Giant Ram (Bart)

The Giant Ram 'Bart' was born from a vision by David Chappell, TAFE co-ordinator, who proposed creating a monument to the sheep industry and a lasting reminder of Wagin as the home of the famous Wagin Woolorama. The idea captured the community's imagination, and over 30 local groups, including Lions and Rotary clubs, rallied together to raise more than $30,000 for the project. Sculptor Andrew Hickson was commissioned to bring the vision to life, spending eight months meticulously crafting the anatomically correct Merino ram at a total cost of $34,000. Modeled on a prize local ram, the sculpture was constructed using an innovative technique: an internal steel rod frame built around a solid steel box network, covered with bird netting and then fibreglass. On May 9, 1985, Bart was officially launched to great celebration, briefly holding the title of Australia's largest ram. Though surpassed in size a few months later by Goulburn's 15.2-metre concrete ram, Bart remains uniquely special to Western Australians and continues to be a major drawcard for Wagin, especially during the annual Woolorama festival. In 2025, Wagin will celebrate Bart's 40th birthday with special festivities.

More Fun Facts

• •Bart was briefly Australia's largest ram when unveiled on May 9, 1985, before being surpassed by Goulburn's ram months later
• •The sculpture is officially 'anatomically correct,' making it unique among Australia's Big Things
• •Over 30 local community groups including Lions and Rotary raised $34,000 to build Bart
• •The construction took eight months using 4 tonnes of steel and fibreglass
• •Thousands of tourists visit Bart annually, especially during the Wagin Woolorama festival
• •Bart will celebrate his 40th birthday on May 9, 2025, with special celebrations planned
• •The ram is modeled on a prize-winning local Merino ram from the region
• •Wagin is located approximately 228 kilometers southeast of Perth in the Great Southern region
• •The sculpture stands in the Wetlands Park, also known as Giant Ram Tourist Park

Visiting Tips

• 💡Visit during the Wagin Woolorama in March for the full wool industry experience and festival atmosphere
• 💡The Wetlands Park offers lovely walking trails and picnic facilities alongside the Giant Ram
• 💡Best photos are taken from the front-left angle to capture Bart's impressive size
• 💡Wagin is about 2.5 hours' drive southeast of Perth on the Albany Highway
• 💡Combine your visit with a tour of the historic Wagin townsite
• 💡The Shire Office on Arthur Road can provide maps and local information (Ph: 08 9861 1177)
• 💡Free parking is available at the Wetlands Park
• 💡Early morning or late afternoon lighting provides the best photo conditions