Big Bulls facts for kids
The Big Bulls are seven large statues of bulls found in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. Rockhampton is known as the "Beef Capital of Australia," and these statues help show off that title. They are also considered part of Australia's big things, which are large roadside attractions across the country. There were only two bull statues at first, but more were added over time, making a total of seven. Five of these impressive bulls were made by a sculptor named Hugh Anderson.
Most people in Rockhampton really like the bull statues and want them to stay where they are.
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Where to Find the Big Bulls
The first six bull statues are placed near main roads and highways. They look very real and show different types of cattle raised in the area. The seventh bull is a special art piece displayed at the Rockhampton Art Gallery. Here's where you can find them:
Brahman Bull (Welcome Bull)
This Brahman bull is at the Yeppen roundabout. This is where the Bruce Highway and Capricorn Highway meet. It stands on a base that says "Welcome to Rockhampton" and "Farewell from Rockhampton." 23°24′52″S 150°29′51″E / 23.414329°S 150.497414°E
Santa Gertrudis Bull
You can find the Santa Gertrudis bull at Frank Forde Park. It's on the northern side of the Bruce Highway (also called Gladstone Road) and Upper Dawson Road in Allenstown. A plaque nearby thanks 53 donors who helped pay for it. It was opened by Mayor Jim Webber on September 18, 1985. 23°24′27″S 150°30′02″E / 23.407593°S 150.500426°E
Romagnola Bull
The Romagnola bull is at O'Shanesy Park. This park is on the north-eastern side of the Bruce Highway (Gladstone Road) and Jellicoe Street in Allenstown. A plaque says the Romagnola Breeders' Society Ltd. gave this statue to Rockhampton. It celebrates the World Romagnola Congress and was unveiled on April 13, 1997. 23°24′28″S 150°30′04″E / 23.407657°S 150.501140°E
Braford Bull
Look for the Braford bull in the middle of the Bruce Highway (Gladstone Road). It's just north of Stanley Street in Allenstown. A plaque calls Rockhampton "The Beef City." This statue was paid for by 29 donors and dedicated on November 16, 1978. 23°23′21″S 150°30′25″E / 23.3892867°S 150.5068485°E
Droughtmaster Bull
The Droughtmaster bull is on a roundabout on Hunter Street. It's right in front of the Rockhampton Airport in West Rockhampton. A plaque explains that this statue celebrates the Droughtmaster, which is Australia's own beef cattle breed. It was unveiled on April 19, 1994. 23°22′44″S 150°28′47″E / 23.378917°S 150.479607°E
'Under the Hammer' Art Bull
This special bull statue, called 'Under the Hammer,' is an art piece. You can see it at the Rockhampton Art Gallery. The gallery is at 62 Victoria Parade in Rockhampton City, right by the Fitzroy River. 23°22′21″S 150°30′33″E / 23.372636°S 150.509126°E
Brahman Bull (North)
Another Brahman bull is in the middle of the Bruce Highway (Yaamba Road). It's on the border of Park Avenue and Norman Gardens. This statue was also paid for by 40 donors and dedicated on November 16, 1978. 23°20′35″S 150°31′14″E / 23.343126°S 150.520673°E
Other Bull Statues in Rockhampton
Besides the seven main Big Bulls, you can find other bull statues around Rockhampton:
- Stockman's Corner: A white bull stands above the awning of this clothing store at 9 Gladstone Road, Allenstown.
- 'Lease-A-Bull': A Braford bull sits on top of a building awning at 184 Musgrave Street, Berserker.
- Korte's Resort: Three beige bulls stand together at the entrance to this motel at 984 Yaamba Road, Parkhurst.
Gallery
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Brahman bull, Yeppen roundabout. Welcome to Rockhampton.
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Brahman bull, Yeppen roundabout. Farewell from Rockhampton.
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Santa Gertrudis bull, Frank Forde Park
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Romagnola bull, O'Shanesy Park
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Braford bull, Allenstown
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Droughtmaster bull, Rockhampton airport
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Brahman bull, north Rockhampton
