Big Banana

Standing tall and yellow on the Pacific Highway just north of Coffs Harbour, the Big Banana is Australia’s original ‘big thing’ and a beloved roadside icon since 1964. More than just a giant piece of fruit, this sprawling tropical-themed complex offers a full day of family fun with a working banana plantation, water park, ice-skating rink, mini-golf, and the famous ‘World of Bananas’ museum. It’s a quintessential stop on a coastal road trip that blends kitsch nostalgia with genuine tropical agriculture and all-ages entertainment.

Highlights & What to See

• World of Bananas: A quirky, self-guided tour through the history of banana farming in the region – complete with animatronic characters, a ‘banana bungee’ jump, and a giant banana split diorama.
• Big Banana Water Park: A huge inflatable water playground with slides, tipping buckets, and splash zones – perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
• Ice-Skating Rink: Surprisingly, you can skate indoors in the subtropics – a great contrast to the beach vibe outside.
• Banana Plantation Tours: Hop on a tractor-pulled wagon and learn how bananas are grown, harvested, and ripened – a genuinely interesting look at local agriculture.
• The Big Banana Itself: Climb the viewing platform inside the giant banana for a photo op and sweeping views of the surrounding farmland and coast.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend around 2–3 hours exploring the main attractions, but if you plan to enjoy the water park or ice-skating, set aside a full half-day. The complex is best visited as a fun pit stop on a longer drive between Sydney and Brisbane – aim to arrive mid-morning to beat the crowds and make the most of the cooler hours before lunch.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour: Just 10 minutes south, this coastal city offers beautiful beaches, the Coffs Harbour Jetty, and the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
• Dorrigo National Park: 45 minutes inland, a World Heritage-listed rainforest with spectacular waterfalls, walking trails, and the Skywalk lookout.
• Bellingen: A charming artsy town 30 minutes south, known for its creative community, farmers’ markets, and the Bellinger River.
• Urunga Boardwalk: 20 minutes south, a stunning 1.2 km boardwalk over mangroves and wetlands leading to the ocean – great for birdwatching and sunset strolls.
• Muttonbird Island: A short walk from Coffs Harbour Marina, this nature reserve offers incredible views and a chance to see wedge-tailed shearwaters nesting.

Please check official sources for current details.