Height
4 meters
Year Built
2000
Address
Various automotive locations
The Lowdown
The Big Spanner honors the tradies who keep Australia moving - the mechanics, fitters, and technicians who work with tools to maintain our vehicles, machinery, and infrastructure. This oversized tool represents the skilled trades that are essential to Australian life, from fixing farm equipment in the outback to maintaining city buses. Australia has a proud tradition of mechanical excellence, and the Big Spanner celebrates the workers who get their hands dirty solving problems and keeping things running.
Did you know?
"The spanner was invented in the 15th century"
History
Mechanical trades have been essential to Australia since colonization. The Big Spanner celebrates the workers who maintain the machines that power our society.
More Fun Facts
- •Australia has a shortage of skilled tradies
- •Apprenticeships remain the path to trades careers
- •The spanner was invented in the 15th century
- •Australian mechanics work on everything from utes to tractors
- •Tool shops are essential in every country town
Visiting Tips
- 💡Visit automotive museums for mechanical history
- 💡Country mechanics often have interesting stories
- 💡Respect the trades - they keep Australia working
- 💡Vintage car shows celebrate mechanical skills
- 💡Support local mechanics over big chains
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculptures accessible at all times.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Lizzie
Australia's largest traction engine at Red Cliffs, VIC, a working piece of pioneering history.
Big Ned Kelly
A 6-meter tall fibreglass statue of Australia's most famous bushranger, standing guard over the historic township where Ned Kelly made his last stand.
Giant Koala
A 14-meter tall bronze and fibreglass koala weighing 12 tonnes, marking the gateway to the Grampians region on the Western Highway.