Big Lizzie: A Pioneer of the Mallee

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.