Height
4 meters
Year Built
1971
Address
7 Factory Street, Nambour, QLD 4560
The Lowdown
The Big Cow in Nambour has been a beloved Sunshine Coast landmark since 1971, welcoming generations of families to this iconic Queensland tourist attraction. This enormous Holstein Friesian cow sculpture stands proudly outside the Big Cow complex, which has delighted visitors with its range of dairy-themed experiences including ice cream, cheese tastings, and educational farm displays. The Sunshine Coast hinterland has a proud dairy farming heritage, and the Big Cow celebrates this agricultural tradition while providing a quintessentially Australian family day out. The distinctive black and white spotted sculpture has become one of Queensland's most photographed roadside attractions, representing the joy and simplicity of country life.
Did you know?
"Many Queenslanders have childhood memories of stopping at the Big Cow during family road trips"
History
The Big Cow opened in 1971 as part of Queensland's tourism boom, establishing itself as one of the Sunshine Coast's first major attractions. For over 50 years, it has served families passing through the hinterland with ice cream, cheese, and other dairy treats. The complex has evolved over the decades but the iconic Big Cow sculpture remains, a nostalgic reminder of simpler times and Queensland's agricultural heritage.
More Fun Facts
- •The Big Cow has been serving ice cream to Sunshine Coast visitors since 1971
- •Holstein Friesian cows produce more milk than any other dairy breed
- •The average Australian consumes about 100 litres of milk per year
- •The Sunshine Coast hinterland was once home to dozens of dairy farms
- •Many Queenslanders have childhood memories of stopping at the Big Cow during family road trips
Visiting Tips
- 💡Try the famous ice cream - it's what made this place legendary
- 💡Great photo opportunity with the classic black and white cow
- 💡Combine with a trip to the nearby Big Pineapple
- 💡The Sunshine Coast hinterland has beautiful scenic drives
- 💡Stop by on your way to or from the Glass House Mountains
Opening Hours
The Big Cow can be photographed from outside at any time. Shop hours listed above.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Barramundi
A 6-metre long fibreglass barramundi celebrating Normanton's status as the 'Barramundi Capital of Australia'.
Big Golden Gumboot
A 7.9-metre tall golden fibreglass gumboot celebrating Tully as one of Australia's wettest towns.
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.