In the Banana Cafe, the food was heavily banana-themed but they also had a good mix of classic staple food in the Aussie takeaway style. It was a good selection of food. The banana split was massive and would be best enjoyed when shared between two people. The same could be said for the potato fries and sweet potato fries. They sell fresh bananas by the kilo here, and drastically cheaper than any supermarket! The iced coffee and the milkshakes weren't mind-blowing, but were good quality (certainly in the right price-bracket). We tried their icecream varieties, which were delicious. Mine had a small fly in it, but that's not unheard of when the venue itself sits beside a banana farm. I had no problem taking it back to the counter where the staff offered me my choice of refund, or replacement and they were very polite. The venue itself was nice, and there were umbrellas for shade outside, and ceiling fans inside. We sat outside and we were visited by some bearded dragons of various sizes (they keep their distance though). There's also dog-friendly outside seating with a water bowl. We visited the gift shop and found that there was a good mix of souvenirs to hit any price point. The arcade had a great mix of games and activities for the kids (quite like timezone but to a smaller scale). There were a range of deals available to purchase pre-paid cards and for the frugal visitors, you can actually just load up the cards with an exact value of your choosing and the cards themselves are free (no additional fee to print new cards, and no hidden fees -the money you pay all goes straight onto the card for use in the arcade machines). Each game cost $2.40 on my visit, so loading an exact amount meant we weren't left with any remaining (unusable) balance. The kids kept the cards as a little souvenir. There's plenty of parking but it really sprawls out away from the venue so that during busy times, you could have a small uphill walk in blazing hot sun. Now with any roadtrip stopping station, one of the most important considerations are the amenities. We've stopped here twice now. Both times, the parents room and the men's room have looked very clean, and everything is in good condition! There is a banana farm mural in the urinal so you can water the plants during your stop. On our second visit here though, the men's room (while visibly clean) was somehow filled with the smell of a rancid kitty litter tray!
Outside though, there's plenty of time and space for an iconic photo to remember your stop, and if you seriously need a substantial break from driving, there's a holiday park here, so you can book a night and enjoy a tour of the farm, or take the kids through to the rest of the attractions (I think there's even a cinema here). We were too busy to stay though, and keen to hit the road, so we didn't see the rest. If you're driving up the east coast and looking for a place to stop (or stay for a bit), it's worth a stop and it's right next to the highway, so it's convenient too. I'd stop here...
Read moreDisappointed After a Previously Great Experience We visited The Big Banana last year and had an amazing time. The food (though pricey) was great, the staff were friendly, and the overall experience was fun and memorable. Unfortunately, our visit this time around has left us extremely disappointed. We first came two days ago just after 2 PM, excited for our kids to enjoy the Big Slide, Dodgem Cars, and Laser Tag—especially the slide, which is their favourite. To our dismay, the Dodgem Cars and Slide were already closed. This was incredibly frustrating, especially since we had driven 30 minutes out of our way (we're from interstate). There were no clear signs online. So we left that day. We decided to give it another chance and returned today, after calling ahead to confirm that everything would be open. While most things were running, our issues unfortunately didn’t stop there. We were quoted a certain price for the attractions two days ago, but today we were charged more. We ordered two slushies—which my kids usually love—but they had a strange, freezer-burnt taste. Neither of my children would drink them, and after tasting them myself, I had to return them for a refund. I then ordered a chicken burger with no beetroot, but instead received a Big Banana burger with bacon—something we don’t eat due to dietary preferences. I really dislike returning food, but in this case I had no choice. The young man who helped me was polite and offered to fix the mistake, but due to time constraints (the Dodgem Cars were about to close again at 2pm), I requested a refund instead. During this, a blonde female staff member who had refunded our slushies earlier stepped in and accused me of ordering the Big Banana burger, saying she had heard me say it. That was both incorrect and extremely embarrassing, as she said it in a sarcastic tone. I know exactly what I ordered, and being publicly contradicted and essentially called a liar was upsetting and unacceptable. What’s most frustrating is that our previous visit was so good, which is why we returned and even brought more family along this time. But the inconsistencies in staff attitude, service quality, food preparation, and pricing left us deeply disappointed. We visit the area every year, and The Big Banana has always been part of our trip—but based on this experience, we’re seriously reconsidering returning to...
Read moreThe Big Banana in Coffs Harbour is an absolute must-visit destination! It’s not just a fun park; it’s a family-friendly haven for all ages. What makes it even better is the variety of price options to suit every budget, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun.
I highly recommend purchasing the unlimited access pass for an unforgettable experience. With this pass, you can fully immerse yourself in all the attractions, and trust me, there’s something for everyone. The XD Theatre is a real highlight, offering mind-blowing 4D rides that had us on the edge of our seats. We couldn’t resist trying all of them!
For those who love a chilly adventure, the ice-skating rink is a fantastic addition. It’s open to skaters of all levels, making it a perfect family activity. And if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, don’t miss the toboggan ride – it’s an absolute blast!
But that’s not all; the Big Banana offers even more entertainment with mini golf and laser tagging, adding a competitive edge to your visit. And for those who enjoy water activities, the water park is a fantastic option to cool off and have a splashing good time.
When you visit the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, you’re in for more than just thrilling attractions; there’s also a wide array of food options available at the cafe to satisfy your appetite. The food quality is undeniably good, with a menu that caters to various tastes. However, it’s worth noting that the prices in the cafe are on the higher side.
Fortunately, the coffee served at the park is not only of high quality but also correctly priced, making it a refreshing and affordable choice to keep you energized throughout your day of adventure.
Before you leave, make sure to explore the well-stocked souvenir shop on the premises. While the prices here may range from moderate to high, you’ll find a diverse selection of mementos to remember your Big Banana experience.
So, while the food prices at the cafe may be a bit steep, the overall experience at the Big Banana remains a fantastic one. With excellent coffee, thrilling attractions, and a souvenir shop for keepsakes, it’s still an unforgettable destination for family fun in...
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