Whenever you find yourself wandering around Australia, you’ll probably bump into one of those huge weirdos known as “The Big ……”. These giant creations are like a wild mix of funky art and local vibes, and they totally catch the eye of both travelers and locals. I’ve been skillfully avoiding this particular beast hanging out nearby for what feels like ages, coming up with smart excuses to skip it on my trips. But finally, with a pocket full of time and a dash of curiosity pushing us on, we decided to give in and dive right in! As we got closer, the massive size seriously blew us away, and every quirky bit seemed to have its own fun story, inviting us to check it out more and soak up the playful charm that makes Australia’s roadside attractions so one-of-a-kind.
Yep, you guessed it—a giant cod! This delightful fish, which some might call the “Hulk” of the ocean, can bulk up to several hundred pounds—impressive enough to make a weightlifting champion jealous! Often found lounging in the river depths like a water skier on vacation, it swims around in search of tasty snacks, probably dreaming of not being the catch of the day. With its robust body and audacious size, it’s no wonder this fish has become the unofficial mascot for anglers and river enthusiasts, who often joke that a good catch could rival a small boat!
I always thought SWMBO was a catch fit for a trophy shelf, admired not just for her dazzling looks but also for her smarts and razor-sharp wit that could make even the dullest fish chuckle, but hold on—looks like the Giant Cod has decided the tasty morsel too much bait and is spitting her back out!
No wait, who’s the real gem in this circus? It looks like SWMBO is, strutting her clever charm and undeniable charisma, all while expertly taming the “monstrosity” that has everyone scratching their heads in confusion. This unlikely pair puts on a show that’s nothing short of delightful, as her sparkling personality hilariously juggles the chaos brought on by her wonderfully bizarre sidekick! But who is the real monstrosity that she has tamed? Guru? Hmmmmm!
On a more serious note, the Acadia native Fish Hatchery is well worth a look. It has a very informative interpretive display, picnic grounds, and a fishing dam (current fishing licence required, and normal catch limits apply).
Once in great numbers the Murray cod is now listed as a vulnerable species.
I really liked the “Spirit of the Murray Cod” interpretive display.
As I said well worth a visit.