The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour is more than just a giant fruit sculpture—it’s a cultural icon, a fun-filled amusement park, and a nostalgic pit stop on one of Australia’s most traveled highways. First erected in 1964 as a marketing gimmick to attract attention to a humble roadside banana stall, it has since evolved into a full-scale attraction drawing nearly one million visitors annually. Located on the scenic Pacific Highway, this legendary roadside wonder has earned its place in the pantheon of Australia’s “Big Things” and continues to captivate tourists from around the world.
Visitors to Coffs Harbour will find that The Big Banana isn’t just about the size—it’s about the experience. What began with a single giant fiberglass banana has now blossomed into the Big Banana Fun Park, a multi-attraction destination offering water slides, laser tag, toboggan rides, mini golf, and even an ice skating rink. Its 600-meter toboggan run and 115-meter Racer slide offer unforgettable thrills for all ages. As highlighted by Visit NSW, the park plays a significant role in driving the $500 million Coffs Coast tourism economy.
One of the standout elements of the park is its homage to bananas themselves. From plantation tours where visitors can learn about sustainable farming practices to the wildly popular chocolate-dipped bananas and fresh banana smoothies, the culinary side of the experience is just as vibrant. At the on-site Banana Café, which prides itself on sourcing 85% of ingredients locally, over 60,000 banana smoothies are sold each year. This strong focus on local produce has made The Big Banana a standout on Australia’s food tourism map.
What also sets The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour apart is its place in Australian pop culture. It’s been featured in countless travel blogs, TV shows, and magazines, and was even recognized by the National Trust of Australia as a significant piece of cultural heritage. With over 300,000 social media shares annually, the sculpture continues to trend on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, drawing road-trippers, backpackers, and influencers to snap the ultimate roadside selfie.
Its accessibility and traveler-friendly amenities make it one of the best stops for families and tour groups. According to Tourism Australia, over 8,000 coaches visit the park every year, and 82% of families rate it as one of the most comfortable highway stops in New South Wales. Whether you’re visiting during the sunny summer months or rainy winter days, The Big Banana offers indoor and outdoor fun all year round—rain or shine.
Whether you’re exploring the NSW North Coast, planning a family holiday, or simply stopping by for a banana sundae, The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour is a quintessential slice of Aussie life. It’s a delightful mix of heritage, adventure, and tropical charm—proof that even the most playful ideas can grow into something truly iconic.
A Slice of Aussie Kitsch: The Story Behind The Big Banana
Australia’s First “Big Thing”
The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour was built in 1964, making it the very first of Australia’s now-iconic “Big Things.” The brainchild of banana grower John Landi, the original idea was to draw attention to his roadside banana stall. Today, there are over 150 similar giant sculptures across Australia, but it all started with this one.
How Big is the Banana?
The structure itself is an impressive 13 meters long, 5 meters high, and 2.4 meters wide. It weighs about 8 tonnes. The fiberglass-covered steel and timber frame continues to attract over 900,000 visitors each year, making The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour a major tourist magnet.
Symbol of Coastal Tourism
Situated on the Pacific Highway, The Big Banana became a symbol of the golden era of road-tripping in the 1960s and 1970s. With tourism contributing over $500 million annually to the Coffs Coast economy, landmarks like this remain vital.
A Cultural Icon
Beyond its kitschy charm, The Big Banana has found its way into postcards, documentaries, and local music. In 2011, it was named one of Australia’s most famous “Big Things” by the National Trust of Australia.
Preserving Heritage
The site now includes the Big Banana Fun Park, but the original banana remains untouched. According to a 2023 heritage survey, 78% of locals feel the banana should be heritage listed to preserve its unique cultural value.
Expanding the Concept
In 2003, The Big Banana complex expanded with an indoor ice skating rink and theatre. Since then, attendance has risen by 27% annually, with The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour now housing multiple attractions under one brand.
Educational Roots
The original banana plantation still operates as part of the site’s tour, with interpretive signage explaining banana farming. Tours are booked by over 15,000 school groups annually.
Family Fun and Adventure at The Big Banana Amusement Park
Australia’s Largest Banana-Themed Park
What began as a roadside stand is now a full-fledged amusement park with 10 attractions. The Big Banana Fun Park offers laser tag, toboggan rides, mini golf, and water slides, drawing families year-round.
