About
Pelican Pete watches majestically over the Noosa River from Gympie Terrace in Noosaville--a beloved Queensland roadside attraction standing 3 metres tall! Built originally in 1977 from papier-mache for a festival float, this charming pelican sculpture was engineered with animated features including a rotating head, blinking eyes, opening bill, and flapping wings. After careful restoration with fibreglass in 2007, Pete continues to welcome river lovers and road trip enthusiasts to Noosaville. The Big Pelican has become an iconic symbol of Queensland's coastal beauty and the thriving bird life around Noosa's famous river system. Families and tourists photographing this beloved Big Thing create lasting memories on their Sunshine Coast adventures. Pete's waterfront location makes it an essential stop for those exploring Noosaville's charming restaurants, galleries, and riverside precincts. The Big Pelican represents the perfect blend of quirky Australian tourism and genuine natural habitat appreciation.
Fun Fact
Australian pelicans have the longest beaks of any bird species--up to 50cm long! They can hold up to 13 litres of water in their throat pouch, the largest capacity of any water bird. Hundreds of wild pelicans gather daily in Noosa for fish feeding, creating spectacular natural wildlife viewing.
Location
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