Big Potato

The Big Potato was constructed in 1977 by Jim Mauger, a local potato grower and shire councillor, who built it from local soil mixed with cement in a field he owned. Originally intended to house a museum or kiosk celebrating Robertson's potato-growing heritage, the hollow interior never fulfilled this purpose. In 2012, rising commercial rates forced Mauger to sell the land. The Tait family, parents of playwright Melanie Tait who grew up in Robertson, purchased the property to save both their adjacent supermarket business and the beloved Big Potato. The sculpture gained international recognition when it appeared in the 1995 Oscar-nominated film 'Babe', which was filmed extensively in the Robertson area. In September 2022, the Tait family sold the property, but the Big Potato remains a cherished landmark. In March 2025, it was temporarily transformed into the 'Big Babe' with artwork celebrating the film's 30th anniversary.

More Fun Facts

• •The Big Potato appears in the iconic 1995 film 'Babe', which was shot on family farms around Robertson
• •In March 2025, it was transformed into the 'Big Babe' featuring artwork of Babe the pig, Ferdinand the duck, and the three singing mice to celebrate the movie's 30th anniversary
• •The interior is hollow and spray-painted to look like mashed potato
• •Robertson sits on an elevated plateau about 35km from the coast, making it ideal for potato growing
• •It was modelled specifically on the Sebago potato variety
• •The Big Potato is one of approximately 150 'Big Things' sculptures across Australia
• •Robertson Supermarket, adjacent to the Big Potato, sells exclusive Big Potato merchandise
• •The sculpture was built with the intention of housing a museum or kiosk, but this never came to fruition

Visiting Tips

• 💡Stop at Robertson Supermarket next door to purchase Big Potato souvenirs and support the local business that helped save this landmark
• 💡The interior is accessible - step inside to see the mashed potato effect on the walls
• 💡Combine your visit with exploring other Robertson attractions like the Robertson Pie Shop and local wineries
• 💡The area is known for its lush green landscapes, perfect for photography
• 💡Robertson is about a 2-hour drive from Sydney, making it an ideal day trip
• 💡Check if any special events or temporary transformations are happening (like the Babe anniversary artwork)
• 💡The nearby town is charming and worth exploring for cafes and local produce