Midway between Sydney and Brisbane, just a stone’s throw from the Korora Interchange on the A1, this iconic Coffs Coast attraction has become so much more than a convenient pit-stop or fun photo op.
Stepping beyond its unmissable, Instagram-worthy backdrop, the Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour offers more than meets the eye. From thrilling rides, unique experiences, great food and shopping, the park is the perfect excuse to break up, or even better, extend your trip. Get ready fam, because if you haven’t visited the Big Banana recently, a full-scale fun park is waiting to absolutely blow your mind!
Why does Coffs Harbour have a big banana? A brief history of Australia’s first “Big Thing”
Wanting to encourage visitors to his roadside banana stall, Coffs Harbour farmer John Landi set out to create something so eye-catching that it would literally stop traffic. Inspired by Hawaii’s giant pineapple, Landi enlisted local engineer Alan Chapman and a team of builders to construct Australia’s first “Big thing.”
Measuring 13m long and taking over three months to build, the Big Banana Coffs Harbour officially opened in December 1964 and quickly became an Australian pop culture icon, with generations of roadtrippers stopping for a photo.
Since rebranding as a full-scale fun park in 2015, it has added new attractions, upgraded infrastructure, and enhanced guest experiences.
The Plantation Coaster: The Big Banana’s newest attraction
The all-new Plantation Coaster has captured the attention of adrenaline junkies planning a visit just for this one-of-a-kind ride.
Perched on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, this Coffs Coast roller coaster is so smooth, it feels like flying as you take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Expect steep drops and twists, from start to finish.
Riders even have the ability to control their speed, making the Plantation Coaster suitable for first-timers through to thrill-seekers.
Plantation Coaster key facts
Ride Type: Steel roller coaster with individual rider control
Maximum Speed: 40/km/hr (adjustable per rider)
Track Length / Drop: 400m track with steep slopes and twists
Age / Height Requirements: Children 3+ with parent; children 8+ (135cms) can ride solo
Accessibility: Safe, family-friendly design
All-Weather Operation: Engineered for year-round use
The Plantation Coaster is so smooth it feels like you are flying
The Plantation Coaster can reach speeds of up to 40km/hr
The Plantation Coaster is The Big Banana Fun Park’s newest attraction
Big Banana Fun Park Coffs Coast for things to do with kids
Classic rides and family-friendly attractions
The Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour offers a large variety of classic rides and family-friendly attractions that kids of all ages will love.
The Toboggan Ride is a long-time highlight, allowing riders to control their own speed down hillside tracks that stretch over half a kilometre. At 17.5m tall, the Giant Slide is a 6-lane, 83m long, indoor racer – the biggest of its kind in Australia. And if you prefer to get wet, giant water slides and ‘splash zones’ make the Water Park a super-fun way to cool off in the warmer months.
Putt-putt lovers, don’t miss the 36-hole Mini-Golf course for an afternoon of family-friendly fun. With stunning views over the Coffs Harbour coastline, each hole is uniquely sculpted, making for a fun and challenging experience for all abilities. Or for another classic favourite with a twist, jump on the Hyper Bumper Cars as you aim at opponents’ targets and then get spun around when hit (yes, this ride is giving Mario Kart Balloon Battle mode, and we are here for it!)
Close wildlife encounters at Steve McEwan’s Reptile World
For a memorable wildlife experience that is both entertaining and educational, pay a visit to Steve McEwan’s Reptile World. This family-friendly attraction lets you get up close and personal with snakes, lizards, turtles and even a saltwater crocodile! Steve is a well-known local wildlife expert who loves to share his knowledge with visitors. For those brave enough, you can get a photo holding one of his unique reptiles.
Steve McEwan’s Reptile World is open daily, 10 am to 4 pm, and closed on ANZAC Day, Christmas Day and 10 May.
Take aim at your opponent on the Hyper Bumper Cars
Race up to 6 of your friends on the Giant Slide
The Water Park is a super-fun way to cool off in the warmer months
The 36-hole Mini-Golf course is great for an afternoon of family-friendly fun
Get up close and personal with snakes, lizards, turtles and even a saltwater crocodile at Steve McEwan’s Reptile World
Food and shopping at the Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour
Going Bananas for breakfast and lunch at the Big Banana Cafe
The Big Banana Cafe and Ice-Creamery, ‘Going Bananas’, is a relaxed spot to refuel while at the park. The cafe menu includes familiar favourites like burgers, loaded fries, simple kids’ options, and of course, great coffee! If you want to try something on-theme, the Big Banana Breakfast, Banana Split and Ultimate Banana Smoothie are popular choices. There is also a gluten-free menu available.
