Big Banana

It's yellow, it's curved, and it's impossible to miss from the Pacific Highway. The Big Banana is Australia's original 'big thing,' a beloved roadside icon that has been luring road-trippers since 1964. Set on a working banana plantation in the Coffs Harbour region, this fun park offers a surprisingly engaging mix of kitsch and genuine agricultural heritage — think banana-themed mini-golf, a toboggan ride, and a fascinating walk through the history of banana farming. It's a quintessential slice of Australian road-trip culture, perfect for a playful pit stop with the family.

Highlights & What to See

• The Big Banana itself — the famous 13-metre-long yellow landmark, perfect for that obligatory selfie.
• Banana Plantation Tour — a guided walk through the actual plantation, where you'll learn how bananas are grown, harvested, and ripened.
• World of Bananas — a quirky museum tracing the fruit's journey from jungle to supermarket, complete with vintage machinery and interactive displays.
• Toboggan Ride — a 700-metre-long track that zips through the plantation, offering a fun adrenaline hit for all ages.
• Mini-golf & Ice-Skating — two family favourites: a 18-hole banana-themed mini-golf course and a real ice-skating rink (yes, in subtropical NSW!).
• Banana-bending workshop — a hands-on (and very Instagrammable) activity where you try your hand at the traditional banana-bending technique used for packing.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors enjoy the Big Banana in about two to three hours — enough time to snap the iconic photo, take the plantation tour, and try one or two of the rides. If you're travelling with kids or want to indulge in the mini-golf and ice-skating, budget a full half-day. Because the park is right off the highway, it works brilliantly as a break on a longer drive between Sydney and Brisbane — stretch your legs, learn something new, and grab a banana smoothie before hitting the road again.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour — the vibrant coastal city just 10 minutes south, with beautiful beaches, the Coffs Harbour Jetty, and the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve.
• Dorrigo National Park — a 45-minute drive inland, home to ancient Gondwana rainforest, dramatic waterfalls, and the Skywalk lookout.
• Sawtell — a laid-back beach town with a terrific café scene and a protected swimming beach, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
• Bellingen — a charming hinterland village known for its artsy vibe, Sunday markets, and the Bellinger River.
• Solitary Islands Coastal Walk — a stunning multi-day walking track that passes through Coffs Harbour, offering spectacular ocean views and secluded beaches.

Please check official sources for current details.