The town of Carnamah in Western Australia has unveiled the newest Big Thing – which also happens to be the largest tractor sculpture in the world.
Australia’s Big Things are the quirky pieces of novelty architecture that originally started popping up in the 60s. But they have gone on to become a beloved fixture of an Aussie road trip. Now, the West Australian town of Carnamah, 300 kilometres north of Perth, has added a brand new addition to the Big Things catalogue – The Big Tractor.
Carnamah’s Big Tractor is Australia’s newest Big Thing. (Image: Jenny McDonald)
The monument is a scaled replica of the Chamberlain 40k tractor, a nod to the agrarian history and identity of WA’s Wheatbelt. Standing at 11.5 metres tall and 16 metres long, the steel monument lays claim to being the biggest tractor sculpture in the world.
A real Chamberlain 40k tractor parked next to the large-scale replica (Image: Jenny McDonald)
Building The Big Tractor was no easy feat, though – it took 17 months, and 60 people to complete the large-scale replica, costing a cool $750,000. With a population of just 400, the township of Carnamah hopes the Big Tractor will draw attention to the area and put them on the map.
The Big Tractor, which took over a year to construct, is the largest tractor sculpture in the world. (Image: North Midlands Project)
Where to stay
Located 27km towards the south and established in 1930, the Coorow Hotel has long been the heart and soul of Coorow. She is a distinguished building housing twelve thoughtfully decorated rooms, a sophisticated open-plan bar, private dining room and vast beer garden with children’s play area.
Elizabeth Whitehead has been a travel writer since she realised the most interesting stories are the ones about the world we live in. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her baking focaccia, birdwatching or exploring in her campervan.
