Height
4 meters (wingspan)
Year Built
1999
Address
Newell Highway, Coolamon, NSW 2701
The Lowdown
The Big Eagle in Coolamon celebrates Australia's largest bird of prey - the wedge-tailed eagle that soars majestically over the outback and farmland of the Riverina. This impressive sculpture captures the eagle in flight, with its distinctive wedge-shaped tail and incredible wingspan on full display. Wedge-tailed eagles are a common sight in rural Australia, riding thermal currents for hours while scanning the land below for food. With a wingspan of up to 2.8 meters, they are among the largest eagles in the world. The Big Eagle invites visitors to look skyward and appreciate these magnificent raptors that have hunted Australian skies for millions of years.
Did you know?
"The largest recorded nest was 2.5m wide and 3m deep"
History
The Big Eagle was erected in 1999 to celebrate the wedge-tailed eagles that are so frequently seen around Coolamon and the Riverina region. Despite decades of persecution when they were wrongly blamed for killing lambs, wedge-tailed eagles are now protected and their numbers have recovered. The sculpture honors these magnificent birds that have become symbols of the Australian outback.
More Fun Facts
- •Wedge-tailed eagles have the largest wingspan of any Australian bird - up to 2.8m
- •They can soar at altitudes over 2,000 meters
- •Eagle pairs mate for life and use the same nest for many years
- •The largest recorded nest was 2.5m wide and 3m deep
- •They can carry prey weighing up to 5kg
Visiting Tips
- 💡Look up! Real wedge-tailed eagles are often seen circling on thermals
- 💡Coolamon has an excellent agricultural museum worth visiting
- 💡The famous Coolamon Cheese Factory is nearby
- 💡Great stop on the Newell Highway between Melbourne and Brisbane
- 💡Watch for eagles especially around roadkill - they're not fussy eaters
Opening Hours
The Big Eagle 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 Potato
A 10-metre fibreglass potato built in 1977, modelled on a Sebago potato, sitting in a field in Robertson.
Big Trout
A 10-metre tall, 2.5-tonne fibreglass rainbow trout sculpture celebrating Adaminaby's fishing heritage.