Big Lizzie: A Pioneer of the Mallee

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Marvel at Big Lizzie, a colossal tractor that symbolizes the pioneering spirit of Red Cliffs and the Sunraysia region. A must-see historical monument.

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Big Lizzie

Big Lizzie is a massive, historic tractor that stands as a monument to the pioneers of the Sunraysia area in Red Cliffs, Victoria. Built in 1915, this enormous machine played a vital role in clearing land for irrigation and settlement after World War I.

A brief summary to Big Lizzie

30-34 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs, Victoria, 3496, AU

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit during the first Sunday of the month to coincide with the Red Cliffs Country Market for local produce, crafts, and more.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Red Cliffs Historical Steam Railway, operating on select Sundays.
Take a short walk to the Red Cliffs Club for bistro meals and a kids' area.

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Getting There

Walking

Big Lizzie is located in Barclay Square in the heart of Red Cliffs, easily accessible on foot from most points in the town center. From the Red Cliffs Post Office on Indi Avenue, walk west along Indi Avenue until you reach Barclay Square. The walk is short and straightforward.
Public Transport

Red Cliffs is serviced by CDC Mildura bus route 100 from Mildura. The bus stops at Barclay Square, where Big Lizzie is located. A short trip from Mildura Central to Red Cliffs costs around $3 - $5. Check the CDC Mildura website for the most up-to-date timetable.
Driving

Big Lizzie is located on the corner of Calder Highway and Jamieson Avenue. Approaching Red Cliffs from either the north or south on the Calder Highway, follow the signs to the town center. Barclay Square is located directly off the Calder Highway. Parking is generally available on the street around the square. Parking is free.

Discover more about Big Lizzie

Big Lizzie, a colossal tractor in Red Cliffs, Victoria, represents a bygone era of Australian ingenuity and the grit of early settlers. Constructed in 1915 by Frank Bottrill, this 45-tonne machine was designed to replace camel trains for hauling heavy loads across the sandy terrain of inland Australia. Standing at an impressive 10 meters high, Big Lizzie boasts unique 'dreadnought' wheels designed to spread its weight over the Mallee's sandy soil. Originally intended for use in Broken Hill, Big Lizzie's journey was long and arduous, facing flooded rivers and mechanical challenges. Ultimately, it found its purpose clearing land in Red Cliffs for soldier settlement blocks following World War I. Employing a team of men and heavy cables, Big Lizzie could uproot multiple trees at once, significantly speeding up the land clearing process. After completing its work in Red Cliffs in 1924, Big Lizzie was moved to Western Victoria but was later abandoned. In 1971, it was brought back to Red Cliffs and restored as a monument to the region's pioneering past. Today, Big Lizzie and one of its trailers are on display in Barclay Square, offering visitors a tangible connection to the history and development of the Sunraysia area.