Height
4 meters
Year Built
2007
Address
Olympic Highway, Young, NSW 2594
The Lowdown
The Big Cherry in Young stands as a luscious tribute to Australia's cherry capital, where over 60% of the nation's cherries are grown. This delightful sculpture features a pair of glossy red cherries on their stems, capturing the beauty of the fruit that has made Young famous since the 1800s. The town's cherry orchards paint the landscape pink and white during blossom season, then laden branches with sweet, juicy fruit through summer. Each December, the National Cherry Festival celebrates the harvest with cherry spitting contests, pie-eating competitions, and festivities that draw tens of thousands of visitors. The Big Cherry invites travelers to discover this delicious corner of the NSW Southern Tablelands.
Did you know?
"The world cherry pit spitting record is over 28 meters"
History
The Big Cherry was erected in 2007 to strengthen Young's identity as Australia's Cherry Capital. Chinese gold miners planted the first cherry trees in the 1860s, and the industry grew to dominate the local economy. Today, Young hosts the National Cherry Festival each December, continuing a tradition that began in 1949. The Big Cherry stands as a year-round reminder of this sweet agricultural heritage.
More Fun Facts
- •Young produces over 60% of Australia's cherries
- •Chinese gold miners planted Young's first cherry trees in the 1860s
- •The National Cherry Festival has been running since 1949
- •Cherry trees need 'chill hours' in winter - Young's climate is perfect
- •The world cherry pit spitting record is over 28 meters
Visiting Tips
- 💡Visit in December for the National Cherry Festival
- 💡Several orchards offer pick-your-own cherry experiences
- 💡Try cherry ice cream, cherry wine, and cherry everything
- 💡Young also has excellent cool-climate wineries nearby
- 💡Book accommodation early for festival time
Opening Hours
The Big Cherry 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 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.
Big Orange
Australia's largest big fruit at 15 metres tall and 12 metres wide, a former cafe and viewing platform celebrating the Riverland's citrus industry.