Move over Big Pineapple and Big Banana – Brisbane has just added a brand-new contender to Australia’s line-up of quirky landmarks: The Big Hose.
Stretching an impressive 119 metres, this oversized garden hose has wriggled its way onto the riverfront outside the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) at South Bank. But this isn’t just a sculpture to look at – it’s an artist-designed playground that invites kids (and kids at heart) to climb, crawl and create their own adventures.
The Big Hose – a new play sculpture at QAGOMA, Brisbane
The Big Hose is the work of two celebrated contemporary Australian artists: Tony Albert, a Brisbane-based Girramay, Yidinyji and Kuku Yalanji man, and Sydney artist Nell. Together, they’ve transformed an everyday backyard staple into a playful, larger-than-life experience that families will love.
“It’s fun, it’s interactive, and it’s also a chance to share stories,” Albert said. “Many children might not have heard of Kuril, the native water rat, which is part of the sculpture’s design. Kuril has lived on this part of the Brisbane River for thousands of years, so the artwork is about play as much as it is about connecting to place.”
That “place” is Kurilpa Point, a traditional meeting and trading ground for the Turrbal and Yaggera peoples. With its prime location on the banks of the Brisbane River (Maiwar), the sculpture offers not just a fun outing, but also a reminder of the deep Indigenous history woven into the city’s landscape.
Spot the animals at the Big Hose at QAGOMA, Brisbane
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Aussie icon without joining the ranks of our beloved “big things.” From Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana to Nambour’s Big Pineapple, The Big Hose is set to become a must-stop photo op for locals and visitors alike – only this one doubles as an adventure zone for kids to scramble through.
Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Director Chris Saines says The Big Hose will quickly become a family favourite: “It’s bold, it’s joyful, and it’s made to be played with. We’re thrilled to add this new kind of ‘big thing’ to Brisbane’s cultural landscape.”
So next time you’re heading to South Bank, pack the kids, grab an ice-cream and go check out The Big Hose. Whether you’re climbing through its twists and turns, learning about the Kuril, or just snapping a selfie with Australia’s latest oversized wonder, it’s a splash of fun that’s hard to miss.
The Big Hose is now open outside GOMA at Stanley Place, South Brisbane.
A new happy place for kids in Brisbane
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