Big milestone for Bowen’s ‘Big Mango’
One of Australia’s ‘big things’ has turned 21! Let's celebrate an iconic Aussie selfie hotspot that helps attract 80000 visitors a year to the region
The Big Mango celebrated turning 21 on Thursday, May 25, 2023. It’s estimated that 1.5 million people have taken their photo at this iconic 10-meter tourist attraction at the top of The Whitsundays, making it one of Australia’s most popular ‘Big Things’. Aussie ‘Big Things’ are all drawcards for small agricultural towns like Bowen and play an important role in regional recovery.
Located just five kilometres south of Bowen on the Bruce Highway, The Big Mango weighs a whopping five tonnes, it’s made of fibreglass and was built in May 2002. Today the structure continues to attract an estimated 80000 people a year with more than half of those calling into the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next door.
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Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the Big Mango represents something truly special for Bowen locals.
“While it’s an object in reality, this icon is now an internationally-renowned symbol of our town and our region. We’re a proud coastal town of many farming families who value the opportunity to share our pride with as many visitors as possible – and the Big Mango plays a huge role in attracting these visitors from all over the world.
“As a roadside tourist attraction, the Big Mango is an incredible asset to Bowen.
“We believe it’s the world’s largest mango structure and it’s so great to see the entire community getting involved in celebrating this milestone. We’ve been running an online photo competition and we have other birthday activities planned to mark the milestone,” added Ms Abernethy.
With a population of about 11,000 and known as ‘the food bowl’ of The Whitsundays, Bowen supplies 10 percent of the entire Australian mango crop.
The Big Mango symbolises the Kensington Pride variety of mango, which is also known as the ‘Bowen Special’ and is lush in colour. Bowen is the birthplace of the Kensington Pride in Australia, after being introduced from India in 1871.
Some argue that the Big Mango was built upside down because they think it should display the way a mango sits in a tree – with the stem at the top. However, growers maintain a mango is the right way up when it is packed for sale – with the stem at the bottom.
The Big Mango was the brainchild of a local doctor at the time, Geoff Ingham, who got the project underway by establishing the Big Mango Trust to help fund and build it.
The Big Mango cost AUD $90,000 to build – almost $60,000 over budget; but 21 years later, Bowen continues to reap huge rewards from the giant icon.
Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery, said the Big Mango was named the Top Tourist Attraction in The Whitsundays Tourism Awards in 2022, and the Bowen Visitor Information Centre’s retail offering is also very popular.
“At the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next door, we sell virtually every kind of mango product you can imagine – and the tourists love this,” Ms Honnery said.
“From mango body trifle, figurines, daquiri mix and chutney, to brightly-coloured clothing featuring our mascot, Kenny, we offer fun and plenty of flavour. While mango season is brief, typically spanning October-January, we celebrate mangos all year round. We sell a delicious frozen mango sorbet, made from locally-grown fruit picked ripe in season.
“We’re actually on track to sell a record number of mango sorbets this year. We’re averaging about 385 mango sorbet sales each week, which is just incredible, especially for the local husband-and-wife couple who have been making the sorbet locally for more than 24 years.
“There’s no doubt that a couple of publicity stunts have helped to elevate the Big Mango’s popularity. One saw the Big Mango ‘split in half’ early this year and the other was during 2014 when our Big Mango made headline news across the globe when it mysteriously ‘disappeared’ overnight,” Ms Honnery added.
It was later revealed that restaurant chain, Nando’s, was responsible for ‘stealing’ the Big Mango to promote their new Mango and Lime flavoured sauce.
“We were absolutely blown away by the media attention which certainly helped to put Bowen on the map.
“We actually have two big mangos in Bowen. The second was donated by Nando’s in appreciation for the cooperation of our community. The Little Mango is six metres high and located on Santa Barbara Parade, in the middle of Bowen’s beautiful foreshore precinct,” added Ms Honnery.
The Big Mango is available 24 hours a day, every day for selfies. The area is pet-friendly and includes an off-lead dog park and ample parking for vehicles of all sizes.
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre, next to the Big Mango, is open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 3 pm on weekends. The Centre is operated by Bowen Tourism and Business – a not-for-profit organisation that works to showcase Bowen and its businesses and is supported by more than 220 members.
And Bowen?
It is beach-lovers paradise with country town hospitality, situated on a headland overlooking the Whitsunday Islands. It’s home to eight secluded beaches, world-famous lookouts, and visitors can snorkel the fringing reefs directly off the beaches of Bowen.
About an hour’s drive from the Whitsundays mainland town of Airlie Beach, Bowen is easily accessible via the Whitsunday Coast Airport with daily flights from capital cities. Bowen is also just 85 kilometres from the Pit Pony Capital of Australia, that is, the historic mining town of Collinsville, which settled over 100 years ago and boasts a rich history filled with tales of struggle, strife and mateship.
Bowen has a rich history, and visitors can explore its heritage through various historical sites. The Bowen Historical Society Museum showcases the town’s past, including artefacts and photographs. The Catalina Memorial and Catalina Park provide insights into Bowen’s significant role during World War II as a Catalina flying boat base.
Bowen has also gained popularity as a filming location for movies, including the iconic Australian film “Australia” starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Movie enthusiasts often visit the town to see the sites featured in the film and appreciate the stunning landscapes showcased on the big screen.
Bowen offers plenty of accommodation options ranging from backpackers and caravan parks to four-star absolute beachfront apartments.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for the accommodation industry in Bowen, like many other destinations, it had to navigate uncertain waters. With travel restrictions, lockdowns, and cautious travellers, it experienced both setbacks and adaptations during these challenging times.
Bowen’s accommodation industry witnessed a sharp decline in bookings as travellers postponed or canceled their plans but many operators swiftly adapted to the new reality and embraced a shift toward domestic tourism.
Australian travellers seeking local getaways and road trips have turned their attention to destinations like Bowen, driving increased demand for accommodation options within the region. Accommodation providers have focused on promoting unique local experiences such as The Big Mango to attract visitors.
Partnering with local tour operators, restaurants, and attractions many accommodations offer enticing packages that showcase the region’s natural beauty, outdoor activities, and culinary delights. By emphasizing the authenticity and charm of Bowen, accommodation providers have sought to entice travellers seeking memorable and safe experiences within their own country.
Bowen’s accommodation industry has shown resilience and adaptation, its focus has been on local experiences, and weathered the storm and is now poised as travel rebounds. With picturesque landscapes, inviting beaches, warm hospitality, and of course The Big Mango the region is positioned as a desirable destination for travellers seeking rejuvenation and exploration.
Mandy has over 17 years of accommodation and tourism industry writing experience and is Editor of AccomNews & Resort News, Publisher of SchoolNews & Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd. She is a retired registered nurse with a 25-year NHS career that followed a few unforgettable years in hotel housekeeping.
