Height
3 meters
Year Built
1995
Address
Various macadamia farms
The Lowdown
The Big Macadamia celebrates Australia's gift to the world's nut lovers. Macadamias are the only commercially significant food crop native to Australia, and these giant nut sculptures honor an industry that has spread this delicious Australian original across the globe. Macadamia trees originated in the subtropical rainforests of southeast Queensland and northern NSW, where Aboriginal Australians harvested and ate the nuts for thousands of years. Today, Australia remains a major producer, and the Big Macadamia invites visitors to learn about and taste this creamy, distinctive nut that's now enjoyed worldwide.
Did you know?
"Macadamias are the only commercially significant food crop native to Australia"
History
Macadamias were domesticated from Australian rainforest trees in the 1850s. Hawaii developed commercial cultivation, but Australia now leads world production. The Big Macadamia honors this native food's journey from bush tucker to global delicacy.
More Fun Facts
- •Macadamias are the only commercially significant food crop native to Australia
- •Aboriginal Australians have eaten macadamias for thousands of years
- •Hawaii calls them 'Hawaiian nuts' though they're Australian
- •Macadamias have the hardest shell of any nut
- •Australia produces about 30% of the world's macadamias
Visiting Tips
- 💡Buy fresh macadamias and macadamia products
- 💡Try macadamia butter - a delicious spread
- 💡Many farms offer tours showing processing
- 💡Macadamia oil is excellent for cooking
- 💡The Northern Rivers region has multiple macadamia farms
Opening Hours
Hours vary by location. Most farms welcome visitors during business 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.