Height
3 meters
Year Built
2005
Address
Bruce Highway, Ayr, QLD 4807
The Lowdown
The Big Pumpkin in Ayr celebrates the Burdekin region's remarkable achievement as Australia's pumpkin capital, producing a significant portion of the nation's pumpkin crop. This bright orange sculpture captures the plump, ribbed beauty of the humble pumpkin that has become a cornerstone of North Queensland's agricultural industry. The Burdekin's combination of rich alluvial soils, abundant irrigation from the Burdekin River, and tropical climate creates perfect growing conditions. The region produces pumpkins year-round, supplying markets across Australia when southern farms can't grow. The Big Pumpkin invites visitors to discover this productive farming region and learn about the journey of this versatile vegetable from paddock to plate.
Did you know?
"The Burdekin produces pumpkins year-round when southern regions can't"
History
The Big Pumpkin was erected in 2005 to celebrate the Burdekin region's status as one of Australia's most important vegetable growing areas. The region's ability to produce crops year-round, thanks to the Burdekin Dam irrigation scheme, has made it crucial to Australia's food security. Pumpkins from the Burdekin feed Australians when other growing regions are out of season.
More Fun Facts
- •The Burdekin produces pumpkins year-round when southern regions can't
- •Australians consume about 12kg of pumpkin per person per year
- •The Burdekin Dam holds over 1.8 million megalitres of water for irrigation
- •Queensland Butternut pumpkins are a popular variety grown here
- •Pumpkin flowers are edible and considered a delicacy
Visiting Tips
- 💡The Burdekin is also famous for sugarcane - watch for cane trains
- 💡Great stopover between Townsville and Cairns
- 💡Try local produce at roadside stalls
- 💡Visit the Burdekin Dam for impressive water views
- 💡The region has excellent fishing in the Burdekin River
Opening Hours
The Big Pumpkin can be viewed at any time.
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.