Australia loves its big things. We've got the Big Banana, the Big Pineapple, the Big Prawn, and now Mildura can proudly add something a little different to the list — the Big Sultana!
And it's not exactly small, either.
Standing more than five metres tall and weighing around 1.25 tonnes, Mildura's newest landmark has been installed at Ornamental Lakes Park to celebrate 100 years of Sunbeam Foods.
That's one seriously oversized piece of dried fruit!
Made from fibreglass with an internal steel frame, the giant sultana is designed to be a permanent tribute to one of Sunraysia's most recognisable industries.
Celebrating 100 Years of Sunbeam
The Big Sultana is more than just a quirky attraction. It's a tribute to an industry that helped shape Sunraysia and the generations of local growers, workers and families behind it.
Sunbeam's story began in Mildura in 1926, and over the past century the brand has become a familiar name in Australian households.
From those little red boxes of sultanas in school lunchboxes to dried fruit in Christmas cakes, slices and puddings, Sunbeam has been part of everyday Australian life for generations.
And much of that story starts right here in Sunraysia.
According to Sunbeam, the Big Sultana stands more than 500 times taller than the real thing. It's certainly one way of making sure a humble dried grape gets noticed!
And let's face it, it certainly beats putting up another plaque.
Another Reason for Visitors to Stop
One thing Australia's big things have proved over the years is that people love stopping for a photo with something completely out of the ordinary.
And that's where Mildura's Big Sultana could become a handy little tourist attraction.
Located in Ornamental Lakes Park, near Hugh King Drive and the Murray River, it's within easy walking distance of the riverfront precinct.
There's a playground, public toilets, walking paths and a café nearby, making it a convenient stop for families and visitors exploring Mildura.
Whether it's a traveller passing through town, a family on holiday or locals showing visiting friends around, the Big Sultana provides another excuse to stop and grab a photo.
And if it gets a few more people exploring our riverfront, that's a bonus.
Look Out Wentworth — There's a New Big Thing in Town!
Of course, our neighbours across the border might have something to say about Mildura's newest attraction.
It was only in August this year that Wentworth celebrated the return of Herbie the Big Yabby, following years away from public display.
After an extensive restoration and plenty of community effort, Herbie was officially unveiled on 16 August 2026 at Strother Park, near the Wentworth Pioneer Museum.
It was a welcome return for the giant blue crustacean, giving Wentworth another quirky attraction for locals and visitors to enjoy.
But just when Wentworth thought it had the big thing market to itself, along comes Mildura with a giant sultana!
Wentworth has a Big Yabby. Mildura has a Big Sultana.
One celebrates our river country, the other our dried fruit heritage.
We're not about to declare a winner, but you have to wonder if Herbie is feeling just a little threatened.
After all, he's only just settled back into his new home and already there's competition up the road!
Perhaps the two towns should call a truce and promote a Big Yabby and Big Sultana tourist trail.
And while we're at it, we might as well throw Big Lizzie at Red Cliffs into the mix.
Where to Find Mildura's Big Sultana
The Big Sultana is located at Ornamental Lakes Park in Mildura, near Hugh King Drive.
Visitors can park in the nearby car park and follow the walking path through the park to the attraction.
It's close to the playground, with Bobby + Me Café and Nowingi Place also nearby.
Sunbeam has provided the following handy map showing exactly where to find it.
For further information about the attraction, visit Sunbeam's official Big Sultana page .
Could Sunraysia Become Big Thing Country?
With the Big Sultana in Mildura, Herbie back in Wentworth and Big Lizzie at Red Cliffs, we're developing a rather unusual collection of local attractions.
And that's not necessarily a bad thing.
These quirky landmarks give travellers a reason to stop, take a photo and perhaps discover something else about the region while they're here.
Maybe we could even put together a Sunraysia Big Things Trail.
Who knows which town might be next? A Big Orange? A Big Almond? Perhaps a giant wine bottle?
For now, Mildura's newest attraction is ready for visitors, and Wentworth's recently returned Herbie has some friendly competition.
So, what do you reckon? Which is your favourite — Mildura's Big Sultana or Wentworth's Big Yabby?
We reckon this could spark a bit of friendly rivalry between the two towns. Let us know what you think!
