The Big Banana Fun Park near Coffs Harbour in New South Wales is a landmark destination that has been entertaining visitors for over 60 years.
A popular family attraction, it’s one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the area, bringing in thousands of visitors from around the country and beyond every year.
Best known for its iconic giant yellow banana statue, the park features thrilling rides, educational exhibits, several eateries and beautiful gardens.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes The Big Banana so special, exploring the many attractions of The Big Banana Fun Park and why it should be on your list of places to visit in New South Wales.
Where is The Big Banana Fun Park?
The Big Banana Fun Park is located in the seaside city of Coffs Harbour, which is situated on the east coast of Australia in the state of New South Wales.
The park resides on the Pacific Highway, about 4 hours south of Brisbane, 2 hours south of Byron Bay and around 5 hours 30 minutes north of Sydney. This makes it an easy destination for visitors to get to by car or bus.
Its central location also makes it a popular stop for travellers making their way up or down the coast, and its proximity to other popular attractions, such as beaches and national parks, makes it an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
How To Get There?
There are several ways to get to The Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour. If you’re driving, the park is located at 351 Pacific Highway, just north of the city centre. It’s easily accessible from both north and south directions, with plenty of parking available on site.
If you’re travelling by public transport, there are a number of bus services that run to Coffs Harbour from surrounding towns and cities. Greyhound Australia operates a regular run between Sydney and Brisbane that stops in Coffs Harbour, as well as several regional bus services. Once you arrive in Coffs Harbour, you can take a local bus or taxi to The Big Banana Fun Park.
If you’re flying, the nearest airport is Coffs Harbour Regional Airport, which is located about 5 km south of the city centre. The airport is serviced by several airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Tigerair, with direct flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. From the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a car to get to the park.
History of The Big Banana Fun Park
The Big Banana was first opened to the public in 1964 and quickly became a beloved local landmark.
The park was originally built as a way to attract visitors to the region, and to showcase the area’s rich banana-growing heritage. At the time, banana plantations were a major part of the local economy, and the park was seen as a way to celebrate this important industry.
Over the years, the park has grown and expanded, adding new attractions and rides to keep visitors entertained. Today, The Big Banana is a sprawling complex, featuring a range of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages.
How Much Does It Cost To Enter The Park?
At the time of writing, there are several ticket and combo packages available to enter the park. They include the following:
3 Attraction Combo Package – Enjoy any 3 attractions for $29
4-9 Attraction Combo Package – Enjoy between 4 and 9 attractions for $43
The Big Bunch of Fun – Make the most of your day and experience its various activities once each for $59
Unlimited Pass – Go on as many rides as you want to as many times as you want to for $69
What Are The Main Attractions and Activities at The Big Banana Fun Park
So, what can you expect to find at The Big Banana Fun Park?
One of the most popular attractions at The Big Banana Fun Park is, of course, the giant 13-metre-high banana itself. This large, yellow fruit statue has been an iconic landmark for over 60 years and is a popular spot for taking photos. Visitors can also climb to the top of the banana and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area.
The park is also home to a variety of rides and activities that are sure to keep the whole family entertained. Arguably the highlight is the famous Toboggan ride, which is a thrilling, winding ride that takes visitors down a 600-metre track. One of the most exciting attractions at The Big Banana, riders control their speed using a hand brake, making it a fun and interactive experience as they twist and turn their way through the track.
There is also a giant slide that is perfect for younger children, as well as a laser tag arena which features a range of obstacles and hiding places, including high-tech laser guns that keep track of your score as you play.
One of the newer attractions at The Big Banana Fun Park is the Water Park. This area features a range of water-based activities, including a wave pool, a large water slide, a splash pad for younger children and a giant tipping bucket that drenches anyone standing below. The water park is perfect for those hot summer days and provides a great way to cool off.
The theme park also has a mini golf course which offers a great way to unwind and have some fun with family and friends. The course is beautifully landscaped, with a range of challenging holes that will test your skills and keep you entertained. It also has an ice skating rink, offering visitors the chance to lace up their skates and glide across the ice. The rink is open year-round and is another lovely way to beat the heat during the summer months.
Other Activities
For those looking for a bit of relaxation or less high-octane fun, The Big Banana Fun Park has beautiful gardens to stroll around
It also runs a cheesemaking workshop where you can learn how to make a variety of delicious cheeses, including feta, brie, and camembert. The workshop is led by a professional cheese maker and includes tastings of the finished products.
Additionally, the park has an educational aspect, with a variety of exhibits and displays that teach visitors about the history of the banana industry in Australia. The Banana World exhibit showcases the journey of the banana from plant to plate. Visitors can also hop on a tractor-drawn train and explore the plantation, learning about the history and techniques of banana farming along the way.
Events
The park also has a variety of events and shows throughout the year. From live music performances to food festivals, there is always something happening at The Big Banana Fun Park.
One of the most eagerly anticipated events is the annual Banana Festival, which takes place in August and celebrates all things banana-related. It is a lot of fun and attracts visitors from all over Australia.
Food and Drink at The Big Banana Fun Park
The Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour offers a range of culinary options to suit all tastes and budgets. Regardless of whether you want a convenient on-the-go snack or a proper sit-down meal, there are several food items to choose from.
For a quick snack or a sweet treat, the park’s café serves a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, wraps, cakes, and pastries. There’s also a kiosk near the water park that serves ice creams, slushies, and other cold drinks.
If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, the park’s restaurant, called The Big Banana Café, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features a range of classic Australian dishes, as well as international cuisine and vegetarian options. Some of the most popular items include burgers, salads, fish and chips, and pizzas. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, with views of the park and surrounding hills.
In addition to the café and restaurant, there are also several food trucks and stalls throughout the park that serve a range of snacks and meals. These include a sausage sizzle, hot dogs, popcorn, fairy floss, and more. There are also vending machines located throughout the park that sell drinks and snacks.
Conclusion
The Big Banana Fun Park is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. With a wide range of fun activities and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a heart-pumping ride, a nature-lover seeking a relaxing walk through the banana plantation, or a family with young children looking for a day of fun, The Big Banana Fun Park offers it all.
From the iconic Big Banana itself to the water park, mini-golf course, laser tag, and ice skating rink, the park offers a range of attractions that will entertain you all day long. And with a range of food options available, you’ll never go hungry.
Overall, The Big Banana Fun Park is a great destination for anyone looking to have fun, relax, and make memories in Coffs Harbour. So, regardless of if you’re in town for a day or a week, make sure to add The Big Banana Fun Park to your itinerary – you won’t be disappointed!