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2 of Australia’s Big Things just became ice cream flavours

Australia’s love affair with Big Things has taken a sweet turn.

Summer road trips and ice cream go hand in hand, so it’s little wonder Peters Ice Cream has turned to two of Australia’s most famous Big Things for inspiration.

Drumstick Road Trippers ice cream range on surfboard
Drumstick has launched a new Road Trippers range.

Drumstick, the country’s best-selling ice cream cone, has launched a new Road Trippers range that takes its cues from the Big Rocking Horse in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills and the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast.

The two new flavours – Rocky Road and Banana Caramel – are unapologetically nostalgic. The Rocky Road pays homage to the Adelaide Hills’ towering 18-metre Big Rocking Horse, with marshmallow, chocolate, diced nuts and raspberry syrup swirled through each bite. Banana Caramel channels the Big Banana with banana and toffee ice cream layered with caramel syrup and finished with blondie pieces.

A road trip snack with serious Aussie cred

The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, NSW
The Big Banana is Australia’s most famous Big Thing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Big Things are a uniquely Australian obsession. From the Big Pineapple to the Big Prawn, there are more than 75 oversized landmarks scattered across the country, each with its own story and roadside appeal. They might seem kitsch, but these quirky icons have become enduring symbols of regional pride and tourist curiosity.

The Big Banana is the most famous of them all. Since 1964, it has welcomed more than a million visitors each year, who come for its photo ops, toboggan rides and banana-themed treats. It also punches well above its weight on social media, attracting more than 300,000 shares annually.

The Big Rocking Horse in Adelaide Hills, South Australia
The Big Rocking Horse holds a Guinness World Record. (Image: Frame)

The Big Rocking Horse, built in the early 1980s, remains the largest of its kind in the world. At 18 metres tall, it has earned a Guinness World Record and has long been a favourite pit stop for road trippers exploring the Adelaide Hills. Both landmarks perfectly embody the eccentricity and nostalgia that Big Things bring to the Australian travel experience.

According to recent research by Youi, more than half of Aussies are planning a road trip in the coming months. For Drumstick brand manager Michael Dib, the Road Trippers range is a nod to the roadside pit stops that define the experience.

“From The Big Banana to The Big Rocking Horse, our two new flavours celebrate the weird, legendary and uniquely Australian landmarks we all know and love," says Drumstick brand manager Michael Dib.

“For Aussies, snacking and road trips go hand in hand, so Drumstick wanted to create bold new flavours that celebrate classic road trip memories while helping everyone make new ones this summer."

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

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Where to get them

3 people eating Drumstick Road Trippers Rocky Road ice cream
Get single-serve Rocky Road cones at petrol stations and convenience stores.

The cones land in time for summer road trips, rolling out this month. Multi-packs are available at Coles, Woolworths and independent grocers, while single-serve Rocky Road cones will also be stocked in petrol stations and convenience stores. So next time you’re road-tripping past a Big Thing, you might just have the perfect cone to match.

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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Norwegian Spirit heads back to Australia with more Sydney departures than ever before

    Katie Dundas Katie Dundas
    Norwegian Cruise Line offers adult cruisers the ideal way to travel with unrivalled choice for a ship of her size, plus the dining, excitement and spa amenities typically found on a much larger ship.

    Cruising close to home with Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL) has never been better. Norwegian Spirit® is returning for its biggest Australian season yet, and it’s ideal for adults seeking an elevated local cruising experience that packs a big punch with entertainment, personalised service and premium amenities.

    With convenient Sydney departures, these refined itineraries will equally appeal to cruise newcomers or veteran sailors. From enriching days in port leading into world-class dining at sea, here’s how Norwegian Spirit has been curated just for discerning travellers.

    About the ship

    NCL norweigian spirit in phillip island
    Explore Australia with Norwegian Spirit.

    Norwegian Spirit offers something not often seen: a smaller ship reimagined to appeal to adults. With numerous convenient Sydney departures, enjoy a boutique feel from the moment your holiday begins – from faster embarkation to plenty of open space onboard and plenty of special touches designed to make your holiday even more meaningful.

