The Big Orange

Gayndah's history as a citrus town began in 1892 when William Seeney established Queensland's first commercial citrus orchard. The town grew to become the centre of Queensland's largest citrus-growing area, producing high-quality oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes and grapefruit. In 1957, the community launched the Gayndah Orange Festival, a biennial celebration held every two years on the May long weekend. To capitalize on this heritage, Col O'Sullivan from Bradford Grove orchard conceived the idea of a giant orange to attract customers. Local craftsman Don Kenny built it from a twelve-section fibreglass mould in time for the 1977 Orange Festival. In 1983, the Big Orange was relocated to its current spot on Maryborough Road where it now serves as the town's visitor information centre. Interestingly, Gayndah has even deeper historical significance - it was the first town in Queensland to be formally gazetted in 1852, and even competed with Brisbane to become the state capital in 1859.

More Fun Facts

• •Gayndah was the first town in Queensland to be formally gazetted, in 1852
• •The town competed with Brisbane to become Queensland's capital in 1859
• •William Seeney established Queensland's first commercial citrus orchard here in 1892
• •The Big Orange was built from a 12-section mould - 6 on top, 6 on bottom
• •The Orange Festival has run continuously since 1957 (with one natural disaster exception)
• •Fresh juice is only available April to October - citrus season

Visiting Tips

• 💡The visitor information centre is inside the orange - great for local area info
• 💡Fresh juice only available April-October during citrus season
• 💡Try the Devonshire teas and local produce at the café
• 💡Check if the Orange Festival is on - it's held every two years in May
• 💡Gayndah is on Australia's Country Way touring route