From The Big Camel to The Big Cicada, Northern Territory reveals its’ next big tourist attraction

The NT – famous for its monster crocodiles – could soon be known for cicadas and camels if a new tourism pitch gets the nod.

Travel company Wotif is taking applications for Australia’s next ‘Big Thing’ to join the ranks of the Big Banana and Big Lobster.

The nationwide search will gift an Australian town with a tourist attraction that is sure to stop those passing by, in celebration of the companies 18th birthday

Tourism Northern Territory has unveiled its’ six pitches for the competition – but the infamous crocodile won’t get its moment in the spotlight.

Travel company Wotif are taking applications for Australia’s next ‘Big Thing’ to join the ranks of the Big Banana and Big Lobster

Tourism Northern Territory has unveiled their six pitches for the competition in image mock ups

Tourism Northern Territory has unveiled their six pitches for the competition in image mock ups

The proposal includes a giant Jabiru statue for Kakadu, ‘The Big Camel’ for Alice Springs, ‘The Big Cicada’ for Katherine, the ‘Big Barra’ for Darwin and ‘The Big Didge’ for Arnhem Land and ‘The Big Gold Nugget’ for Tennant Creek. 

Tourism NT deputy chief executive Andrew Hopper said one of the Northern Territories regional towns was deserving of Wotif’s Next Big Thing, NT News reported. 

‘We’re fortunate to have one of the world’s largest monoliths — which is more than just a big red rock, it’s a place of cultural importance to Aboriginal people and a significant tourist attraction in Australia’s spiritual heart,’ he said.

‘We also have an impressive collection of big attractions scattered the length and breadth of the Territory.

Mr Hopper said it would make perfect sense to add a ‘Big Thing’ to the territories growing collection.     

The proposal includes a giant Jabiru statue for Kakadu, 'The Big Camel' for Alice Springs, 'The Big Cicada' for Katherine, the 'Big Barra' for Darwin and 'The Big Didge' for Arnhem Land and 'The Big Gold Nugget' for Tennant Creek

The proposal includes a giant Jabiru statue for Kakadu, ‘The Big Camel’ for Alice Springs, ‘The Big Cicada’ for Katherine, the ‘Big Barra’ for Darwin and ‘The Big Didge’ for Arnhem Land and ‘The Big Gold Nugget’ for Tennant Creek

Tourism NT deputy chief executive Andrew Hopper said one of the Northern Territories regional towns was deserving of Wotif's Next Big Thing

Tourism NT deputy chief executive Andrew Hopper said one of the Northern Territories regional towns was deserving of Wotif’s Next Big Thing

‘And we’ve got some big ideas — everything from Big Camels to Big Gold Nuggets — that we’ll be throwing into the mix to make sure the Territory is front and centre come voting time,’ he said.

NT Tourism has mocked up its’ proposals as Mr Hopper said the campaign was the chance for a bit of fun. 

Wotif launched the campaign at the beginning of September and is calling for Australians to nominate the nation’s next big tourist attraction.

The travel company has shared some of the ideas they’ve received so far on social media.

Wotif launched the campaign at the beginning of September and is calling for Australians to nominate the nation’s next big tourist attraction

The travel company has shared some of the ideas they've received so far on social media including include a goon sack (pictured), the eggplant emoji and a toilet

The travel company has shared some of the ideas they’ve received so far on social media including include a goon sack (pictured), the eggplant emoji and a toilet

All entries will be judged by a panel within Wotif, with a shortlist of finalists announced on September 25

Some of the creative ideas include a goon sack, the eggplant emoji and a toilet.     

Wotif believes a new Big Thing is a great way to boost tourism and give back to the people and places that helped build their success. 

All entries will be judged by a panel within Wotif, with a shortlist of finalists announced on September 25.

The public will then have two weeks to vote on their favourite, and by midday on October 9, Australia’s Next Big Thing will be decided.

Wotif is hoping for the project to be completed and unveiled by the end of 2018.

Australia’s big things

BIG LOBSTER, KINGSTON SE, SA

The fibreglass and steel structure was erected in 1979 

THE BIG NED KELLY, GLENROWAN, VIC

The six metre statue commemorates the place that lead to the capture of Ned Kelly  

THE BIG MERINO, GOULBURN, NSW 

Built in 1985, the ram stands testament to our wool history

PLODDY THE DINOSAUR, SOMERSBY, NSW

Commissioned in 1963 by Australian Reptile Park, it is likely Australia’s oldest big thing.

THE BIG BANANA, COFFS HARBOUR, NSW

The infamous yellow creation was completed in 1964

THE BIG PINEAPPLE, WOOMBYE, QLD

Australia is home to a couple of big pineapples but this 16-metre heritage-listed attraction is the most famous

SOURCE: Australian Geographic 

 

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