Height
4 meters
Year Built
1915
Address
Indi Avenue, Red Cliffs, VIC 3496
The Lowdown
Big Lizzie at Red Cliffs is not a sculpture but a genuine piece of Australian engineering history - the largest traction engine ever built in the southern hemisphere. Constructed in 1915, this 45-tonne steam-powered behemoth was designed by Frank Bottrill to haul supplies across the Mallee to soldiers' settlement blocks. Big Lizzie could pull loads up to 100 tonnes across sand and scrub where conventional vehicles couldn't venture. After years of faithful service, she was retired and now stands as a monument to Australian ingenuity and the determination of the pioneers who opened up the Mallee for farming.
Did you know?
"Built in Melbourne and driven to the Mallee"
History
Built in 1915 by Frank Bottrill, Big Lizzie was designed to haul supplies to soldiers' settlement blocks in the Mallee. She could pull loads up to 100 tonnes across terrain no other vehicle could handle.
More Fun Facts
- •Big Lizzie weighs 45 tonnes
- •She could haul 100 tonnes of cargo
- •Built in Melbourne and driven to the Mallee
- •The largest traction engine in the southern hemisphere
- •Named after Frank Bottrill's wife Elizabeth
Visiting Tips
- 💡The Red Cliffs Historical Society has more information
- 💡Mildura is nearby with more attractions
- 💡The Sunraysia region produces excellent dried fruit
- 💡Murray River activities are accessible from here
- 💡Visit the Old Mildura Homestead
Opening Hours
Outdoor display accessible at all times.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Ned Kelly
A 6-meter tall fibreglass statue of Australia's most famous bushranger, standing guard over the historic township where Ned Kelly made his last stand.
Giant Koala
A 14-meter tall bronze and fibreglass koala weighing 12 tonnes, marking the gateway to the Grampians region on the Western Highway.
The Big Anchor
A massive ship's anchor in Eden, NSW, celebrating the town's whaling and maritime heritage.