Shepparton’s Giant Pear: Australia’s Next Big Thing?

 

Shepparton, a vibrant regional city in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, is boldly stepping into the spotlight with a plan that’s as quirky as it is grand: building the world’s largest pear.

This three-storey fibreglass structure is more than just a fruit-shaped tourist trap. It symbolizes Shepparton’s deep agricultural roots and rich multicultural heritage, offering a unique interactive experience for visitors.

    “We want people to walk inside the pear and experience the story of our region – not just see it from the highway,” said Rocky Varapodio, a former fruit grower and spokesperson for the project.

The Big Pear will join other notable attractions in the region, including the Shepparton Art Museum, the Museum of Vehicle Evolution, and the recently unveiled 16-metre-long Murray cod statue located just south of the city.

According to Dr. Amy Clarke, historian and expert on Australia’s roadside monuments, Shepparton’s pear project could raise the bar for “big things” across the country.

    “If executed well, the pear’s sleek shape and scale will make it one of Australia’s most iconic roadside landmarks,” Clarke said.

She added that the country is currently undergoing a revival of oversized monuments, citing examples like Canberra’s Big Swoop (a giant magpie with a chip) and Western Australia’s giant Chamberlain tractor.

As domestic tourism continues to grow post-pandemic, destinations like Shepparton are embracing creative, place-based storytelling to attract visitors.

If the project moves forward as planned, Shepparton may very well earn the title of Australia’s capital of big things — and bring with it a new golden age for regional tourism and artistic expression.

Keywords: Shepparton attractions, Big Pear, Australia’s big things, Goulburn Valley tourism, oversized landmarks, Rocky Varapodio, fibreglass fruit, Amy Clarke, Big Swoop, regional monuments