodile shot in 1957), the Big Barramundi specifically celebrates the sporting and economic importance of recreational fishing to the Gulf community. The sculpture represents the entrepreneurial spirit of outback Queensland and remains a beloved photo opportunity for travelers on the Savannah Way.

More Fun Facts

• •Normanton is officially known as the 'Barramundi Capital of Australia' due to its exceptional fishing
• •The town has two Big Things - the Big Barramundi and the Big Crocodile (Krys)
• •Normanton is the second-oldest town in the Gulf of Carpentaria region
• •The Norman River is famous for producing trophy-sized barramundi, with fish over 1 metre long caught regularly
• •Barramundi can live for over 20 years and grow to more than 1.5 metres in length
• •The sculpture was built by Billy Miller to promote his motel and caravan park business
• •Normanton was once a major port town and the terminus of the Normanton-Croydon railway
• •The town's most famous crocodile, Krys, measured 8.64 metres and was shot in the Norman River in 1957

Visiting Tips

• 💡Visit during the dry season (April-October) when roads are passable and weather is more pleasant
• 💡If you're an angler, bring your fishing gear - Normanton offers world-class barramundi fishing
• 💡Book fishing charters in advance through local operators who know the best Norman River spots
• 💡The historic Normanton railway station and Gulflander train are nearby attractions worth visiting
• 💡Stock up on supplies in Normanton - it's a remote location with limited services
• 💡Check road conditions before traveling, especially during or after the wet season
• 💡The Purple Pub (Albion Hotel) is a famous local landmark worth seeing while in town
• 💡Combine your visit with the Big Crocodile (Krys) to see both of Normanton's Big Things