About
The Big Goanna cracks a toothy smile on Coober Pedy's main street, a quirky reptile roadside sculpture that celebrates life in Australia's opal capital. This outback character hangs out near the Big Opal Beetle, adding a splash of desert humour and whimsy to Coober Pedy's iconic landscape. Located approximately 5-6 metres in height, this fibreglass creation is a beloved photo stop for visitors exploring the underground opal-mining town. Coober Pedy's unique blend of geotourism and quirky roadside attractions makes it a destination where Big Things perfectly complement the existing landscape. The Big Goanna represents the resourceful, creative spirit of outback Australians who have built a thriving tourism industry around the world's premier opal deposits. Whether you're hunting for opals underground or exploring the surface attractions, this South Australian Big Thing is a memorable addition to any cross-country road trip through the Flinders Ranges and beyond.
Fun Fact
Goannas can sprint across the ground on their hind legs at speeds up to 40 km/h! The largest goanna species, the perentie, grows to an impressive 2.5 metres long. These powerful reptiles are formidable predators that sometimes climb trees to escape threats--or to survey the outback landscape.
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