Height
4 meters
Year Built
1985
Address
Mallee Highway, Karoonda, SA 5307
The Lowdown
The Big Ram at Karoonda stands proud on the Mallee Highway, celebrating the sheep and wool industry that has been the backbone of South Australian rural communities for generations. This impressive ram sculpture captures the strength and nobility of the Merino rams that have made Australia's wool world-famous. The Mallee region, with its tough conditions and determined farmers, has contributed significantly to Australia's agricultural heritage. The Big Ram honors the graziers, shearers, and wool handlers who have worked these lands, turning fleece into fortune and building communities in some of Australia's harshest environments.
Did you know?
"South Australia produces some of Australia's finest wool"
History
The Big Ram was installed to celebrate Karoonda's agricultural heritage, particularly the sheep industry that sustained the Murray Mallee region. The tough Mallee country required hardy stock and resilient farmers to thrive.
More Fun Facts
- •Merino sheep originated in Spain but thrived in Australia
- •A good ram can sire hundreds of lambs in his lifetime
- •The Mallee gets its name from the mallee eucalyptus trees
- •South Australia produces some of Australia's finest wool
- •Shearing competitions are popular rural events
Visiting Tips
- 💡Stop at Karoonda's bakery for a pie
- 💡The Mallee Highway connects Adelaide to Melbourne via Tailem Bend
- 💡Nearby Lameroo has interesting silos and murals
- 💡The region produces excellent grain and legumes too
- 💡Murray Bridge is the nearest major town for services
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Galah
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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.