There are definitely less interesting ways to spend a Saturday morning than standing on the beach in a sea of yellow, waiting to be told where to go so you can become part of a giant banana.
In Coffs Harbour, it made perfect sense.
In mid-April, Jetty Beach played host to one of the most on-brand events the region has seen in a while. More than 500 people turned out to attempt a world record for the largest banana formation made by people, and somehow it felt completely normal.
Families, friend groups, sporting teams and a steady stream of “we’ll just come for a look” attendees quickly found themselves part of the action. Dressed mostly in yellow, the crowd stretched across the sand to form a perfectly imperfect banana.
It was fun. It was a little bit chaotic. And it was unmistakably Coffs.
But moments like this are about more than just a good photo.
They’re about telling the story of a place.
Because while visitors might first come for the beaches, the hinterland and the lifestyle, what keeps people coming back is the feeling. The sense of community. The energy. The unexpected moments that make somewhere memorable.
Tourism plays a critical role in supporting that. It drives local business, supports jobs, and helps regional communities like Coffs Harbour continue to grow and evolve. It also gives us a platform to share what makes this place special, not just with visitors, but with the rest of the state.
That’s exactly what this event was designed to do.
Coffs Harbour has been named a finalist in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, and the banana formation was a simple but powerful way to build momentum. A reminder to locals why they love living here, and a way to show others what makes this place worth visiting.
Because when people show up like this, it says something.
It says this is a community that cares. A place that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but takes pride in what it is.
And that matters.
Now it’s time to turn that moment into something more. Your vote helps put Coffs Harbour on the map, supports local tourism, and backs the businesses, events and experiences that make this region what it is.
