Height
4 meters
Year Built
1997
Address
Murray Street, Tocumwal, NSW 2714
The Lowdown
The Big Murray Cod in Tocumwal celebrates Australia's largest freshwater fish - the legendary Murray cod that has sustained communities along the Murray River for thousands of years. This impressive sculpture captures the distinctive mottled coloring and powerful form of the Murray cod, a fish that can grow to over 100kg and live for decades. The Murray cod has deep cultural significance to Indigenous Australians and was once so abundant that early settlers reported being able to walk across rivers on their backs. Though overfishing and habitat changes reduced numbers dramatically, conservation efforts have helped populations recover, and catch-and-release fishing keeps the tradition alive. Tocumwal's position on the Murray makes it an ideal place to celebrate this iconic Australian species.
Did you know?
"Murray cod can grow to over 100kg and 1.8 meters long"
History
The Big Murray Cod was erected in 1997 to celebrate Tocumwal's fishing heritage and attract anglers to the region. Murray cod were so abundant before European settlement that Indigenous Australians relied on them as a food source for thousands of years. Overfishing in the 20th century decimated populations, but strict regulations and catch-and-release practices have helped numbers recover.
More Fun Facts
- •Murray cod can grow to over 100kg and 1.8 meters long
- •They can live for over 50 years
- •Murray cod are ambush predators that eat fish, crustaceans, and even ducks
- •The largest Murray cod recorded weighed 113.5kg
- •They are protected with strict size and bag limits
Visiting Tips
- 💡Tocumwal has excellent Murray cod fishing - get a license!
- 💡Most Murray cod must be released - check current regulations
- 💡The Murray River beaches are excellent for swimming
- 💡Tocumwal's historic wooden bridges are worth photographing
- 💡Great base for exploring the Murray Valley wineries
Opening Hours
The Big Murray Cod can be viewed at any time.
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