Going Bananas is open daily from 9am; however, the kitchen closes at 3 pm. The Ice Creamery is open until closing time.
Sweet treat yo’self at Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory or Coffs Candy Kitchen
Sampling locally made licorice and chocolate at Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory promises to be a memorable highlight of the park. Suitable for the whole family, join an interactive chocolate-making class for a fun,hands-on experience.
Further satisfy your sweet tooth at the iconic Coffs Candy Kitchen, known for its nostalgic and novelty sweets such as Banana Pops, Acid Drops and other quirky candies.
Discover Australian opals at the Opal Centre, Coffs Harbour
The Opal Centre at the Big Banana offers the largest selection of ethically Australian opals on the NSW north coast. Whether you’re looking to buy or just browsing its large selection of gemstones, crystals, fossils and jewellery, this is unexpected retail therapy and gives the fun park a little extra sparkle.
Take home a souvenir from the Big Banana Gift Shop
The Big Banana Gift Shop is packed with Big Banana souvenirs and merchandise. From quirky mementos and banana-themed items, it’s a fun experience of its own, and the perfect way to remember your visit to the park.
Junee Chocolate & Fudge, The Coffs Candy Kitchen, Opal Centre and Gift Shop are open daily from 9 am.
Opal Centre offers the largest selection of ethically Australian opals on the NSW north coast
Sample locally made licorice and chocolate at Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory
Join an interactive chocolate-making class for a fun, hands-on experience
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the iconic Coffs Candy Kitchen
Planning your visit to the Big Banana Fun Park
Visiting the Big Banana in the rain: is it worth it?
If you’re looking for fun, indoor activities or wet-weather day trip ideas in Coffs Harbour, the Big Banana Fun Park has you covered.
Open daily, the Ice-Skating Rink is suitable for kids as young as two, while the new and improved ‘Fun Zone’, featuring a Duckpin Bowling game, is your ultimate arcade-style gaming experience. Pre-purchase games and win points to spend at the Gift Shop.
For groups looking for indoor activities with a difference, there are a number of interactive and competitive attractions on offer. The Escape Rooms are the perfect team-building challenge where smaller groups of up to six people work together to solve a series of challenges, while the Axe Throwing game will channel your inner lumberjack. With high-tech digital targets and lanes for up to four players, it’s an adrenaline-packed experience. Don’t miss the 4D Ride Simulator at the Big Banana’s XD Theatre, which offers an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
Also open daily, and late on Friday and Saturday nights, Laser Tag is another all-weather winner when the energy levels are high. Think peak, interactive excitement as you navigate challenges and aim for opponents in this other-worldly experience that feels like you’re in a nightclub!
Big Banana Fun Park tickets and ride passes
The all-day ‘Ultimate’, multi-visit ‘Big Bunch of Fun’, three or four-attraction passes can offer the best value for those planning several hours (or multiple visits) at the park; however, you don’t have to commit to a specific package to enjoy the Big Banana Fun Park. Individual attraction tickets are available, which works well if you are short on time or visiting with younger kids who may only want to try a few rides.
Pricing and inclusions are subject to change, so check the official park website for the latest pass and package options before your visit.
The park offers senior concessions for the Plantation Tour & mini golf. Spectators can enter for free.
Big Banana Fun Park opening hours
The Big Banana Fun Park, Gift Shop and Going Bananas Cafe are open every day of the year, except Christmas Day. Gates open from 9 am, with longer hours during NSW school holidays. Each ride and attraction runs on its own schedule, so it’s worth checking the latest Activity Guide and Timetable on the website before you visit
The Ice-Skating Rink is suitable for kids as young as two and open daily
The family can work together to solve a series of challenges in The Escape Rooms
The Fun Zone is arcade-style gaming experience
Purchase Fun Zone games and win points to spend at the Gift Shop
Laser Tag is an all-weather winner when the energy levels are high and open late on Friday and Saturday nights
Making the Big Banana part of your Coffs Coast itinerary
The Big Banana Fun Park is its own destination, so plan to spend at least half a day enjoying its many rides, attractions and experiences. However, with so much to do and see at the park, chances are you’ll likely want to extend your stay.
And if you do decide on a multi-day visit to the fun park, or region itself, there are stacks of other things to do on the Coffs Coast. Why not explore Coffs Coast’s Best Beaches or check out a list of family-friendly activities on the Coffs Coast.
Got decision fatigue? Our range of Coffs Coast travel itineraries takes the guesswork out of planning your next visit, making it easy to plan a memorable Coffs Coast holiday.