‘Big Potato’ now the ‘Pig Potato’ but we think it’d look better mashed

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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That’ll do, Spud.

​In a delightful twist that’s sure to amuse both locals and visitors, Robertson’s famous ‘Big Potato’ has undergone a whimsical transformation into the ‘Pig Potato’ to mark three decades since the beloved film Babe (1995) melted hearts. This playful makeover pays homage to the town’s connection to the movie, much of which was filmed in the Southern Highlands.

The Big Potato, unfortunately known by many names including the ‘Big Turd’ (no explanation necessary), has long been a staple of Robertson’s quirky charm. Constructed in 1977 by local farmer Jim Mauger, the 10-metre-long, four-metre-wide concrete tuber was designed to celebrate the region’s rich potato farming heritage.

The landmark’s glow-up is courtesy of Corrimal artist Samuel Hall, which now features Babe, Ferdinand the duck and the three singing mice.

The Big Potato Babe transformation to The Pig Potato
The glow-up celebrates 30 years of Babe. (Image: Rachel Ware Photography)

However, this isn’t the first time the Big Potato has donned a new look. In 2010, the spud sported a Mr Potato Head face (or an attempt of one), adding a touch of humour to its already unique presence. ​

Here’s what we think The Big Potato should be next …

While the Pig Potato is hogging the spotlight now, here are five other imaginative rebrands that could add flavour to this starchy landmark that we think the town of Robertson should seriously consider.

The Big Hasselback Potato: A sophisticated twist, featuring carved ridges and a crunchy exterior. It may be a controversial opinion, but could there be a better way to roast a potato? We think not.

AI generated image of The Big Hasselback Potato
We asked AI to make an image of The Big Hasselback Potato. (Image: OpenAI/ChatGPT)

The Big Jacket Potato: Dressed to impress, this version could be topped with a serving of bacon (sorry, Babe), melted cheese, sour cream and a sprinkle of chives. Seriously, that melted cheese looks good enough to scoop off and eat!

AI generated image of The Big Loaded Jacket Potato
This AI-generated image of The Big Loaded Jacket Potato looks like a winner. (Image: OpenAI/ChatGPT)

The Big Mashed Potato: A lumpy, bumpy rendition that invites visitors to dive into comfort-food bliss.​ Admittedly, we were worried this would gain similar monikers to the previous iteration of the Big Potato, but we’re pleasantly surprised with this fluffy, cloud-like potato dream.

AI generated image of The Big Mashed Potato
An AI-generated image of The Big Mashed Potato. (Image: OpenAI/ChatGPT)

The Big Chips: Stacked high like a tower of golden hot chips, this design would surely be a hit with snack enthusiasts.​ Chippies are always a crowd pleaser after all. Just don’t alert the seagulls.

AI generated image of The Big Chips
AI chippies anyone? (Image: OpenAI/ChatGPT)

The Big Pig: Celebrating its current incarnation, this version honours the porcine star that captured hearts worldwide.​ He really is cute enough to make you turn vegetarian.

AI generated image of Babe as The Big Pig.
AI’s version of Babe as The Big Pig. (Image: OpenAI/ChatGPT)

Babeworld: Following in the hoofprints of Bluey’s World, we reckon it’s high time for a Babeworld. Imagine this: a fully immersive, multi-sensory wonderland where you can bottle-feed animatronic ducklings, take etiquette classes with Maa the sheep, or belt out harmonies with three sassy mice. Frankly, if Robertson isn’t already on this, they’re missing out on a pig deal.

Robertson’s Big Potato continues to be a source of joy and creativity, proving that even the humblest of vegetables can be a canvas for community spirit and artistic expression.

We can’t wait to see which of these very good suggestions Robertson picks up next! Which one gets your vote?

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

    You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens, and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

    All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

    1. Stockton Sand Dunes

    Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands, a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

    Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

    Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
    Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

    A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head. Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

    History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

    Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
    Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    3. Watch out for whales

    You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

    And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

    A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
    Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

    Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

    Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

    Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
    See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Diving Port Stephens

    Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

    Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

    At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

    A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
    Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

    6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

    Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

    Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

    Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
    Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

    7. Fish the estuaries

    Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

    If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

    three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
    Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

    8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

    With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

    Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

    Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

    A plate of fresh oysters.
    Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au.

    'Big Potato' now the 'Pig Potato' but we think it'd look better mashed