Height
7 meters
Year Built
1994
Address
Kingaroy Street, Kingaroy, QLD 4610
The Lowdown
The Big Peanut in Kingaroy stands as a proud 7-meter tall tribute to Australia's peanut industry, which has been centered in this South Burnett region for over 70 years. Kingaroy produces approximately 90% of Australia's peanuts, earning it the title of Australia's Peanut Capital. The sculpture depicts an enormous peanut in its shell, celebrating the humble legume that transformed this Queensland farming community into an agricultural powerhouse. The region's red volcanic soil and subtropical climate create ideal conditions for peanut cultivation, and the industry supports thousands of local jobs from farming through to processing. The Big Peanut invites visitors to explore the peanut silos, farm tours, and local shops selling fresh roasted peanuts and peanut products.
Did you know?
"Former Queensland Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen was a Kingaroy peanut farmer"
History
The Big Peanut was erected in 1994 to celebrate Kingaroy's status as Australia's Peanut Capital. Peanut farming began in the South Burnett region in the 1920s, but production expanded dramatically after World War II. The Peanut Company of Australia established processing facilities in Kingaroy, and the town became synonymous with peanuts. Former Queensland Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen was a Kingaroy peanut farmer, bringing national attention to the region. Today, Kingaroy remains the heart of Australia's peanut industry, with the Big Peanut standing as a testament to this agricultural success story.
More Fun Facts
- •Kingaroy produces about 90% of all peanuts grown in Australia
- •Peanuts aren't actually nuts - they're legumes that grow underground
- •Former Queensland Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen was a Kingaroy peanut farmer
- •Australia produces around 40,000 tonnes of peanuts annually, mostly from the Kingaroy region
- •The red volcanic soil around Kingaroy is ideal for peanut cultivation
Visiting Tips
- 💡Buy fresh roasted peanuts from the Peanut Van Shop near the Big Peanut
- 💡Visit the Kingaroy Heritage Museum to learn about the region's peanut farming history
- 💡Try peanut ice cream and other peanut products at local cafes
- 💡The South Burnett Wine Trail has several cellar doors worth visiting
- 💡Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Bunya Mountains National Park
Opening Hours
The Big Peanut can be viewed at any time. Adjacent shops have regular business hours.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Barramundi
A 6-metre long fibreglass barramundi celebrating Normanton's status as the 'Barramundi Capital of Australia'.
Big Golden Gumboot
A 7.9-metre tall golden fibreglass gumboot celebrating Tully as one of Australia's wettest towns.
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.