The Big Watermelon
Height
Unknown
Year Built
Address
Wantirna South, VIC 3152
The Lowdown
The Big Watermelon stands at a fruit market in Wantirna South, a suburb in Melbourne's eastern corridor. This oversized slice of summer fruit celebrates the fresh produce available at markets throughout Melbourne's suburbs. The watermelon is a symbol of Australian summers - backyard cricket, beach days, and family barbecues wouldn't be complete without a cold slice of watermelon to beat the heat. This Big Thing adds a splash of colour and fun to suburban Melbourne, reminding shoppers and passers-by of the simple pleasures of fresh fruit. The sculpture is typical of the commercial Big Things that have adorned Australian businesses since the 1960s.
Did you know?
"Watermelons are 92% water, making them perfect for hot Australian summers"
History
The Big Watermelon is part of a tradition of commercial Big Things that Australian businesses have used to attract customers since the 1960s. Fruit shops, nurseries, and roadside stalls across the country have long used oversized produce sculptures to catch the eye of passing motorists. The Wantirna South watermelon continues this tradition in suburban Melbourne, bringing a touch of Big Things culture to the city's eastern suburbs. Watermelons are a beloved Australian summer fruit, with Queensland and the Northern Territory being major growing regions.
More Fun Facts
- •Australia produces over 200,000 tonnes of watermelon annually
- •Watermelons are 92% water, making them perfect for hot Australian summers
- •The fruit is believed to have originated in Africa
- •Queensland grows the most watermelons in Australia
- •The world record watermelon weighed over 150 kilograms
Visiting Tips
- 💡Stock up on fresh produce while you're there
- 💡Knox Westfield shopping centre is nearby
- 💡The Dandenong Ranges are a short drive east
- 💡Wantirna South has good access via EastLink
Opening Hours
Best viewed during market trading hours.
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