The Big Emu

Nyngan•NSW

Height

4.5 meters

Year Built

1989

Address

Mitchell Highway, Nyngan, NSW 2825

Free Entry

The Lowdown

The Big Emu in Nyngan stands as a striking tribute to Australia's second-tallest bird and the outback region where these magnificent creatures roam free. Rising above the flat western plains of NSW, this sculpture captures the distinctive features of the emu - the shaggy grey-brown plumage, long neck, powerful legs, and curious expression that make these birds such fascinating creatures. Nyngan, located at the junction of the Mitchell Highway and the Barrier Highway, serves as a gateway to the true Australian outback where wild emus are a common sight. The Big Emu has become an essential photo stop for travelers heading west toward Broken Hill or north toward Bourke and the Queensland border.

Did you know?

"Emus can run at speeds up to 50 km/h, making them one of the fastest land animals in Australia"

History

The Big Emu was erected in 1989 to celebrate the wildlife of the western NSW plains and provide a memorable landmark for the town of Nyngan. The region is famous for its wild emu population, and the birds are a common sight along the highways and in the pastoral properties surrounding the town. Nyngan is also known for the devastating 1990 flood that inundated the town, and the Big Emu survived this event to continue greeting travelers. The sculpture has become symbolic of the resilience of both the town and the hardy emus that thrive in this semi-arid environment.

More Fun Facts

•Emus are the second-largest living birds in the world, after ostriches
•Male emus incubate the eggs and raise the chicks without any help from the females
•Emus can run at speeds up to 50 km/h, making them one of the fastest land animals in Australia
•Australia fought the 'Great Emu War' in 1932, deploying soldiers to cull emus damaging wheat crops - the emus won
•Emus cannot walk backwards, which is why they appear on the Australian coat of arms (symbolizing forward progress)

Visiting Tips

💡Watch for real emus along the highways - they're common in this area, especially at dawn and dusk
💡Nyngan is a good overnight stop when driving between Sydney and Broken Hill
💡Visit the Mid-State Shearing Shed for a real outback shearing experience
💡The Bogan River walk provides a pleasant stretch of the legs after a long drive
💡Fill up your fuel tank in Nyngan as distances between towns are significant out west