Dadswell Bridge, Victoria: What is the Giant Koala?

The Giant Koala in Dadswell Bridge, between Stawell and Horsham in the Grampians region of Victoria, is one of Australia’s roadside Big Things. This big koala is, frankly, not one of the best. The Giant Koala acts as a tourist complex and gift shop.

The wildlife-packed Grampians region of Victoria has plenty to recommend it. You can spot kangaroos in Halls Gap, take in the view from fab scenic lookouts and indulge in some seriously good Grampians food and wine.

But while the Grampians is becoming an increasingly hip short break from Melbourne, it is not all swathed in cool.

Giant Koala on the Western Highway near Dadswell Bridge, Victoria — The Giant Koala in Dadswell Bridge, Victoria, isn’t exactly the highlight of the Grampians region. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

If you want distinctly uncool, then try the Giant Koala. No, it’s not a Drop Bear… This 14 metre high big koala sculpture made of bronze and fibreglass can be found on the Western Highway between the Victorian towns of Stawell and Horsham. The Giant Koala is just outside the settlement of Dadswell Bridge, and you’ll pass through on the inland drive from Melbourne to Adelaide.

The Giant Koala Tourist Complex in Dadswell Bridge

This is one of Australia’s Big Things, like the Big Galah in Kimba or the Big Ned Kelly in Glenrowan. It is not, to be honest, one of Australia’s better Big Things, either.

The Giant Koala was completed in 1989 by sculptor Ben Van Zetten. It weighs 12 tonnes, and lures tourists into a grandly-named “Tourist Complex”. Make no mistake, this is to all intents and purposes a classic Australian roadhouse. There’s a gift shop selling all manner of tourist tat, plus a café selling sandwiches and ice cream.

Wildlife at Giant Koala, Dadswell Bridge

Outside is what is branded as a “native and farm animal zoo”. This is essentially a ragtag bunch of creatures in pens. Still, if you’d really like to hand-feed a wallaby, you can give it a go.

Otherwise, file the Giant Koala under somewhere to stop for a drink and a toilet break on the way through to somewhere else.