Explore Tassie's Big Things - The Hobart / Launceston Magazine

Explore Tassie’s Big Things

by Peta Hen

With the summer holidays around the corner, many will crisscross their way around our state, either to visit family or to spend some quality time away from home. Depending on where you live and where you’re headed, you may even come across one of the Big Things Tassie has to offer.

The Big Platypus

(1 Bells Parade, Latrobe) While Big Things aren’t unique to Australia, our wildlife certainly is. Hence, the Big Platypus makes a welcome addition to Tassie’s list of must-see Big Things. The aquatic monotreme (egglaying mammal) is found in many spots across Tassie and is celebrated in true Australian form as a Big Thing in Latrobe, along the picturesque Bells Parade.

The Big Apple

(73 Mersey Main Rd, Spreyton) Starting at the top of the state is the Big Apple at Spreyton. Perched atop the Spreyton Bakery, Tassie’s Big Apple is one of nine that can be found around Australia. Spreyton, just out of Devonport, has been home to apple orchards since 1908, the town produces premium apple juice and now handcrafted apple cider. As Tassie is known as the ‘Apple Isle’, it’s only fitting that the Big Apple at Spreyton is number one on our list.

The Big Penguin

(74 Main Rd, Penguin) Arguably Tassie’s most famous ‘big thing’, the Big Penguin in the town of Penguin is a much-loved icon for the local community. First unveiled in 1975 and standing at 3.15 metres tall, the Big Penguin is a must-see if you’re travelling across the top of the state. As it’s so close to Christmas, you might even get to see it all dressed up in a red Santa suit. Penguin is located between Burnie and Ulverstone, making it a great place to stop and have a bite to eat at the many cafes just a short waddle away from the giant aquatic bird.

The Big Rock Lobster

(2 Alexander Terrace, Stanley) Continuing westward along the Bass Highway and up into Stanley, you’ll find the Big Rock Lobster hanging out on top of Hursey Seafoods. While tourists often head to Stanley to visit the town’s top tourist attraction, The Nut, Stanley is a prominent spot for Southern Rock Lobster. Fun fact: Southern Rock Lobster is often known as Tassie Crayfish or Cray, but it actually has no relation to crayfish at all.

The Big Spud

(6 Churchills Rd, Sassafras) Having made the rounds in the news recently for falling off his perch, ‘Kenny Kennebec’ or the Big Spud is the icon of the town, Sassafras in northern Tassie. This potato gem, which was sculpted by former Latrobe Deputy Mayor, Rick Rockcliff, has been sitting proud and true for over 30 years, enduring decades of wild weather, and even gunshots.

The Big Spud will hopefully be back from respite and smiling at travellers again this summer as one of Tassie’s great Big Things.

The Big Tasmanian Devil

(1892 Mole Creek Rd, Mole Creek) No Tassie icon list would be complete without Tasmania’s most famous animal. The Big Tasmanian Devil sits outside Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary at Mole Creek as a mascot for the park. While he may have no back legs, the Big Tassie Devil still makes for the perfect photo stop for visitors.

Notable mentions go out to the Big Wickets at Westbury, the Big Coffee Pot at Deloraine, the City Park Big Toadstool toilet and of course, the Big Pitchfork at the Fork in the Road in Huntingfield. Do you know of any more Tassie Big Things? Take a snap and tag us on Instagram, @thehobartmagazine, #thehobartmag.

*City Park Big Toadstool toilet @bigthing_whisperer*

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