Now the Fun Begins: Big Things Road Trip Officially Kicks Off
🐏 The Big Merino — Goulburn’s Giant Woolly Legend
Meet Rambo, the Big Merino — a 15‑metre‑tall concrete sheep who looks like he’s seen some things. He’s proudly perched by the highway, staring into the distance like he’s contemplating the meaning of wool.
Fun Roadie Facts:
You can actually go inside the Big Merino.
The top level gives you a view straight out through his eyes — yes, you can literally see the world through a sheep’s perspective.
There’s a gift shop full of woolly goodies because of course there is.
It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s exactly the kind of thing that makes a Big Things road trip worth doing.
On my way out of Lakes Entrance, I somehow managed to stumble across a pair of hitchhikers — classic road‑trip energy. Only problem? I had one spare seat. After a quick chat, they decided to split up, and I ended up giving one of them a lift all the way to Eden, NSW.
Honestly, it was kind of nice having someone to chat to for a couple of hours. Road trips can get a bit “me, myself, and the playlist I’ve already heard three times,” so the company was a bonus. And yes — I made it out alive and happily continued on my solo travels, still very much in one piece.
A little adventure within the adventure.
🐖 The Big Pig — Robertson’s Chunky Superstar (Formerly The Big Potato!)
Next stop: Robertson, home to one of the greatest glow‑ups in Big Things history. What was once The Big Potato — a giant brown lump that looked suspiciously like… well… exactly what you’re imagining — has now been transformed into The Big Pig.
The makeover wasn’t random either. It was done in celebration of the anniversary of the movie Babe, which was filmed right here in Robertson. So now, instead of a giant spud, you’re greeted by a big, happy pink pig paying tribute to one of Australia’s most beloved film stars.
Fun Roadie Bits:
- The Big Pig is bright, bold, and impossible to miss.
- The Babe connection gives it a surprisingly wholesome backstory.
- It’s the perfect “pull over and laugh” moment on your Big Things quest.
- Bonus points if you whisper “That’ll do, pig” before snapping your photo.
Two Big Things down, and the road trip chaos is officially underway.
🌊 Overnight in Wollongong — Coastal Vibes & Good Food
After a day of giant animals and highway cruising, Wollongong is the perfect place to crash for the night. It’s got that relaxed beach‑town energy but with enough going on to keep things interesting.
Quick Wollongong Highlights:
- Sea Cliff Bridge — one of the most iconic coastal drives in NSW.
- Wollongong Lighthouse — great for sunset photos.
- Beaches for days — North Gong, City Beach, take your pick.
- A solid food scene — from burgers to beachside cafés.
It’s the kind of stop that resets your brain and gets you excited for the next day’s adventures.
🚗 Day 4 — Sea Cliffs, Sanity Preservation & Some Seriously Big Things
Day 4 kicks off with one of the most iconic drives in NSW: rolling out of Wollongong and cruising across the Sea Cliff Bridge. It’s one of those stretches of road that makes you want to slow down, blast your favourite song, and pretend you’re in a car commercial. Ocean on one side, cliffs on the other — pure magic.
From there, I continued north and made the executive decision to bypass Sydney for the sake of my own sanity. Nothing kills a road‑trip vibe faster than six lanes of chaos and a GPS having an existential crisis. So, Sydney got a polite wave as I skirted around it and kept the good energy going.
🐦 The Big Kookaburra — Kurri Kurri’s Laughing Giant
First Big Thing of the day: The Big Kookaburra in Kurri Kurri. This enormous bird looks like it’s mid‑laugh, and honestly, same. It’s cheerful, it’s quirky, and it’s a perfect reminder that Australia really commits to its oversized roadside art.
Fun Roadie Bits:
- It’s 4.5 metres tall — basically a feathered bouncer.
- Kurri Kurri is known for its murals, so the whole town feels like an outdoor gallery.
- The kookaburra’s grin is contagious.
🥾 The Big Ugg Boots — Thornton’s Cosy Giants
Next up: The Big Ugg Boots in Thornton. Two massive sheepskin boots standing proudly outside the Mortels factory like they’re waiting for a giant to come pick them up.
But the best part? It’s not just a photo stop. There’s a café and shop right on site.
Fun Roadie Bits:
They’re 13 times the size of a regular Ugg boot.
You can tour the factory and learn how the real ones are made.
They’re surprisingly photogenic — who knew giant footwear could be so charming?
Two Big Things down, and the road trip chaos is officially underway.
🌿 Overnight in Taree — A Calm End to a Big Day
Quick Taree Highlights:
- Manning River views
- Good food and easy vibes
- A great base for exploring the mid‑north coast
A big day of Big Things, and the road trip energy is only getting better.