Height
3 meters
Year Built
2005
Address
Esplanade, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655
The Lowdown
The Big Dugong celebrates Australia's gentle 'sea cows' - the marine mammals that graze on seagrass meadows along the northern coastline. Dugongs are thought to be the origin of mermaid legends, with sailors mistaking their rounded bodies for mythical creatures. Australia has the world's most significant dugong population, with tens of thousands inhabiting waters from Shark Bay to Torres Strait. The Big Dugong honors these peaceful creatures and their importance to Indigenous Australian culture, where dugong hunting has been practiced sustainably for thousands of years.
Did you know?
"Australia has the world's largest dugong population"
History
Dugongs have been important to Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. Australia has the world's largest dugong population. The Big Dugong raises awareness of these vulnerable creatures.
More Fun Facts
- •Dugongs may have inspired mermaid legends
- •They can hold their breath for up to 6 minutes
- •Australia has the world's largest dugong population
- •They eat up to 40kg of seagrass daily
- •Dugongs are related to elephants, not seals
Visiting Tips
- 💡Moreton Bay has a large dugong population
- 💡Shark Bay WA is a great place to see them
- 💡Eco tours offer dugong encounters
- 💡Don't disturb dugongs when kayaking
- 💡Support seagrass conservation efforts
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
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.