The Big Hat
Height
Unknown
Year Built
2017
Address
Main Street, Yeoval, NSW 2868
The Lowdown
The Big Hat stands proudly in Yeoval, a small town in the Central West of New South Wales, celebrating the region's most famous son - Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson. Born on a property near Orange in 1864, Paterson grew up in the district and went on to become Australia's most beloved bush poet, penning immortal works like 'Waltzing Matilda' and 'The Man from Snowy River'. The oversized sculpture of Paterson's signature wide-brimmed bush hat was created in 2014 and transported to its current location in Yeoval in 2017. The sculpture serves as the centrepiece of Yeoval's tribute to its literary hero, complementing the Banjo Paterson Memorial at the nearby birthplace site.
Did you know?
"His poem 'Waltzing Matilda' is considered Australia's unofficial national anthem"
History
The Big Hat was created in 2014 as part of Yeoval's ongoing celebration of its connection to Banjo Paterson, Australia's most famous bush poet. Paterson was born on 17 February 1864 at 'Narrambla' station near Orange, just 40 kilometres from Yeoval. The hat sculpture was transported to Yeoval in 2017, where it now serves as a landmark attraction for literary tourists following the Banjo Paterson Trail. The bush hat was Paterson's signature accessory, perfectly representing the rural Australian identity that pervades his poetry.
More Fun Facts
- •Banjo Paterson was born near Yeoval in 1864
- •His poem 'Waltzing Matilda' is considered Australia's unofficial national anthem
- •Paterson's face appears on the Australian $10 note
- •The Big Hat was made in 2014 but only moved to Yeoval in 2017
- •Yeoval hosts an annual Banjo Paterson Festival celebrating the poet
Visiting Tips
- 💡Visit the nearby Banjo Paterson Birthplace Memorial
- 💡Yeoval is part of the Banjo Paterson Trail through the Central West
- 💡The town has charming heritage buildings worth exploring
- 💡Combine with visits to Orange and Dubbo for a regional getaway
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
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