William the Wombat
Height
Unknown
Year Built
Address
Thallon, QLD 4497
The Lowdown
William the Wombat stands proudly in Thallon, a tiny outback Queensland town that serves as the gateway to one of Australia's most significant conservation stories. This oversized wombat represents the critically endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat, one of the world's rarest mammals. Epping Forest National Park, located nearby, is the last stronghold of this species, with only around 300 individuals surviving. William welcomes visitors to a region where conservation efforts have slowly brought this remarkable marsupial back from the brink of extinction. The Big Wombat celebrates both the animal and the community that supports its survival.
Did you know?
"Epping Forest National Park is protected by predator-proof fencing"
History
The northern hairy-nosed wombat was once widespread across eastern Australia but was driven to near-extinction by habitat loss and competition from cattle. By the 1980s, fewer than 35 individuals survived at Epping Forest, their last remaining habitat. Intensive conservation efforts including predator-proof fencing and a backup population at Richard Underwood Nature Refuge have slowly increased numbers to around 300. William the Wombat celebrates this conservation success and raises awareness of the species among travellers passing through Thallon on their outback journey.
More Fun Facts
- •The northern hairy-nosed wombat is one of the world's rarest mammals
- •Only about 300 individuals survive in the wild
- •They can be distinguished by their silky fur and square nose
- •Epping Forest National Park is protected by predator-proof fencing
- •Wombats produce cube-shaped droppings to mark their territory
Visiting Tips
- 💡Epping Forest National Park is closed to protect the wombats
- 💡The Richard Underwood Nature Refuge has a backup wombat population
- 💡Thallon is a small outback town - fuel up before arriving
- 💡The Moonie Highway passes through the region
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
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