The Big Banana Fun Park, located in Coffs Harbour, Australia, is a popular tourist destination known for its iconic giant banana statue and various attractions. This review will analyze user feedback from Google and TripAdvisor to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the park.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.3/5
TripAdvisor: 4/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Take a Photo with The Big Banana
Why it’s a must: You can’t visit The Big Banana without snapping a photo in front of the giant fiberglass banana that started it all. Standing 13 meters long, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Australia and a must for your travel album.
Tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds for the best photo opportunities.
2. Enjoy the Giant Slide
Why it’s a must: The Big Banana’s giant inflatable slide is one of the park’s most popular attractions. It’s perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike, offering heaps of fun as you race down the slide.
Tip: Wear comfortable clothing and be ready to get your adrenaline pumping as you slide down at high speed.
3. Ice Skating at the Ice Rink
Why it’s a must: The park boasts an indoor ice skating rink, a unique feature for a fun park in Australia. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater, it’s a refreshing way to cool down and enjoy a fun experience with family and friends.
Tip: Skate hire is available on-site, and there are learn-to-skate sessions for beginners.
4. Have a Go at Tobogganing
Why it’s a must: The toboggan ride is one of the most exciting ways to experience The Big Banana Fun Park. The track twists and turns down a hill, allowing you to control your speed as you enjoy the view and the rush of the ride.
Tip: Go early in the day to avoid long lines, especially during peak holiday periods.
5. Mini Golf
Why it’s a must: The 18-hole mini-golf course offers a fun and relaxing activity for all ages. Set in a tropical banana plantation, the course is both scenic and challenging.
Tip: It’s a great way to spend some leisurely time with your family and friends. Try it in the late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.
6. Laser Tag
Why it’s a must: For a bit of action-packed fun, head to the laser tag arena. Players are equipped with laser guns and vests as they navigate through a glow-in-the-dark maze, trying to outscore their opponents.
Tip: This is a great activity for groups or families looking for a bit of friendly competition.
7. Water Park (Seasonal)
Why it’s a must: The Big Banana Water Park is the largest between Sydney and the Gold Coast, featuring thrilling water slides including the Aqua Racer, Wave Pool, and giant water slides.
Tip: The water park is typically open during the warmer months, so check the seasonal schedule if you’re visiting outside of summer. Bring your swimsuit and sunscreen!
8. 4D Ride Simulator
Why it’s a must: Experience a 4D ride simulator that combines 3D visuals, special effects, and motion seats to immerse you in an action-packed adventure. It’s a family-friendly attraction that’s fun for all ages.
Tip: The ride is short but intense, so hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
9. Banana Plantation Tour
Why it’s a must: Learn about the history of banana farming and the significance of bananas to the Coffs Harbour region on a banana plantation tour. The tour includes a short film and a guided walk through a working banana plantation.
Tip: This is a great educational experience for kids and adults alike. It’s also the perfect opportunity to learn about how bananas are grown and harvested.
10. Indulge in Banana-Themed Treats
Why it’s a must: No trip to The Big Banana is complete without sampling some delicious banana-themed treats. The park’s café offers a range of banana-based foods, including banana splits, chocolate-coated bananas, and banana smoothies.
Tip: The Big Banana Sundae is a favorite among visitors—don’t miss it if you have a sweet tooth!
Official Website: The Big Banana Fun Park | Coffs Harbour Attractions & Activities
Main Positive Reviews:
Great place for families with young children.
The water slides are a lot of fun, especially on a hot day.
The giant banana is an iconic landmark and makes for great photos.
Friendly and helpful staff.
Good variety of activities to keep everyone entertained.
The toboggan ride is a highlight for many visitors.
Well-maintained grounds and facilities.
A fun and nostalgic experience for those who remember visiting as children.
Decent food options available at the cafe.
Someone said: Every ride was filled with thrills and fun, especially the roller coaster, which made my heart race with screams and excitement. The atmosphere throughout the park is relaxed and enjoyable, immersing both adults and children. The staff's enthusiasm also made the whole experience even better. Today's amusement park trip not only relieved my stress, but also left many good memories, making me feel happy.
It's a great way to kill a few hours. They also have a candy store and a crystal shop.
One review mention: It's big but fun my favourite was the escape room but the walk up the big banana is tiring.
Very cool and interesting good place to go.
Most of the staff are very polite and friendly, ensuring laughter and a good time.
Now it's like a mini theme park which is great for families. Lots of fun. The gift shop is awesome with lots of cool & unique items. Highly recommend a stop.
Someone said: The banana's breakfast and pancakes are delicious! We had a great time at the park.
The banana feels small if you're not a kid, but the rides are really good.
Various entertainment activities, such as ice skating and tobogganing, bring joy to everyone.
A reasonable price for a big attraction! Highly recommend checking out the reptile park too.
Must visit the first big banana, the plantation tour is informative and interesting! Ended the self-guided tour with a banana smoothie at the cafe! Great way to spend a couple of hours.
Main Negative Reviews:
Overpriced for what it offers.
Long queues for the more popular rides.
Limited shade, making it uncomfortable on hot days.
Not much to offer for older children or adults.
Some reviewers found the food to be overpriced and average quality.
The water park can get crowded and chaotic.
Some reviewers felt that the park felt a bit run down.Not as impressive as expected.
The only downside is that some things don't open until after 10am.Really overpriced.
Someone said: The food was terrible, the meat was so tough, overpriced and the service was non-existent. Ordered the big banana burger and I only got a sliver of banana. Yuck. Overpriced for a burger. Will never go back there.
One review mention: I recently dined at the Big Banana restaurant with my son and our experience was incredibly disappointing. After placing our order, we waited for 45 minutes with no sign of our food. When I finally inquired with a staff member, they checked the docket and realized they had forgotten to prepare our order. This was incredibly frustrating, but we decided to wait a little longer. Unfortunately, the delays didn't end there. After finishing our main course, we waited another 36 minutes for our desserts. Overall, the service was incredibly slow and disorganized. I hope that management addresses these issues to improve the dining experience for future customers.
Overall Analysis
Cost: The average cost is from AU$59, depending on the chosen activities and packages.
The Big Banana Fun Park is a decent option for a family day out, particularly for those with young children. However, visitors should be aware that it might not live up to everyone's expectations, especially for those seeking thrilling or modern attractions. The park's nostalgic value and iconic status remain its main draws, but potential visitors should weigh the cost against the experience offered.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Based on user reviews and ratings, The Big Banana Fun Park offers a mixed experience. While many appreciate its nostalgic value and find it a fun stop for families with young children, others consider it overpriced and lacking in modern attractions as well as the dining experience in their restaurant.
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