Height
5 meters
Year Built
2015
Address
Barrier Highway, Nyngan, NSW 2825
The Lowdown
The Big Bogan in Nyngan is perhaps Australia's most self-aware Big Thing - a larger-than-life sculpture celebrating the quintessentially Australian 'bogan' character. Complete with a mullet haircut, singlet, stubbies, and thongs, this irreverent sculpture greets visitors to the Bogan Shire with a knowing wink at Australian suburban culture. Located alongside the Bogan River (from which the shire takes its name), the Big Bogan has become a pilgrimage site for Australians who appreciate a good laugh at themselves. The sculpture embraces the term 'bogan' with pride rather than shame, representing the unpretentious, working-class spirit that many Australians identify with, even if they won't admit it.
Did you know?
"The Bogan Shire is named after the Bogan River, which was named by explorer John Oxley in 1818"
History
The Big Bogan was unveiled in 2015 after the Bogan Shire Council decided to embrace their unique name rather than be embarrassed by it. The word 'bogan' has become part of Australian vernacular to describe a particular type of unpretentious, often working-class Australian, and the shire decided to celebrate this connection with humor and pride. The sculpture was funded through community donations and council support, and quickly became one of Australia's most shared Big Things on social media. The Big Bogan represents a uniquely Australian ability to laugh at ourselves.
More Fun Facts
- •The Bogan Shire is named after the Bogan River, which was named by explorer John Oxley in 1818
- •The word 'bogan' as slang for an uncouth person emerged in Melbourne in the 1980s
- •The Big Bogan's outfit includes all classic bogan accessories: mullet, singlet, stubbies, and thongs
- •Bogan Shire fully embraces its name, selling 'Proud to be a Bogan' merchandise
- •The sculpture has become one of Australia's most Instagrammed Big Things
Visiting Tips
- 💡Dress up in your best bogan attire for authentic photos with the Big Bogan
- 💡Visit the Bogan Gate Visitor Centre for bogan-themed souvenirs and merchandise
- 💡Nyngan also has a Big Emu, so you can tick off two Big Things in one stop
- 💡Share your Big Bogan photos with #BigBogan for a chance to be featured
- 💡The nearby Nyngan Museum has displays about the shire's history and the 1990 flood
Opening Hours
The Big Bogan is located in a public area and can be viewed at any time.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Golden Guitar
A 12-meter tall fibreglass guitar monument celebrating Tamworth's status as Australia's Country Music Capital, opened by Slim Dusty in 1988.
Big King Neptune
A giant King Neptune statue at Two Rocks, WA, originally from the defunct Atlantis Marine Park.
Big Potato
A 10-metre fibreglass potato built in 1977, modelled on a Sebago potato, sitting in a field in Robertson.