'Big Pear' showdown: the juicy rivalry growing in regional Australia

Town's bold bid to be Big Things tourism capital is ruffling feathers.

An artist's impression of Shepparton's proposed Big Pear and a tourist poses with George Baldessin's pear structure. Pictures by Bruce Mactier Building Designers / bigthingsofaustralia.com

By Carla Mascarenhas

Updated July 22, 2025, first published July 21, 2025

The regional Victorian town of Shepparton has announced plans to construct the world's largest pear. But there's a problem.

The inner southern Canberra suburb of Parkes already has claimed the humble pear.

Parkes hosts a cluster of oversized pear sculptures by acclaimed artist George Baldessin.

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The iconic sculptures outside the National Gallery date back to the 1960s.

But Shepparton's rich horticulture history could give it the edge.

Nearly all of the fruit sold across the country comes from the Goulburn Valley.

The project, spearheaded by the Shepparton Big Pear Steering Group chaired by former orchardist Rocky Varapodio, will take some serious fundraising.

The group is seeking both private and public funding with the project estimated to cost $1.3 million and include an interpretive centre within the three-storey fibreglass pear structure.

If constructed, it would mark the town's second "big thing" - after a 16m sculpture of a murray cod opened on the outskirts of the town earlier this year.

Australia is already home to over 150 "Big Things", including the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and the "Big Prawn" in Ballina.

The eye-catching attractions draw attention to local businesses and promote tourism in the region.

Words byCarla Mascarenhas

Carla Mascarenhas is a journalist with Explore Travel and The Senior. She specialises in deep issues affecting Gen X and beyond, and the latest in travel news. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au