Height
4 meters
Year Built
2000
Address
419 Hinterland Way, Knockrow, NSW 2479
The Lowdown
The Big Macadamia in Knockrow celebrates Australia's gift to the world of gourmet nuts - the macadamia. This massive sculpture captures the smooth, round perfection of the macadamia nut, which originated in the rainforests of Queensland and NSW before being cultivated commercially and spreading across the globe. The Big Macadamia sits at Macadamia Castle, an attraction that combines nut farming education with a wildlife park. The macadamia is the only Australian native plant to become a significant food crop, now grown commercially in Hawaii, South Africa, and beyond, though the Northern Rivers region of NSW remains one of the world's premier growing areas.
Did you know?
"Macadamia shells are one of the hardest organic materials"
History
The Big Macadamia was erected around 2000 as part of Macadamia Castle, which combines macadamia farming heritage with wildlife tourism. Macadamias are native to the rainforests of the Northern Rivers and Southeast Queensland, first cultivated commercially in the 1880s. Hawaii actually developed the commercial macadamia industry using Australian nuts, but today Australia is once again the world's largest producer.
More Fun Facts
- •Macadamias are the only Australian native plant to become a major food crop
- •The nut was named after Scottish-Australian scientist John Macadam in 1857
- •Australia is now the world's largest macadamia producer (40% of global supply)
- •Macadamia shells are one of the hardest organic materials
- •The nuts are toxic to dogs - keep your pets away!
Visiting Tips
- 💡Stock up on macadamia products - oils, nuts, cookies, and more
- 💡The wildlife park has koalas, parrots, and other Australian animals
- 💡Combine with a visit to Byron Bay for the ultimate Northern Rivers day
- 💡Try fresh macadamia ice cream at the cafe
- 💡The hinterland road to Bangalow is scenic and worth exploring
Opening Hours
Macadamia Castle hours listed. External photo of Big Macadamia possible outside hours.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Golden Guitar
A 12-meter tall fibreglass guitar monument celebrating Tamworth's status as Australia's Country Music Capital, opened by Slim Dusty in 1988.
Big Mango
A 10-meter tall, 7-tonne fibreglass tribute to Bowen's mango industry, famously 'stolen' by Nando's in 2014 for a viral marketing campaign.
Big Orange
Australia's largest big fruit at 15 metres tall and 12 metres wide, a former cafe and viewing platform celebrating the Riverland's citrus industry.