Big Mango

The Big Mango's journey began with Dr. Geoff Ingham, a local doctor who recognized the need for a landmark to celebrate Bowen's status as one of Australia's premier mango-growing regions. In the early 2000s, Dr. Ingham established the Big Mango Trust to raise funds and coordinate construction of the monument. The project ultimately cost $90,000, nearly $60,000 over the original budget, but the community rallied behind it. On May 25, 2002, the Big Mango was officially erected at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, modeled after the delicious Kensington Pride variety of mangoes that put Bowen on the map. The Big Mango's most famous chapter occurred in February 2014 when residents woke to find their beloved mango had vanished overnight. The 'theft' made international headlines, with theories ranging from hooligans to rival towns. It was later revealed that restaurant chain Nando's had orchestrated the stunt to promote their new mango-and-lime sauce. The publicity worked spectacularly, and in appreciation for the community's good humor, Nando's returned the Big Mango and donated a 6-meter 'Little Mango' now displayed on Santa Barbara Parade along Bowen's foreshore. Today, the Big Mango continues to draw crowds, earning recognition as the Top Tourist Attraction in The Whitsundays Tourism Awards (2022) and Queensland's 'Best Big Thing' via public vote (2025).

More Fun Facts

• •The Big Mango famously 'disappeared' in February 2014 in a Nando's marketing stunt that made international headlines
• •It weighs 7 tonnes and is modeled after the Kensington Pride variety of mango
• •The project cost $90,000 to build - nearly $60,000 over budget
• •Approximately 80,000 people visit the Big Mango each year, with over half stopping at the Visitor Information Centre
• •Voted 'Best Big Thing' in Queensland in 2025 by public vote as part of the Premier's Awards on Queensland Day
• •Nando's donated a 6-meter 'Little Mango' to Bowen after the 2014 publicity stunt
• •Named Top Tourist Attraction in The Whitsundays Tourism Awards in 2022
• •Bowen produces approximately 40% of Australia's winter mangoes

Visiting Tips

• 💡Visit during mango season (September-March) to buy fresh local Kensington Pride mangoes from nearby farms and roadside stalls
• 💡Stop at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango for maps, brochures, and local recommendations
• 💡Look for the 'Little Mango' (6 meters tall) on Santa Barbara Parade along Bowen's beautiful foreshore
• 💡Take photos from different angles - the Big Mango looks amazing against blue tropical skies
• 💡The location offers sweeping views of the Whitsunday coast - bring your camera
• 💡Combine your visit with a trip to Bowen's beaches, which are known for pristine sand and turquoise waters
• 💡Check out the nearby Bowen farmers markets for fresh local produce including mangoes, tomatoes, and more
• 💡The Big Mango is perfectly positioned on the Bruce Highway for a quick photo stop during long road trips between Cairns and Brisbane