Height
5 meters
Year Built
1985
Address
Gold Coast Highway, Coolangatta, QLD 4225
The Lowdown
The Big Beer Can in Coolangatta is a celebration of Queensland's beer culture, featuring an enormous replica of the iconic XXXX (Four X) beer can. This uniquely Australian Big Thing captures the essence of Queensland's laid-back lifestyle and the state's love of cold beer in the tropical heat. XXXX has been Queensland's beer of choice since 1878, and the Big Beer Can pays tribute to this enduring relationship. Standing at a popular tourist spot near the Queensland-New South Wales border, the sculpture has become a pilgrimage site for beer enthusiasts and a classic photo opportunity for visitors to the Gold Coast region. It represents not just a beer brand, but a way of life in the Sunshine State.
Did you know?
"Queenslanders consume more XXXX beer per capita than any other state consumes their local brew"
History
The Big Beer Can was erected in 1985 during the height of the Big Things craze in Australia. XXXX Bitter has been brewed in Queensland since 1878 at the Castlemaine Perkins Brewery in Brisbane, and the beer became synonymous with Queensland identity. The Big Beer Can was created as a tribute to Queensland's favorite brew and has been delighting visitors to the Gold Coast ever since. While the structure has changed hands over the years, it remains a beloved landmark that captures the spirit of Queensland's beer culture.
More Fun Facts
- •XXXX beer was first brewed in 1878 and is named after the strength rating system used in the 19th century
- •Queenslanders consume more XXXX beer per capita than any other state consumes their local brew
- •The four X's supposedly stand for the four things most important to Queenslanders: sun, surf, sport, and XXXX
- •XXXX is pronounced 'four-ex', not 'four-x' or 'quadruple-x'
- •The Brisbane XXXX Brewery offers tours where visitors can sample fresh beer
Visiting Tips
- 💡The Big Beer Can is a great excuse to stop at one of Coolangatta's beachside pubs
- 💡Visit the XXXX Brewery in Brisbane for the full Queensland beer experience
- 💡Coolangatta has excellent beaches - combine your Big Beer Can photo with a surf or swim
- 💡The Queensland-NSW border is nearby - stand in two states at once at Point Danger
- 💡Please enjoy responsibly if you celebrate with an actual XXXX after your photo
Opening Hours
The Big Beer Can can be viewed at any time.
More Big Things Nearby
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Big Golden Gumboot
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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.