Big Dinosaur (Ballandean)
Height
Approximately 4-5 metres
Year Built
Address
New England Highway, Ballandean, QLD 4382
The Lowdown
The Big Dinosaur in Ballandean is an impressive Triceratops sculpture that has become a beloved landmark in Queensland's Granite Belt wine region. Standing near the New England Highway in this small town south of Stanthorpe, the prehistoric creature provides a whimsical contrast to the area's more sophisticated wine tourism offerings. Ballandean is situated in one of Queensland's premier wine-producing regions, known for its cool climate wines, granite soils, and boutique wineries. The Big Dinosaur adds a playful element to the area, appealing to families and children who might otherwise find the wine country circuit less engaging. It represents the Australian tradition of roadside attractions that both celebrate and gently parody their locations.
Did you know?
"Perfect photo opportunity for families exploring wine country"
History
The Big Dinosaur was erected in Ballandean to provide an attraction for families visiting the Granite Belt region. While the area is renowned for its wineries - with over 50 cellar doors - the Triceratops offers something for younger visitors who might not be as interested in wine tasting. The sculpture has become a quirky icon of the region, appearing in countless family holiday photos and serving as a meeting point and landmark. It exemplifies the Australian approach to roadside attractions: unexpected, slightly absurd, and entirely charming.
More Fun Facts
- •Features a Triceratops, one of the most recognizable dinosaur species
- •Located in the Granite Belt, Queensland's premier cool-climate wine region
- •Ballandean is home to Queensland's oldest continuously operating vineyard
- •The region has over 50 wineries within a 45-minute drive
- •No actual dinosaur fossils have been found in the Ballandean area
- •Perfect photo opportunity for families exploring wine country
- •Ballandean is approximately 20km south of Stanthorpe
Visiting Tips
- 💡Perfect stop for families doing the Granite Belt wine trail
- 💡Combine with visits to nearby wineries and farm gates
- 💡Stanthorpe is 20km north and has accommodation and dining options
- 💡The region is known for fresh produce - strawberries, apples, stone fruit
- 💡Winter can be very cold - Ballandean occasionally sees light snow
- 💡Bring a camera - kids love posing with the dinosaur
- 💡Many wineries nearby are family-friendly with playgrounds and picnic areas
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture visible from the highway at all times
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