Height
4 meters
Year Built
1988
Address
Stuart Highway, Darwin, NT 0800
The Lowdown
The Big Buffalo in Darwin pays tribute to the water buffalo that have roamed Australia's Top End since they were introduced in the 1820s. This powerful sculpture captures the massive form and curved horns of a water buffalo, representing creatures that have become an integral (if controversial) part of the Northern Territory landscape. Water buffalo were originally brought to northern settlements as working animals, but escaped herds multiplied into hundreds of thousands, becoming both a pest and a resource. Today, buffalo safaris, buffalo meat, and buffalo hunting are significant parts of Territory culture and tourism. The Big Buffalo invites visitors to explore the wild frontier history of Australia's Top End.
Did you know?
"At peak population, over 350,000 buffalo roamed the Top End"
History
The Big Buffalo was erected in 1988 to celebrate the unique role of water buffalo in Top End history. Buffalo were introduced to northern settlements from Timor in the 1820s. When the settlements were abandoned, the buffalo thrived, eventually numbering over 350,000. In the 1980s, a massive culling program reduced numbers due to concerns about disease and environmental damage, but buffalo remain part of Territory culture.
More Fun Facts
- •Water buffalo can weigh up to 1,200kg - larger than Australian cattle
- •At peak population, over 350,000 buffalo roamed the Top End
- •Buffalo hide was once a major Territory export
- •The movie 'Crocodile Dundee' featured a famous water buffalo scene
- •Wild buffalo are now carefully managed but still number in the tens of thousands
Visiting Tips
- 💡Join a buffalo safari to see wild buffalo in their habitat
- 💡Buffalo meat is available at Territory restaurants - try it!
- 💡Visit the Territory Wildlife Park to see buffalo up close
- 💡Kakadu National Park has both wild buffalo and crocs
- 💡Drive carefully in the Top End - buffalo on roads are dangerous
Opening Hours
The Big Buffalo can be viewed at any time.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Stubby
An oversized replica of the legendary NT Draught 2.27-litre stubby bottle, accompanied by a pink panther with its own beer.
The Anmatjere Man
A 17-meter tall Aboriginal stockman statue at Aileron, NT, one of Australia's most striking roadside sculptures.
The Big Abalone
A giant abalone shell at coastal fishing communities celebrating this prized seafood.