The Big Kangaroo (Rooey II)
Height
8 metres
Year Built
1987
Address
Eyre Highway, Border Village, SA 5690
The Lowdown
Standing over 8 metres tall and 12 metres long at the Border Village Roadhouse, Rooey II is one of Australia's most photographed roadside attractions. This massive kangaroo greets travellers crossing the Nullarbor Plain at the border between South Australia and Western Australia along the Eyre Highway. Built in anticipation of increased traffic for the 1987 America's Cup defence in Fremantle, the sculpture depicts a kangaroo clutching a jar of Vegemite - about as Australian as it gets. The Big Kangaroo was designed by renowned signwriter and artist Bill Metherel (known as Saltbush Bill), with the head created by local art teacher Val Samsonenko. The sculpture was painted by Saltbush Bill and local fisherman Horrie Jolly. Owners Allan Schwarz and Brian Rucioch originally wanted Matilda the Kangaroo from the 1982 Commonwealth Games, but when she was unavailable, they commissioned their own giant roo.
Did you know?
"Holds a jar of Vegemite"
History
Rooey II was built in 1987 by Allan Schwarz and Brian Rucioch, who owned the Border Village truck stop. They anticipated the 1987 America's Cup defence in Fremantle would dramatically increase Nullarbor traffic. After failing to acquire Matilda the Kangaroo (the 1982 Commonwealth Games mascot who was overseas), they commissioned a new giant kangaroo. Signwriter Bill Metherel (Saltbush Bill) drew the design, the main body was constructed in Ceduna, and the head was designed by local art teacher Val Samsonenko. A naming competition in a local newspaper produced many 'Ruey' entries, but since this was also co-owner Brian Rucioch's nickname, they chose 'Ruey II' - though Saltbush Bill misspelled it as 'Rooey II', which stuck.
More Fun Facts
- •Originally wanted Matilda from the 1982 Commonwealth Games
- •Name 'Rooey II' is a misspelling that stuck
- •Built for the 1987 America's Cup traffic
- •Over 8 metres tall and 12 metres long
- •Holds a jar of Vegemite
- •The roadhouse says 'You can't miss our big ugly kangaroo out front'
Visiting Tips
- 💡Essential stop when crossing the Nullarbor
- 💡The roadhouse offers fuel, food, and accommodation
- 💡Stock up on supplies here
- 💡The SA/WA border timezone changes by 45 minutes
- 💡Watch for real kangaroos on the road at dawn and dusk
Opening Hours
The Big Kangaroo is visible at all times. Roadhouse has standard hours.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Barramundi
A 6-metre long fibreglass barramundi celebrating Normanton's status as the 'Barramundi Capital of Australia'.
Big Cherries - Pages Flat
Giant cherry sculptures at Pages Flat, South Australia, celebrating the Adelaide Hills cherry growing region.
Big Cow
A large cow sculpture located in Highfields, Queensland, celebrating the region's dairy farming heritage.