Height
2.5 meters
Year Built
2000
Address
Main Road, Port Pirie, SA 5540
The Lowdown
The Big Pigeon celebrates the dedicated community of pigeon racing enthusiasts who have practiced this sport across Australia for over a century. Racing pigeons are remarkable athletes, capable of flying hundreds of kilometers to find their way home. This oversized bird honors the breeders who raise and train these intelligent creatures, the races that test their navigation abilities, and the traditions that have been passed down through generations. The Big Pigeon stands as a tribute to one of Australia's more unusual but passionate sporting communities.
Did you know?
"Some racing pigeons are worth thousands"
History
Pigeon racing has been practiced in Australia since the 1800s. Racing pigeons can navigate hundreds of kilometers home, and the sport has passionate followers across the country.
More Fun Facts
- •Racing pigeons can fly over 1,000 km
- •They navigate using Earth's magnetic field
- •Pigeon racing dates back thousands of years
- •Australian racing pigeons are world-class
- •Some racing pigeons are worth thousands
Visiting Tips
- 💡Port Pirie has interesting industrial heritage
- 💡The Flinders Ranges are nearby
- 💡Southern right whales visit the gulf in winter
- 💡Try local seafood
- 💡The drive to Adelaide takes about 2.5 hours
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Galah
An impressive 8-metre tall pink and grey galah sculpture marking the halfway point across Australia between Sydney and Perth.
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.
Big Rocking Horse
An 18.3-meter tall steel and concrete rocking horse overlooking the Adelaide Hills, complete with internal viewing platforms and a wildlife park.