Height
5 meters
Year Built
2003
Address
Elderslie Street, Winton, QLD 4735
The Lowdown
The Big Swagman in Winton celebrates Australia's most iconic folk hero - the wandering bushman immortalized in 'Waltzing Matilda,' Australia's unofficial national anthem. This weathered figure with his swag and billy represents the itinerant workers who roamed the Australian bush seeking work on sheep stations, an archetype that has come to represent Australian independence, resourcefulness, and irreverence for authority. Winton proudly claims to be the birthplace of 'Waltzing Matilda,' where Banjo Paterson first performed the song in 1895. The Big Swagman invites visitors to explore the Waltzing Matilda Centre and discover the true story behind Australia's most beloved song and the colorful characters of the outback frontier.
Did you know?
"The song was once proposed as Australia's national anthem"
History
The Big Swagman was erected in 2003 as part of Winton's celebration of its Waltzing Matilda heritage. Banjo Paterson wrote and first performed 'Waltzing Matilda' in Winton in 1895, setting words to a popular tune. The song tells of a swagman who steals a sheep and drowns himself rather than be captured - a story based on events at nearby Combo Waterhole. The song became an anthem of Australian independence and identity.
More Fun Facts
- •Banjo Paterson first performed Waltzing Matilda in Winton on 6 April 1895
- •The song is based on real events at Combo Waterhole, 130km from Winton
- •'Waltzing Matilda' means carrying a swag (bedroll) while walking
- •The song was once proposed as Australia's national anthem
- •Winton's Waltzing Matilda Centre is the only museum dedicated to a single song
Visiting Tips
- 💡Visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre for the full story
- 💡Nearby Lark Quarry has the world's only dinosaur stampede footprints
- 💡Winton is also home to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum
- 💡The outback sunset from the red jump-up country is spectacular
- 💡Learn the words to Waltzing Matilda before you arrive!
Opening Hours
The Big Swagman 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 King Neptune
A giant King Neptune statue at Two Rocks, WA, originally from the defunct Atlantis Marine Park.