The Big Banana

Perched on the Pacific Highway just south of Coffs Harbour, The Big Banana is Australia’s original ‘big thing’ – a giant yellow banana that has been luring road-trippers since 1964. Part kitsch roadside icon, part family-friendly attraction, it offers a surprisingly fun mix of activities, from banana-themed treats to a water park and ice-skating rink. It’s a quintessential stop on any NSW north coast road trip, especially if you’re travelling with kids or just love a good dose of Australian nostalgia.

Highlights & What to See

• The Big Banana itself – Snap the obligatory selfie with the 13-metre-long concrete banana; it’s the main event and a beloved photo op.
• Banana plantation tour – Hop on a tractor-drawn wagon for a 30-minute guided tour through the working banana plantation, learning about the fruit’s history in the region.
• Water park & ice-skating – Cool off at the on-site water park with slides and splash zones, or lace up for a skate at the indoor ice rink – a surprising treat on a hot day.
• Banana treats – Don’t leave without trying a banana split, banana smoothie, or their famous banana fritters from the café; you’re at the Big Banana after all.
• Mini-golf & toboggan ride – Challenge the family on the 18-hole mini-golf course or whizz down the hill on the toboggan run for a bit of adrenaline.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours here, which is enough to see the banana, take the plantation tour, enjoy a snack, and try one or two activities. If you plan to fully enjoy the water park or ice-skating, budget a half-day. The attraction is easy to slot into a coastal drive between Sydney and Brisbane.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour – Just 10 minutes north, explore the Jetty Strip, Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden, and the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve.
• Sawtell – A charming beachside village 15 minutes south, with a laid-back vibe, great cafés, and a patrolled swimming beach.
• Bellingen – A 30-minute drive inland, this artsy town sits on the Bellinger River and is known for its creative community, farmers’ markets, and rainforest walks.
• Dorrigo National Park – About an hour west, this World Heritage-listed park features stunning waterfalls, ancient rainforest, and the Skywalk lookout.
• South West Rocks – A 1.5-hour drive north, famous for the Trial Bay Gaol and superb snorkelling at Fish Rock Cave.

Please check official sources for current details.