Image credit: Stephen Williams, Big Things in Australia
No, not that kind of thong!
It’s no secret that we love our big things here in South Australia. We’ve got oversized just about everything. There’s the Big Rocking Horse in Gumeracha, Larry the Big Lobster in Kingston, the Big Galah in Kimba the list goes on.
But, did you know that there are two big thongs in South Australia? One is located in Elliston, called the Thong Sculpture, and the other is located in Port Germein and is called The Big Thong.
The Thong Sculpture in Elliston is located along a scenic drive by the clifftop, about seven-minutes from the city centre. This thong is perched right on the edge of a clifftop drive. It’s got the ultimate photo backdrop, right next to the cliff’s edge. A stunning backdrop for any photos.
As you drive along, you can enjoy the breathtaking surrounds, which includes spectacular views of the cliffs, beaches, and the expansive blue waters.
On the way, there’s plenty of other sculptures (would you believe?), notably, you’ll see Elliston’s Easter Island head replicas.
The thong sculpture was designed by local artist Todd Romanowycz, who grew up in Elliston. He entered it into the District Council’s 2021 sculpture competition and it was a standout success.
In Port Germein, things are a bit more mysterious. The Big Thong there is a thong even larger than Elliston’s, but it’s kind of under the radar.
It sits quietly out in the bush, surrounded by thick native scrub, about a six-minute drive from the town centre.
What we do know about the Big Thong is that it’s a striking metal sculpture, set against the rugged beauty of the outback, surrounded by dense native bushland and towering trees.
The Big Thong has attracted heaps of visitors, not only for its unexpected location but also for its relatively unknown background. Visitors have noted that not many people are aware of it being there, with most finding out about it through Facebook groups and word of mouth.
So how do they compare? Elliston’s is definitely the better-known of the two, it pops up on travel blogs, in photo galleries. It’s a popular stop along the clifftop drive, but Port Germein’s feels more like a hidden gem.
If you’re passing through Port Germein, it’s well worth pulling over for a bite at one of the local favourites like the Pier Cafe, The Red Post Shop Cafe, or Fresh Fantastic perfect spots to refuel before seeing the Big Thong.
If you are heading through Elliston, you can’t go wrong with Saltwater Roadhouse or a pie from the Elliston Bakery.
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