    In port, discover the delights of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. But sea days will be just as memorable. Norwegian Spirit has been tailored to suit the interests of adult cruisers, with splash pools and kids’ clubs replaced by elevated relaxation spaces.

    Get lost in a good book on a plush daybed within the adults-only Spice H2O, soak away the tension at the award-winning Mandara Spa® with Thermal Suite, or meet up with new friends for the evening’s world-class entertainment.

    Everything onboard has been crafted for calm and relaxation; an oasis at sea where entertainment, exceptional service and an array of upscale dining experiences.

    A culinary adventure at sea

    Onda by Scarpetta inside the Norwegian Spirit.
    Indulge in culinary excellence at Onda by Scarpetta.

    Onboard, enjoy unrivalled dining options with 14 dining options and nine bars and lounges. Freestyle Dining has tossed aside structured dining room meal times, so guests can walk in when it suits them, or use the NCL app to easily make a booking.

    Classic pub fare at The Local is perfect for a casual bite after returning to the ship, or plan a romantic dinner for later that evening, taking in the ocean views and golden sunset.

    International flavours delight when you try out Norwegian Spirit ’s specialty dining, including Onda by Scarpetta, Le Bistro and Cagney’s Steakhouse, each with a curated wine menu to enhance each restaurant’s signature dishes.

    All of the onboard specialty dining options have been enhanced to suit adult palettes who seek premium cuisine that incorporates the freshest local ingredients and modern design.

    New offerings

    The pool on Norwegian Spirit with stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
    Swim in a cruise pool with ever-changing Australian coastal views.

    NCL has reimagined Norwegian Spirit to offer something innovative in the crowded cruising industry: premium cruising catered to adults, but on a smaller ship that doesn’t sacrifice on entertainment.

    Both the amenities and the ship’s itineraries were carefully planned to suit adult travellers drawn to the ease of departing from Sydney. During the 2026/2027 summer season, Norwegian Spirit will return with 10 Sydney sailings – more than ever before – including five round-trip itineraries.

    Get the most from a long weekend at sea or take an immersive East Coast adventure, with a selection of four- to 14-day itineraries across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Each taking curious travellers to a new destination almost every day.

    The long weekend of a lifetime

    The Mandara spa inside the Norwegian Spirit.
    Fall into relaxation at the award-winning Mandara Spa.

    Sometimes, a few days at sea can be just what you need to reset and recharge, which is why NCL has released its first-ever four-day Tassie taster cruise departing from Sydney. It’s designed as the ideal long weekend escape for adults seeking a reset, where guests can do as much or as little as they please.

    Sea days can be spent relaxing. Perhaps an Aroma Stone Therapy massage at the award-winning Mandara Spa, or an afternoon taking in the vibrant deckside energy at Waves Pool Bar.

    In Hobart, an array of shore excursions will showcase the rugged beauty and history of the island. From oyster and wine tasting, strolls through the eclectic Salamanca Market, or spotting the iconic Tasmanian devil, make the time in port your own.

    11 days around the country

    The Norwegian Spirit with stunning views of the Sydney Opera House.
    Wake up to Australia’s iconic sights.

    Explore some of the country’s most iconic locations, enjoying the comfort of your stateroom between stops on this unique 11-day itinerary. You’ll discover the beauty of South Eastern Australia, including Kangaroo Island, each delivered right to your doorstep.

    This sailing is designed to be completely relaxing yet immersive, with overnights† in both Adelaide and Melbourne. For tennis fans, the January departure is timed to pair with a day at the popular Australian Open.

    As a longer itinerary, find a great balance of sea and port days. It’s ideal for adults seeking serious unhurried exploration and foodies looking forward to the opportunity to try out more of Norwegian Spirit ’s many dining options.

    To book, contact your travel agent, call 1300 255 200 or visit ncl.com

    †Applies to select sailings.