Big Lizzie
“What is that?”, is the most common phrase when people first view Big Lizzie as they travel through Red Cliffs township on the way to Mildura on the Calder Hwy in North Western Victoria. The huge tractor is a mixture of metal and wood and is now a historical monument to celebrate the pioneers who created the Irrigation oasis of the Sunraysia Area.
The century old Big Lizzie is historically significant as it was the primary machine responsible for clearing vast areas of the Mallee scrub across North Western Victoria. This clearing enabled the expansion of irrigation, with Sunraysia Area now one of Australia’s premium horticultural food bowls. October 2017 will mark 100 years since it rumbled into the Mildura Area, on its way to Broken Hill. A journey which would never eventuate.
Big Lizzie is effectively one of the largest tractors to be ever manufactured in Australia, it is historically significant in many ways, from its enormous size to its unique “dreadnaught wheels”, to its uniquely Australian story. A story that is founded on ingenuity, innovation and gritty determination, making this machine not only an engineering oddity but a historic treasure.
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Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Engineering Marker (EHM) |
| Award Date | 14 October 2017 |
| Heritage Significance | Big Lizzie is of technological significance as the only conserved example of the innovative
Dreadnaught wheel developed by Frank Bottrill and applied to tractors for land clearing and hauling under difficult outback conditions. While the caterpillar track would ultimately prove the most successful design for the purpose, the dreadnaught wheel proved reliable and effective for its purpose and was widely, if briefly used in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Not available |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel Image | Available here. |
