Big Bulls
The Big Bulls are a set of seven large statues of bulls that decorate the city of Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.[1] The set is regarded as one of Australia's big things and is intended to reinforce Rockhampton's claim to being the Beef Capital of Australia.[2][3] Initially there were two bull statues but over time others were added reaching a total of seven. Five of the bulls were created by sculptor Hugh Anderson.[4][5]
The theft of the testicles from the bulls is a common prank and they frequently have to be replaced.[6] Some residents also feel that the bull statues over-emphasise one aspect of the city and should be relocated to less prominent locations. However, there is strong public support for the retention of the bulls.[7]
Locations
The first six bull statues are located near highways and major roads and were built to be realistic depictions of breeds of cattle raised in the area; the seventh was constructed as an art work for display at the Rockhampton Art Gallery.[1] The bull statues are:[1]
- Brahman bull, at the Yeppen roundabout at Fairy Bower, the junction of the Bruce Highway and Capricorn Highway (23°24′52″S 150°29′51″E / 23.414329°S 150.497414°E)
- Santa Gertrudis bull, at Frank Forde Park on the northern side of the intersection of the Bruce Highway (also known as Gladstone Road) and Upper Dawson Road in Allenstown (23°24′27″S 150°30′02″E / 23.407593°S 150.500426°E)
- Romagnola bull at O'Shanesy Park on the north-eastern side of the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Jellicoe Street in Allenstown (23°24′28″S 150°30′04″E / 23.407657°S 150.501140°E)
- Braford bull on the median strip on the Bruce Highway just north of the intersection with Stanley Street in Allenstown (23°23′21″S 150°30′25″E / 23.3892867°S 150.5068485°E)
- Droughtmaster bull on roundabout on Hunter Street in front of the Rockhampton Airport in West Rockhampton (23°22′44″S 150°28′47″E / 23.378917°S 150.479607°E)
- 'Under the Hammer' bull (art work) at the Rockhampton Art Gallery on Victoria Parade in Rockhampton City beside the Fitzroy River (23°22′21″S 150°30′33″E / 23.372636°S 150.509126°E)
- Brahman bull on the median strip of the Bruce Highway (also known as Yamba Road) on the boundary of Park Avenue and Norman Gardens (23°20′35″S 150°31′14″E / 23.343126°S 150.520673°E)
References
- 1 2 3 "Where's the Beef?". Rockhampton Art Gallery. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
- ↑ Clark, David (2004). Big Things: Australia's Amazing Roadside Attractions. Penguin Books. pp. 10–13. ISBN 0-14-300200-7.
- ↑ Robinson, Paul; Farrow-Smith, Elloise; Saunders, Miranda (17 April 2014). "An ownership row has erupted over who holds Australia's Beef Capital title". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
- ↑ Clark, Big Things, p. 10-13.
- ↑ "Where's the Beef?". Rockhampton Art Gallery. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
- ↑ Hatzakis, Maria (22 April 2010). "Oh balls: vandals target Rocky bulls". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Commission. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
- ↑ Whop, Marlina (20 November 2013). "Tourism group rears up over Rockhampton bull statues". ABC News. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.