The Big Kangaroo

Bordertown•SA

Height

6 meters

Year Built

2002

Address

Dukes Highway, Bordertown, SA 5268

Free Entry

The Lowdown

The Big Kangaroo in Bordertown stands as an impressive 6-meter tall tribute to Australia's most iconic marsupial, greeting travelers as they cross the border between Victoria and South Australia along the Western Highway. This magnificent bronze-colored sculpture captures the powerful stance and distinctive features of a red kangaroo in stunning detail, from its muscular tail to its alert ears. Positioned at the Bordertown Wildlife Park, the Big Kangaroo has become an essential photo stop for road trippers making the journey between Melbourne and Adelaide. The sculpture stands alongside real kangaroos and other Australian wildlife at the park, creating a unique opportunity to compare the oversized artwork with its living counterparts.

Did you know?

"Red kangaroos are the largest living marsupials, with males reaching up to 1.8 meters tall"

History

The Big Kangaroo was constructed in 2002 as part of Bordertown's initiative to create a memorable landmark for travelers crossing between Victoria and South Australia. Bordertown, located just 8 kilometers from the state border, has long been a natural rest stop for road trippers, and the Big Kangaroo was designed to give them a reason to stay a little longer. The sculpture was positioned at the Bordertown Wildlife Park, which has been operating since the 1970s and provides homes for injured and orphaned Australian wildlife. The combination of the giant sculpture and the wildlife park has made Bordertown a must-visit destination on the Melbourne to Adelaide route.

More Fun Facts

•Red kangaroos are the largest living marsupials, with males reaching up to 1.8 meters tall
•Bordertown is also the birthplace of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke
•The Big Kangaroo is positioned near real kangaroos at the wildlife park, offering a fun size comparison
•Kangaroos can hop at speeds up to 56 km/h and cover 9 meters in a single bound
•Australia has more kangaroos than people, with an estimated population of 50 million

Visiting Tips

💡The Big Kangaroo makes an ideal rest stop when driving between Melbourne and Adelaide
💡Visit the adjacent Bordertown Wildlife Park to see real kangaroos, wombats, and native birds
💡Allow 30-60 minutes to explore the wildlife park after photographing the Big Kangaroo
💡The sculpture is particularly photogenic at sunset when the warm light hits the bronze finish
💡Stock up on snacks in Bordertown as it's one of the last major towns before Adelaide