Height
3 meters
Year Built
1990
Address
Pacific Highway, Hexham, NSW 2322
The Lowdown
The Big Mosquito at Hexham celebrates (or perhaps warns about) one of Australia's most persistent annoyances - the mosquito. This cheeky sculpture depicts an enormous mozzie, complete with proboscis ready to bite, acknowledging the Hunter region's reputation for particularly aggressive mosquitoes bred in the swamps and wetlands around the river. The Big Mosquito has a sense of humor about Australia's love-hate relationship with these bloodsucking insects that can make summer evenings outdoors challenging. While no one actually celebrates mosquitoes, this quirky Big Thing has become a landmark that makes travelers smile (or check they've packed repellent) as they pass through the Hunter Valley.
Did you know?
"The Hunter Valley wetlands are prime mozzie breeding habitat"
History
The Big Mosquito was erected around 1990 as a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of Hexham's reputation for particularly aggressive mosquitoes. The Hunter River wetlands and swamps provide ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, and the region's mozzies have become somewhat legendary. Rather than complain, locals decided to celebrate their tiny tormentors with a Big Thing.
More Fun Facts
- •Only female mosquitoes bite - they need the protein for egg production
- •Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and certain smells
- •Australia has over 300 mosquito species
- •The Hunter Valley wetlands are prime mozzie breeding habitat
- •Mosquitoes have been around for about 210 million years
Visiting Tips
- 💡Pack mosquito repellent if you're exploring the Hunter Valley
- 💡The Hunter Valley wineries are just up the road
- 💡Hexham Swamp is a significant wetland for birdwatching
- 💡Great stopover point between Sydney and points north
- 💡Take a photo pretending to be bitten!
Opening Hours
The Big Mosquito can be viewed at any time.
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