The Big Banana

Looming large on the Pacific Highway at Coffs Harbour, the Big Banana is Australia’s original ‘big thing’ and a beloved pit stop that’s equal parts kitsch, fun, and surprisingly informative. This giant yellow fruit (actually a 13-metre-long concrete-and-fibreglass banana) has been drawing road-trippers since 1964, and the surrounding complex has evolved into a full-blown family attraction. Beyond the obligatory photo op, you’ll find a working banana plantation, a world-class ice-skating rink, a water park, and an educational ‘Banana Story’ exhibit that digs into the region’s banana-growing history. It’s a classic slice of Australian roadside culture that’s well worth a detour.

Highlights & What to See

• The Big Banana itself: Strike your best pose in front of this iconic yellow landmark – it’s the ultimate souvenir snap. Don’t miss the smaller ‘baby banana’ nearby for a cheeky second shot.
• Banana Plantation Tour: Hop on a tractor-drawn ‘Bananamobile’ for a 30-minute guided ride through the actual plantation, where you’ll learn how bananas are grown, harvested, and ripened. Kids love the hands-on bits (tasting included).
• The Banana Story: A self-guided indoor exhibit that walks you through the history of banana farming in northern NSW, from early pioneers to modern techniques. Surprisingly engaging for a fruit-themed museum.
• Ice Skating & Toboggan Run: Yes, you can ice skate in subtropical Coffs Harbour. The indoor rink is open year-round, and the outdoor toboggan run gives you a quick thrill with views over the plantation.
• Splash Water Park: Perfect for hot days – a series of slides, pools, and splash zones that keep the little ones entertained for hours (summer only).

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least 2–3 hours to fully enjoy the Big Banana experience. If you’re just stopping for a photo and a quick look, 30 minutes will do, but the plantation tour and ice skating easily fill a morning or afternoon. Combine it with a lunch at the café (try the banana smoothie or the famous banana fritters) and you’ve got a relaxed half-day stop. Most visitors treat it as a break on the Sydney–Brisbane drive, timing it for a mid-morning or early-afternoon visit.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour – The city itself offers beautiful beaches (Park Beach, Jetty Beach), the Coffs Harbour Jetty precinct with its seafood restaurants, and the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve for coastal walks.
• Dorrigo National Park – A 45-minute drive inland takes you to ancient Gondwana rainforests with spectacular waterfalls (Dangar Falls, Dorrigo Skywalk) and excellent walking trails.
• Bellingen – A charming artsy town about 30 minutes south, famous for its creative community, Sunday markets, and the Bellingen River for swimming.
• Sawtell – A laid-back beach village 15 minutes south of Coffs Harbour with a relaxed vibe, good coffee, and a patrolled swimming beach.
• Urunga – At the mouth of the Bellinger and Kalang rivers, this quiet town offers a beautiful boardwalk over wetlands and a calm river beach – ideal for a peaceful paddle.
• Nambucca Heads – About an hour south, famous for its V-Wall (a sea wall covered in painted messages) and the Nambucca River for fishing and kayaking.

Please check official sources for current details.