Big Prawn
Australia's 9m-high Big Prawn sculpture, a beloved roadside icon built in 1989 for quirky photos and a taste of local charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quiet for photos
Big Prawn
Best Time
Quiet for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Australia's 9m-high Big Prawn sculpture, a beloved roadside icon built in 1989 for quirky photos and a taste of local charm.
"The Big Prawn is a fun and quirky roadside attraction that's worth a stop if you're driving through Ballina."
📸 Classic Photo Op
Don't miss a quirky photo with the Big Prawn! It's a quintessential Aussie roadside icon.
🚗 Easy Parking at Bunnings
Plenty of free parking available in the Bunnings car park right next door.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 966 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Big Prawn Sculpture
Ballina, NSW
Australia's iconic 9m-high prawn sculpture, a must-see roadside attraction for quirky photos.
Photo Opportunities
Adjacent to Bunnings
Strike a pose with the giant crustacean! Perfect for classic 'shrimp on the barbie' jokes and family fun.
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle
Adjacent to Bunnings
Combine your prawn pic with a classic Aussie snag! A delicious and iconic pairing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Photos
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Classic Photo Op
Don't miss a quirky photo with the Big Prawn! It's a quintessential Aussie roadside icon.
🚗 Easy Parking at Bunnings
Plenty of free parking available in the Bunnings car park right next door.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Stop
A fun and quick attraction that kids will love. Great for breaking up a long drive.
🍤 Try Local Seafood
Adjacent cafe offers fresh seafood and local specialties.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Classic Photo Op
Don't miss a quirky photo with the Big Prawn! It's a quintessential Aussie roadside icon.
🚗 Easy Parking at Bunnings
Plenty of free parking available in the Bunnings car park right next door.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Stop
A fun and quick attraction that kids will love. Great for breaking up a long drive.
🍤 Try Local Seafood
Adjacent cafe offers fresh seafood and local specialties.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Big Prawn to be a fun, iconic, and worthwhile roadside attraction, especially for families. Its convenient location next to Bunnings with free parking is a major plus. While some note it's a quick stop, the novelty and photo opportunities make it a memorable part of an Australian road trip.
"We stopped by the Big Prawn in Ballina for some classic touristy photos. There’s no specific parking, but we just pulled into the Bunnings car park (no tickets required). We rode past on the weekend but it was packed, so we came back early Monday morning when it was quiet and managed to get a great spot for photos."
Tarlie Burnett
"This is definitely worth a visit if you are driving along the pacific highway/east coast.
We stopped by here during our road trip from QLD to Melbourne and took some pictures. This attraction would be great fun especially for the kids.
There is plenty of free parking available at bunnings car park."
Malay Adhikari
"The Big Prawn is one of the great Aussie roadside icons and definitely worth a quick stop if you are passing through Ballina. Since its big makeover and relocation next to Bunnings, it looks fresh, shiny and honestly pretty impressive for a giant crustacean. They really did give it the glow-up it deserved.
It is perfect for a photo, especially if you want to make the classic “shrimp on the barbie” joke that every Australian secretly expects. The size of it is wild in person, and it has become a fun little landmark for the Northern Rivers.
Super quick stop, easy parking and a great laugh with the family. The Big Prawn is simple but iconic, and I love that Australia keeps committing to these wonderfully strange giant sculptures."
Karen Drummond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Big Prawn is located in Ballina, NSW, Australia, right next to Bunnings Warehouse. It's easily accessible by car, especially if you're driving along the Pacific Highway. There's plenty of free parking available in the Bunnings car park.
Yes, the Big Prawn in Ballina is quite close to Byron Bay, making it a convenient stop if you're traveling between these popular Northern NSW destinations.
The most straightforward way to access the Big Prawn is by driving. It's a prominent roadside attraction, and the adjacent Bunnings car park provides easy access for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to see or take photos with the Big Prawn. It's a public roadside attraction, and you can access it freely.
The Big Prawn is an outdoor sculpture and is accessible 24/7. However, the adjacent Bunnings store and any cafes will have their own operating hours.
No, parking at the Big Prawn is free. You can park in the Bunnings Warehouse car park adjacent to the sculpture.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
For the best photos without crowds, aim for early mornings on weekdays. Weekends can be quite busy, so an early Monday morning visit is recommended for a quieter experience.
The main activity is taking fun and quirky photos with the giant prawn sculpture. It's a classic Australian roadside attraction perfect for a quick stop and a laugh.
Absolutely! The Big Prawn is a fantastic, quick stop for families. Kids often love the novelty of the giant sculpture, and it's a great way to break up a long road trip.
The Big Prawn is a large concrete sculpture, built in 1989 to honor the local prawning industry. It has since been refurbished and relocated.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe adjacent to the Big Prawn that serves seafood and other local specialties. You can also grab a classic sausage sizzle from Bunnings next door.
The cafe near the Big Prawn typically offers fresh seafood and other local dishes, making it a good spot to sample regional flavors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit