Australia is famous for its wild creatures, but this one stopped a barbecue cold.
A family gathering on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast turned unforgettable when a giant golden orb spider — nicknamed Martha — appeared in front of a garage, spinning her web like she owned the place.
The photo of the massive spider quickly went viral after Patrick Berg, who was visiting his sister’s home in Buderim, shared it online. The internet’s verdict? Equal parts horror and awe.
The Day the Barbecue Froze
Patrick remembers the moment clearly.
“We were just going to have a barbecue and a couple of beers,” he told reporters. “I saw it as we pulled up in the driveway and just went, ‘holy dooley!’”
Hanging in front of a bushland garage, Martha stretched nearly 17 centimeters across, with a body about 7 centimeters long and as thick as a thumb. For context — that’s almost the size of a dinner plate.
“I’ve seen some big ones before, but not like that,” Patrick said. “She was an absolute monster.”
Instead of panicking, he grabbed his phone. One photo later, the internet had a new eight-legged celebrity.
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Up Close With Martha
In the viral photo, you can see a tattooed hand hovering just behind the spider — that’s Patrick’s brother-in-law, keeping a cautious five to ten centimeters of space.
“That was the closest he wanted to get,” Patrick laughed. “She really was beautiful in a terrifying sort of way.”
Female golden orb spiders are known to outgrow their male counterparts dramatically, reaching lengths of 12 centimeters or more. With legs fully extended, some have been measured at nearly 20 centimeters across — larger than a human hand.
Still, Patrick insists fear wasn’t his first reaction. “I wasn’t scared,” he said. “I was amazed. I think they’re gorgeous creatures.”
Why Golden Orb Spiders Look So Striking
These spiders aren’t just famous for their size. Their silky gold-tinted webs shimmer in the sunlight, giving them their name.
The silk is so strong that scientists have studied it for potential use in bullet-proof materials.
Golden orb spiders are also expert hunters. They feed mostly on insects — but occasionally, they trap small birds or bats unlucky enough to fly into their sticky webs.
Their venom is powerful enough to paralyze prey but harmless to humans. A bite may sting, but it’s nothing compared to the panic they cause when spotted at eye level.
Australia’s Backyard Giants
In Buderim, large spiders aren’t exactly rare. The region’s forests and rainforests create ideal conditions for them to thrive.
“We didn’t touch her,” Patrick said. “We just took a few pictures and left her be. They don’t live very long, and one day she was gone.”
Residents say they often see golden orb spiders and huntsman spiders around their homes — sometimes the size of a man’s palm.
One online commenter wrote, “I have a picture somewhere of my dad holding his hat behind one, and it was the same size as the hat!”
Another admitted, “Just the thought makes my skin crawl.”
Love them or fear them, Australians have learned to live with their oversized neighbors.
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What Makes This Species So Unique
The golden orb spider (also called the giant wood spider) belongs to a group known for crafting perfectly symmetrical webs that can stretch over a meter wide.
Their golden threads can even remain visible in dim light — nature’s version of neon signage.
Despite their intimidating appearance, they’re actually shy. They rarely leave their webs and prefer quiet corners of trees, fences, or sheds.
“They’re quite common in Buderim,” Patrick noted. “There’s a lot of natural bushland and big insects. It’s perfect for them.”
Their short lifespan means the spectacular webs you see in summer are often gone by winter. Females usually die soon after laying eggs, leaving behind dozens of tiny spiderlings ready to continue the cycle.
Internet Reaction: Fear, Fascination, and Respect
When Patrick’s friend reposted the old photo to Reddit years later, the comments flooded in.
“I know this species doesn’t typically grow that large,” one user said, “but I’ve seen some yellow-bum ones that easily had the leg span of a dinner plate.”
Another added: “It’s beautiful, but I’d burn the whole garage down.”
That mix of fear and fascination is something Australians understand well. Spiders may spook people, but they also keep insect populations in check — an important balance in ecosystems teeming with life.
The Real Threat (Hint: It’s Not Martha)
While golden orb spiders can look terrifying, experts say they pose virtually no threat to humans.
Their venom isn’t dangerous, and they rarely bite unless provoked.
Instead, their biggest risk is to small prey and the occasional startled homeowner who walks face-first into a web.
If you find one near your home, experts recommend simply leaving it alone. These spiders are temporary guests — they’ll move on once their web has served its purpose.
Nature’s Unexpected Art
In the end, Patrick’s viral encounter wasn’t about fear at all. It was about seeing beauty where most people see nightmares.
“I think people misunderstand them,” he said. “Yes, they’re big and scary-looking, but they’re part of what makes Australia wild and amazing.”
Martha the golden orb spider is gone now, but her photo lives on — a reminder that even the creatures that make our skin crawl have a place in the world.
