Giant Koala - Dadswells Bridge, Victoria

Pat C.

The souvenirs shop inside the Giant Koala was closed when I passed by it after 4pm during my road trip from Adelaide to Melbourne in Easter holiday.

The Giant Koala situated at Dadswell Bridge between Stawell and Horsham, and it is one of Australia’s iconic “Big things”.

If they are open when you are driving along the Western Highway, you may take a break and stop for a snack or meal at the restaurant next to the Koala, or buy souvenirs and gifts inside the Koala.

The Koala looked a bit weird and I just wanted to ask the designer why the Koala looked quite unhappy and for what reason the designer put some hairs inside the Koala's ears?😳

The Koala sculpture was erected in 1988, 37 years ago, so I am unsure if the designer can still answer my queries.

David W.

Oh dear, it is looking rather tired and run down, souvenir shop is rather tired and full of irrelevant items. Went to the food shop and had about the worst coffee and hot chocolates we have ever had. The wood fire was nice to stand by though. Needs a massive update. Lady in food shop was nice though, feel sorry for her.

Igor S.

Nice stop on the way between Melbourne and Adelaide. There is a beautiful shop with souvenirs and a lovely variety of snacks.

Tyrone H.

Really only worth a stop if you need to stretch or want to take a photo with the family. Not a lot going on here, toilets next door in the cafe are for paying customers, which is fair. The lady behind the counter was very friendly.

The gift shop within the Koala was very cold and empty. Male attendant could’ve been more welcoming, nothing really worth picking up, unless you like to collect the off fridge magnet for your travels.

The road in often carries trucks and traffic can get busy, be cautious when entering and exiting the complex.

sarah M.

It’s something big to stop at to take a photo at with the family, but that’s about it.
Bought 3 ice blocks $15. My daughter didn’t eat hers she said it tasted like it was really old. The shop under the koala is pretty bare with a heap of junk to buy, reasonably priced though, but all pretty average quality. Still bought something to support them, but could be so much better if the stock was good or they uncluttered.
I’ll still visit again, but it’s not a destination, it’s a place to take a photo, stretch legs, and keep going.

Timothy W.

There I was, just hanging around, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the gentle caress of the breeze, when I first laid eyes on it—the Giant Koala. At first, it was just a shadow looming on the horizon, an immense figure that seemed out of place in the otherwise peaceful surroundings. But as I drifted closer, carried by the wind, I began to make out its features, each one more terrifying than the last.

The eyes were the first thing to catch my attention. Dark, bottomless pools that seemed to draw in everything around them, pulling the very light from the air. They stared with a kind of cold, unfeeling intensity that made my edges curl in fear. I could sense the life force in me quivering, shrinking away from those unblinking orbs, desperate to avoid their notice.

As I floated nearer, the next feature to strike fear into me was the nose, large and foreboding, sitting right in the middle of that massive face. It seemed to inhale the very essence of the world, as if it could sense every scent, every movement. I felt exposed, vulnerable, as though the very breath of this creature could find me, even in the highest reaches of the forest. My tiny, fragile being trembled at the thought of being discovered by such a powerful presence.

Then, there were the ears—round, tufted sentinels perched atop its head. They listened intently, catching every sound, every whisper that passed through the trees. The rustling of my kindred spirits around me felt suddenly dangerous, as if these ears could pick up even the slightest movement. My thin body stiffened, trying desperately to remain still, unseen, and unheard.

But it was the mouth that truly filled me with dread. A silent line that hinted at untold destruction, capable of crushing anything in its path. I imagined the sheer power of that mouth, devouring everything in its reach, leaving nothing behind. My very essence recoiled, knowing that if I ever came too close, I would be gone in an instant, with no trace left behind.

Despite all this, I couldn’t help but feel a strange admiration for the Giant Koala. It was a force of nature, an unstoppable giant that ruled the land with silent authority. The closer I came, the more I realized that this creature was unlike anything I had ever encountered, a true titan in a world of fragile things.

And so, with my last bit of resolve, I knew I had to give it the highest praise, not out of respect, but out of fear for what might happen if I didn’t. Five stars for the Giant Koala, for it deserves nothing less from those who encounter it. After all, what else could I, a humble eucalyptus leaf, do when faced with such an overwhelming presence? My place is to praise, to admire from afar, and to hope that I remain unnoticed by the colossus that towers above.

Mark M.

Closed Monday when I gave it 4 stars, but have to edit today, Wednesday. Went back Tuesday for lunch. Ordered a hot-dog with works. My fist dog in Australia, and the worst tube of "meat" ever. I would have ordered a pie, but none were available, but even if a mag-pie, it would be better than that hot-dog. Did I mention the hot-dog was terrible? I highly recommend Giant Koala for a memorable experience. Seriously. I'll never forget that hot-dog or the barnyard next to the outdoor dining. Two stars because it's been a day since, and I survived my "morning constitutional." Oh, donations are accepted in receptacles at front and back of gift shop: money best spent for the memory alone.

Sharnie D.

I love it so much! The koala is really awesome, it was shut earlier than expected though, but luckily the souvenirs are available in the restaurant as well. They’re very nice souvenirs at a great price. The food was delicious and the staff were nice.