
The Big Peanut: Kingaroy’s giant nutty roadside icon
From the Big Banana up in Coffs Harbour to the mighty Big Lobster down in Kingston SE, Aussies have a knack for throwing up some bonkers Big Things along the roadside. One of the latest additions to our quirky collection of ‘Big Things’ is a humble nut with serious Aussie pride — the Big Peanut. Located in Kingaroy, this unusual monument has been turning heads and sparking smiles since it opened.
But did you know that Australia isn’t the only place with a Big Peanut? Peanuts have spawned monuments that are just as big all around the world, from Georgia in the US to made-up appearances on Australian TV. This article explores the origins, cultural meaning, tourism value, and global counterparts of The Big Peanut.
What is the Big Peanut?
The Big Peanut is a big sculpture by the side of the road in Kingaroy, Queensland, which is also known as the “Peanut Capital of Australia.” It is 3.4 metres tall and weighs about 450 kilogrammes. It was made from scrap metal that was found on peanut fields in the area. The sculpture was finally exhibited on April 2, 2022, after a community-driven movement called “Kingaroy Needs a Big Peanut” started in 2017.
Kane Minogue, the artist behind the strange work, used disused agricultural equipment to make a sculpture that not only represents the area but also helps tourists. It is in Lions Park and has become a favourite place for families, road-trippers, and photography enthusiasts.
What makes Kingaroy the Peanut Capital?
For a long time, Kingaroy has been known as the centre of Australia’s peanut-growing region. The area has been good for peanut production since the early 1900s because of its rich volcanic soil and perfect weather. This area grows most of Queensland’s peanuts and a large part of Australia’s total peanut crop.
The Big Peanut is more than simply a funny place to take pictures; it is also a tribute to the region’s agricultural history and economic base.
Fun facts about the Big Peanut
Here are a few fun tidbits about the Big Peanut in Kingaroy, Queensland – a true-blue tribute to the peanut capital of Oz.
- Height & Weight: 3.4 metres tall and weighs about 450 kg.
- Materials: Made from scrap metal, including some components from the local peanut farmers’ equipment.
- Artist: This quirky sculpture was crafted by Kane Minogue, a metalwork talent hailing from Grafton, NSW.
- Location: At Lions Park, Kingaroy, Queensland.
- Unveiling: Installed on November 4, 2021, unveiled on April 2, 2022.
- Community Project: This project was created by a group called ‘Kingaroy Needs A Big Peanut’ with the support of residents and businesses in the local area.
- Tourist magnet: The Big Peanut – one of Oz’s classic Big Things – even made a cheeky appearance in a 2020 episode of the much-loved Aussie kids’ show Bluey.
- Cultural Significance: The Big Peanut stands tall in Kingaroy, the true nutty heart of Australia and the proud home of the country’s biggest peanut processing plant.
Overall, the Big Peanut serves as a testament to the agricultural history and community initiatives in Kingaroy.
Other Australian ‘big things’ worth visiting
Here are some more Aussie big things to delight the tourists:
- Big Mushroom: The Big Mushroom is located in Koonoomoo, Victoria. This oversized mushroom was put up as a nod to the region’s rich farming roots.
- Big Wheelbarrow-Dimboola, Victoria: This wheelbarrow stands in respect to the farming folk of country Victoria-hardworking and generous!
- Big Windmill – Wheatbelt, WA: A nod to the region’s proud farming roots.
- Big Orange – Berri, SA: A large orange, representing the local citrus industry.
- Big Avocado – Maryborough, QLD: A quirky tribute to the region’s avocado-growing industry.
- Big Ute – Longreach, QLD: A salute to Australia’s love for Utes.
- Big Lobster – Kingston SE, SA: Affectionately known as ‘Larry the Lobster’, this iconic seaside giant is a true coastal Aussie treasure.
- Big Pencil – Coffs Harbour, NSW: A giant pencil representing the area’s pencil-making industry.
- Big Redback Spider – Whittlesea, VIC: A massive tribute to one of Australia’s most notorious creepy crawlies, the redback spider.
Final thoughts
The Big Peanut in Kingaroy might be a bit of a quirky sight, but it’s a fair dinkum nod to the area’s proud farming roots. The Big Peanut is more than a roadside photo-op; it represents the relaxed demeanour and farmer’s pride of the South Burnett region. If you are diving through the Tablelands or simply visiting the region for the opportunity to travel to Big Things around Australia, the Big Peanut provides an entertaining, nutty stop that captures the Australian spirit of ‘big, wild, and fun’ in one gigantic nut.