The Big Koala stands 14m high, weighs 12t and is located just out of Dadswells Bridge, on the Western Highway around 260km NW of Melbourne.

Completed in late 1988 as an attraction to draw tourists to the Koala Kountry Motor Inn and adjoining roadhouse it has become a local icon.

Constructed by Ben van Zetten, the body was made on-site using fiberglass wrapped around a huge steel structure while the head was built separately and attached later using a crane.

There was a viewing platform in the giant head but it was never used as it did not have a fire exit therefor did not meet the fire standards.

Today it houses a small tourist shop and is worth stopping to get your picture in front of the famous Giant Koala.

GPS Ref. -36.615126, 142.605748