In 2024, Victorian Fisheries Authority embarked on an ambitious project to transform the entrance of the Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery (near Shepparton in Victoria) into a landmark destination. Their vision? A 16-metre-long giant Murray cod sculpture as a striking centrepiece, attracting attention to the visitor centre and reflecting the significance of this iconic fish species.
Natureworks Pty Ltd was honoured to be chosen to design and construct this monumental piece, now one of Australia’s newest Big Things. Blending artistry with environmental education, the giant Murray cod is a unique, memorable symbol for the fish hatchery.
Building a sculpture of this magnitude requires meticulous planning, advanced engineering and sculptural techniques, and a commitment to quality. Watch the time-lapse video above for a fast-forward view of the build process in just over two minutes!
The Murray cod: an Australian icon
The Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) is Australia’s largest freshwater fish. Its average size and weight varies with the habitat, from 60 cm long and weighing 2–5 kg in small streams up to 100 cm and 15–20 kg in large waterways. The biggest recorded specimen was 1.83 m long and weighed a whopping 113 kg.

At 16 metres long, our larger-than-life replica of a Murray cod is many times bigger and heavier than the real thing. It's designed to be caught on camera, not on a fishing line!
Found in the Murray-Darling Basin, Murray cod are apex predators that play a critical role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. They have a varied diet, from fish and crustaceans to amphibians and water birds. Often found in slow-flowing waterways, they can adapt to a range of habitats such as lakes and small streams. If not caught by anglers, they typically live for 30–35 years (although some may live much longer).
An ancient species with cultural and ecological value
Fossils of fish identical to the modern Murray cod have been dated to 26 million years ago. Once an extremely common fish in the Murray-Darling system, Murray cod were a major food source for local indigenous people for tens of thousands of years.
"The importance of Murray cod to aboriginal people of the Murray-Darling basin is reflected by the fact that many groups living along the Murray River made the Murray cod a central animal in their mythology, including their creation stories.”
Native Fish Australia
Wild stocks of Murray Cod are now estimated to be less than 10% of the level at the time of European settlement, although restocking from hatcheries appears to be helping to reverse this decline. The species is listed in the ‘Vulnerable’ category of the threatened species list under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (see conservation advice).
Supporting conservation efforts
To address challenges to Murray cod numbers from overfishing, habitat loss and river flow changes, the Victorian Fisheries Authority is undertaking important conservation efforts. Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery’s role in breeding fingerlings for river and lake stocking is vital to the species’ recovery and sustainability.
The giant Murray cod sculpture supports Victorian Fisheries’ conservation and education efforts by promoting awareness of the Arcadia hatchery and encouraging visitors to learn about sustainable fishing and aquaculture.
"We’ve stocked more fish than all other Australian states and territories combined, including more than 3 million Murray cod each year. Our Fisheries Officers will be ensuring anglers let fish go that are outside the 55 to 75cm slot limit.”
Travis Dowling, Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO
Image gallery – designing the giant Murray cod
Design for authenticity and engagement
Victorian Fisheries envisioned a sculpture that would embody the realism of the Murray Cod without the caricature found in some Big Things statues. Natureworks embraced this challenge by creating a design that stayed true to the cod’s natural appearance while avoiding time-consuming details that would add to the cost and complexity of the project.
Our artists researched the Murray cod’s physical features to design the sculpture’s shape, proportions, anatomic details, colouring and skin patterns.
Providing photo opportunities
Bearing in mind the sculpture’s role as a tourist attraction, we designed the cod with an open mouth for visitors to step inside and pose for selfies. This provides a unique photo opportunity – how many people can say they have been swallowed by a giant cod? Interactive elements like this make the visit a fun, memorable experience for people to share on social media.
Constructing the giant Murray cod: engineering meets artistry
The production process
Natureworks followed a step-by-step process to ensure the structure’s integrity and visual impact:
1. Conceptualisation and scaling
- A 3D model of the Murray Cod was created to visualise the design and check it against client specifications.
- The model was 3D-printed at a 1:20 scale to refine the details before moving to full-scale construction (16 metres long and about 6.5 metres wide)
2. Steel framework
- Steel templates were laser-cut from 6mm steel plate to define the fish’s profile.
- These templates were assembled over a concrete slab, providing a robust skeletal structure.
- 8mm mild steel bars were welded at regular intervals to create the body’s shape, forming “cutlets” that mimic the cod’s contours.
3. Sculptural detailing
- A wire mesh was stapled to the steel frame and profiled for a 50-60mm cover of glass-fibre-reinforced concrete (GFRC).
- Both the interior and exterior were sprayed with GFRC for durability.
- A 50mm layer of polymer-modified cement was rendered and intricately sculpted to replicate the cod’s skin.
4. Finishing Touches
- The final render was sealed and painted to match the exact colouration of the Murray Cod. An anti-graffiti low sheen finish was added to the final painted details.
- A ‘pond’ of rubber crumb soft-fall material was installed around the sculpture to provide safety for visitors, anticipating its irresistible appeal to climbers.
Image gallery – production stage
A community and tourism asset
The Giant Murray Cod now stands proudly at the hatchery entrance, creating a striking “WOW” factor for visitors. It complements the site’s other attractions, which include a stocked dam where guests can catch cod and yellowbelly fish, as well as picnic facilities and a playground.
The sculpture symbolises the importance of conserving native species while promoting regional tourism and pride in Australia’s natural heritage.
"That looks better than I could ever have imagined, incredible job. Exceptional.”
Travis Dowling, Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO

Project details
Client | Victorian Fisheries Authority |
Project | Giant Murray cod entrance sculpture for Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery |
Audience | Anglers and their families, tourists, local residents, educators and students |
Location | Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery, 220 Ross Rd, Arcadia, Vic 3631 (see map) |
Date completed | December 2024 |
Related products | Big Things – Marine life, Fish |
Related catalogues | Big Things Sculpture, Marine & Sea Life, Entry statements |
Similar projects | Giant lizard for Australian Reptile Park, Megafauna entrance at Mt Isa, Public Art |
Behind the scenes: a collaborative effort
Natureworks is immensely grateful for the collaboration with Victorian Fisheries and the cheerful professionalism of our staff and subcontractors. We worked with suppliers in the Shepparton area to bring the project together and support the local community.
We also appreciate the support of skilled photographer Ian Wilson of Time Lapse IT who documented construction using time-lapse video to show the story behind the sculpture.
Celebrating Big Things with purpose
This project highlights Natureworks’ expertise in creating Big Things that go beyond aesthetic appeal. By blending educational value, cultural significance, and functionality, the Giant Murray Cod sets a benchmark for large-scale sculptures that inspire and educate.
Natureworks remains committed to crafting iconic pieces that celebrate Australia’s unique wildlife and environment, making us proud to contribute to projects that combine creative artistry with meaningful impact. The Giant Murray Cod is not just a sculpture — it’s a symbol of conservation, community, and the enduring appeal of Australia’s natural heritage.
If you have an idea for a memorable Big Thing for your local enterprise or community, please contact Natureworks and we’d be happy to turn your idea into reality!