Giant Koala

The Giant Koala's story began in 1988 when Mrs. Beryl Cowling, the enterprising owner of Koala Country Kitchen and Koala Country Motor Inn, commissioned sculptor Ben van Zetten to create a landmark attraction that would draw travelers off the Western Highway. Construction took place throughout 1988, with van Zetten meticulously crafting the sculpture using a specialized bronze-fibreglass mixture over a robust steel frame. The rough, hairy exterior was carefully designed to mimic the texture of real koala fur, demonstrating van Zetten's attention to detail and artistic skill. Completed in 1989, the Giant Koala arrived at the tail end of Australia's 'big things' construction boom, which had seen dozens of oversized sculptures erected across the country from the 1960s through the 1980s. The 14-meter tall, 8-meter wide, 12-tonne structure quickly became an iconic landmark on the Melbourne-Adelaide route, serving travelers as both a rest stop and photo opportunity. In late 2009, following the devastating Black Saturday bushfires, there were discussions about renaming the Giant Koala in memory of Sam the Koala, a bushfire survivor who became internationally famous after being photographed drinking water from a firefighter's bottle. The proposed renaming aimed to raise awareness of Australia's declining koala population and the threats they face from habitat loss and climate change. While the associated Koala Country complex closed its doors in August 2023, the Giant Koala itself remains standing as a beloved roadside icon and testament to Australia's quirky big things culture.

More Fun Facts

• •The Giant Koala weighs 12 tonnes and stands 14 meters tall with an 8-meter width
• •It was built in 1989 at the end of Australia's 'big things' construction boom era
• •Sculptor Ben van Zetten used a special bronze-fibreglass mixture to create the koala's realistic fur texture
• •Plans were announced in 2009 to rename it 'Sam the Koala' after the famous bushfire survivor
• •The steel frame ensures the structure can withstand decades of exposure to the elements
• •Located 27 km northwest of Stawell, it marks the gateway to the spectacular Grampians region
• •The Giant Koala has been photographed by millions of travelers on the Melbourne-Adelaide route
• •While the on-site shop closed in 2023, the koala sculpture remains accessible and well-maintained

Visiting Tips

• 💡The Giant Koala is accessible 24/7, making it perfect for early morning or sunset photography
• 💡Bring your camera - the koala's realistic fur texture and impressive size make for fantastic photos
• 💡Take photos from different angles to capture the koala's 14-meter height and 8-meter width
• 💡While the on-site shop closed in August 2023, there's still parking available for quick stops
• 💡Use the Giant Koala as a starting point for exploring the beautiful Grampians National Park, just a short drive away
• 💡The Western Highway can be busy - take care when parking and crossing to view the koala
• 💡Consider visiting nearby Stawell (27 km southeast) for dining, fuel, and accommodation options
• 💡Combine your visit with stops at other Grampians attractions like MacKenzie Falls and The Balconies