Australia Post is set to pay tribute to some of the nation’s most famous tourist destinations, from Queensland’s iconic Big Pineapple to New South Wales’ renowned Big Banana, with a special limited-edition “Big Things” coin collection.
This $1 coin series, a testament to the country’s fascination with oversised sculptures, will be available for purchase both online and in Australia Post stores starting Monday, as part of Collecting Month.
Each coin will be priced at $3, or collectors can acquire the complete set for $29, with the added thrill of a special coloured Giant Murray Cod coin included in every 10 sets. Additionally, these unique coins will also serve as a change at select Australia Post outlets.
Kayla Le Cornu, Australia Post’s general manager of retail products, highlighted the enduring appeal of Australia’s quirky “Big Things,” noting that up to 90 percent of the population has visited these beloved landmarks.
“Our ‘Big Things’ are colourful, entertaining, and leave an indelible mark on numerous local communities across Australia,” said Ms. Cornu. “We’re commemorating some of our most iconic ‘Big Things’ with this new coin collection, in collaboration with the Royal Australian Mint.”
The coin collection features the following iconic tourist attractions:
- The Big Pineapple (Sunshine Coast, QLD)
- The Big Banana (Coffs Harbour, NSW)
- Giant Koala (Dadswells Bridge, Victoria)
- Big Tasmanian devil (Mole Creek, Tasmania)
- Big Blue Heeler (Muswellbrook, NSW)
- Big Jumping Croc (Wak Wak, NT)
- The Big Lobster (Kingston, SA)
- Giant Ram (Wagin, WA)
- Giant Murray cod (Swan Hill, Victoria)
- Big Swoop (Canberra, ACT)
An accompanying stamp collection will also be available, featuring images of the Big Tasmanian devil, Giant Murray Cod, Big Swoop, Big Jumping Crocodile, and the Giant Koala, with prices starting from $1.20.
Australia Post had previously sought public input on potential “Big Things” additions, which included ideas like a giant black swan in Perth, a monumental gold nugget in Ballarat, and a colossal AFL footy or massive coffee cup in Melbourne.
In a related development, the Royal Australian Mint recently launched a special commemorative $5 coin featuring the country’s world heritage sites, encompassing Queensland’s lush rainforests and “ancient Aboriginal settlements.”