Water Park Thrills
The water park features four massive thrill slides and a kids’ aqua play area. It opened in 2015 and has welcomed over 1.2 million visitors since. At 15 meters tall and 115 meters long, “The Racer” slide is among the tallest in regional NSW.
Tobogganing with a View
One of the oldest attractions, the toboggan ride stretches 600 meters and offers stunning coastal views. More than 50,000 people enjoy the ride annually, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Laser Tag and Ice Skating
The ice skating rink, one of the few on the NSW North Coast, is 420 square meters in size. Combined with the state-of-the-art laser tag arena, these indoor attractions help draw crowds even during rainy days.
Educational Banana Tours
Families can enjoy plantation tours and learn about the lifecycle of a banana tree. Over 20,000 kids join school holiday tours each year, helping solidify The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour as both fun and educational.
Mini Golf and 4D Theatre
The 36-hole mini golf course is packed with banana-themed obstacles. Opened in 2017, it hosts over 30,000 players annually. The 4D ride simulator, introduced in 2019, enhances the sensory fun with motion seats and special effects.
Birthday and Group Packages
Group deals and birthday party packages are a hit. Each month, about 1,200 children celebrate birthdays at The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, making it one of the top event spots for families in the region.
Tropical Treats and Local Flavours You Can’t Miss
Famous Banana Sundaes
No visit is complete without trying the legendary banana sundae. Using locally grown Cavendish bananas, the sundaes sell over 20,000 servings a year. They’ve even been featured on Getaway and The Great Australian Bake Off.
Choc-Dipped Bananas and More
Handmade chocolate-dipped bananas are a local specialty. Over 5 tonnes of bananas are dipped in chocolate and sold annually at The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour.
The Banana Café
Serving tropical smoothies, acai bowls, and fresh banana bread, The Banana Café sources 85% of its produce locally. The café has become a hotspot, especially during peak season when it serves up to 1,500 meals a day.
Local Artisan Products
The gift shop features banana-based jams, chutneys, and liqueurs from nearby producers. Regional sales of banana-related products exceed $700,000 annually, with the shop accounting for a significant portion of that.
Sustainable Farming Practices
The on-site plantation uses organic and water-saving techniques. The farm has reduced its water usage by 30% since 2021 and is certified under the Australian Banana Growers’ Code of Practice.
Banana Smoothie Boom
With the rising health trend, smoothies made with fresh bananas, almond milk, and honey have become a hit. Sales increased by 17% in 2023, with over 60,000 smoothies sold at The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour last year.
Seasonal Delights and Festivals
During the annual Coffs Banana Festival, the café serves limited-edition banana pavlovas and tarts. In 2023, the festival drew over 15,000 attendees, boosting café traffic by 25%.
Why The Big Banana is a Must-See on the Pacific Highway
A Road Trip Tradition
Located along the iconic Pacific Highway, The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour is a perfect stop for travelers. With more than 3.2 million vehicles passing through Coffs annually, it’s ideally positioned for road trippers.
Photo Opportunities Galore
The massive banana sculpture draws over 300,000 social media shares each year. Travel influencers and vloggers have helped boost its visibility, with hashtags like #BigBanana and #CoffsHarbour trending regularly.
Convenient Location and Facilities
Free parking, rest areas, and accessible bathrooms make it a convenient family pitstop. A 2022 traveler survey found that 82% of families rated it as one of the most comfortable highway stops in NSW.
Linked to Other Attractions
Only 10 minutes from the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park and 15 minutes from Forest Sky Pier, The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour serves as a gateway to wider Coffs Harbour experiences.
Local Economic Driver
Tourism related to The Big Banana contributes over $50 million annually to the local economy. It employs around 100 people seasonally and year-round, bolstering regional job growth.
Perfect for Coaches and Caravans
The site includes dedicated spaces for RVs and buses, attracting over 8,000 coach visitors per year. Tour operators rank it among the top 5 most requested stops in the region.
All-Weather Attraction
With indoor entertainment, cafés, and retail spaces, the site thrives even during rainy weather. In fact, 43% of visits in winter months are due to its year-round accessibility.
