Big Banana

Perched on the Pacific Highway at Coffs Harbour, the Big Banana is Australia’s original ‘Big Thing’ and a beloved roadside icon since 1964. More than just a giant yellow sculpture, this sprawling tropical-themed complex offers a fun-filled day out with a working banana plantation, water park, ice-skating rink, and an educational ‘Banana Theatre’ where you’ll learn everything you never knew about the humble banana. It’s a quintessential stop on any New South Wales road trip, blending kitsch charm with genuine family entertainment.

Highlights & What to See

• Giant Banana: Climb the viewing platform for a selfie with the 13-metre-tall landmark and sweeping coastal views.
• Banana Plantation Tour: Hop aboard the ‘Banana Express’ for a guided tractor ride through the plantation, where you’ll see bananas growing at every stage.
• World of Bananas: A quirky museum packed with banana memorabilia, including the world’s largest banana collection and a 1950s kitchen display.
• Big Banana Water Park: Cool off on the Aqua Racer waterslides or float along the Lazy River—perfect for hot summer days.
• Ice-Skating Rink: Glide year-round on the indoor Olympic-sized rink, a surprising treat in subtropical Coffs Harbour.
• Taste Testing: Don’t leave without trying a banana split, banana smoothie, or the famous frozen chocolate-covered bananas from the café.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend half a day (3–4 hours) exploring the plantation, museum, and one or two attractions. If you plan to enjoy the water park or ice skating, allow a full day. The complex is best visited mid-morning to avoid peak crowds, and the plantation tours run regularly throughout the day. It’s an easy stop to break up the drive between Sydney and Brisbane.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour: Just 5 minutes south, with beautiful beaches like Park Beach and the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve.
• Sawtell: A charming coastal village 15 minutes south, known for its surf breaks and laid-back café scene.
• Dorrigo National Park: A 45-minute drive west, offering ancient rainforest walks and the spectacular Dorrigo Skywalk.
• Bellingen: A creative arts town 30 minutes south-west, famous for its timber buildings and the Bellingen River.
• Port Macquarie: An hour’s drive south, with a historic lighthouse, koala hospital, and stunning coastal walks.

Please check official sources for current details.