The Human race has always had a deep fascination with making things bigger and better and we seem especially fascinated in creating giant size versions of everyday objects. This obsession with size has resulted in some of the most amazing attractions being constructed all over the world. Whether it be a giant carrot or a chair that dwarfs most houses, there are some incredible structures that attract thousands of tourists every year. The following are 10 of the best giant roadside attractions that you just have to visit.
World’s Largest Axe.
If you have a passion for axes (and who doesn’t) then a trip to New Brunswick in Canada is an absolute must. The town of Nackawic is the location of the largest axe in the world, measuring an incredible 15m in height and 7m in width. The huge tool also tips the sacles at a gigantic 55 tons in weight and even has a time capsule located in the head of the axe. The giant axe was built in 1991 and is designed to emphasise the importance of the forest industry to the area. If you have a love of wood chopping, New Brunswick should be your next port of call.
World’s Largest Guitar. Australia
A trip to New South Wales in Australia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the city of Tamworth, to see The Golden Guitar, the biggest artificial guitar in the world. The giant instrument measures 12m high and an impressive 500kg in weight. The guitar was built in 1988 and was constructed from fibreglass and wood, with steel reinforcements. The guitar attracts thousands of visitors each year and is especially popular during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. It is estimated that over 3.6m photographs have been taken in front of the famous guitar since it was first constructed. A must visit for any fans of country music.
World’s Biggest Pineapple. South Africa
If you ever find yourself at a loose end in South Africa, then you could do a lot worse than visiting the world’s biggest artificial pineapple. The incredible structure stands at 16.7m high and was constructed in honour of the famous fruit that grows so well in the area. The pineapple even contains a shop and TV screens inside, where tourists can watch videos about the local pineapple trade. The top of it also houses an observation deck that looks out across the farm fields and out to the Indian Ocean in the distance.
World’s Biggest Lobster. Australia
Australia has a real passion for over-sized objects and the Big Lobster in Kingston is one of its most famous. The giant artificial crustacean, known locally as ‘Larry the Lobster,’ stands an impressive 17m tall and is made out of steel and fibreglass. The huge monument was built in 1979 and was designed to bring publicity and attention to the restaurant and visitor centre that stands outside. Larry manages to equally impress and frighten tourists on a daily basis.
World’s Largest Office Chair. Alabama
The giant office chair in Anniston, Alabama, is one of the most famous roadside attractions in the world. The chair once held the title for ‘largest chair in the world’ but now has to settle for the ‘largest office chair in the world.’ The huge monument stands 10m high and 6m wide and was constructed by Leonard Miller in 1981. Miller owned Miller’s Office Supply and designed the giant chair to bring attention to his business. It certainly had the desired effect and thousands of tourists still visit the site every year.
Australia’s Largest Sundial
Sundials may have been around for thousands of years but few can match the scale and size of the giant sundial in Singleton, Australia. The huge monument was constructed as part of the 1988 bicentennial celebrations and weighs a whopping 30 tonnes. The sundial was financed by the Lemington Coal Mine and was designed to provide a visible link between the old and the new. It stands near the Hunter River and at the entrance of one of the largest sporting areas in the New South Wales region.
World’s Largest Rocking Horse. Australia
The Big Rocking Horse in Gumeracha, South Australia, is one of the biggest and most famous roadside attractions in the world. Standing at an impressive 18m in height, the giant structure also weighs in at a huge 25 tonnes. Despite looking like it is constructed from wood, the body of the horse is actually made from steel and is set in 80 tonnes of concrete in order to prevent it moving. The Big Rocking Horse is part of a large complex that includes a wooden toy factory, wildlife park and café. An ideal family day out!
World’s Largest Oyster. Australia
The Big Oyster in Taree, New South Wales, is a popular tourist stop for many holiday makers. The unique structure started out life as a restaurant and souvenir shop but is now part of a car dealership. The ‘teeth’ of the oyster are actually large windows and allow tourists to look out across the coast and the Pacific Highway. The Big Oyster measures 12 feet in height and is over 30 feet wide. It is one of Australia’s many roadside attractions and is a regular photo opportunity for tourists and passers-by.
World’s Largest Carrot. New Zealand
If you’re ever driving through the town of Ohakune in New Zealand, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re seeing things, but there really is a giant artificial carrot at the entrance to the town. The giant vegetable is in honour of the rich, volcanic soil in the area that is ideal for growing winter crops such as carrots, potatoes and parsnips. The carrot stands at 7.5m tall and was first used in an advert for a bank before being bought by the Ohakune Growers Association and placed at the entrance of the town. If nothing else, it’s quite a unique way to welcome visitors!
World’s Biggest Violin. Canada
Australia may boast the world’s largest guitar but Canada certainly comes out on top when it comes to fiddles. The huge Ceilidh violin can be found on the water front in Sydney, Nova Scotia and was designed as a celebration of the area’s Celtic heritage and the popularity of fiddle music in Cape Breton. The huge instrument is made from steel, stands an amazing 18m in height and weighs in at an impressive 10 tons. If music is your passion, then this is one roadside attraction you just have to visit.
