Our guide to the best things to do on the Coffs Coast has your family holiday covered. From the iconic Big Banana Fun Park to a heartfelt visit with local wildlife, here are just some of the top attractions you’ll find in Coffs Harbour.
Visiting an Iconic Fun Park at The Big Banana
My goodness, this is not the Big Banana I remember from the 1980s. This place is awesome now; a full-on fun park where you should put aside a whole day to enjoy all that goes on. It has everything from a massive water slide and a toboggan that seems to go on forever, to an old-fashioned fun zone and even an ice-skating rink. While it was always iconic, it has truly grown into a destination with something for absolutely everyone.
A Friendly Competition of Laser Tag at The Big Banana
We’re always up for a bit of competitive sport, and the Laser Tag arena at the Big Banana did not disappoint. One of our crew was talking a good deal of smack before we all took to the course, but it seems to me that it was pretty even at the end. For some reason, the cameras were turned off just before we got to see the final scores, so I guess the winner wasn’t our director! Seriously though, this is a fun way for family and friends to spend time together.
Visiting an Inspiring Sanctuary at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
We were so inspired by the story behind the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. It seems there were plans to turn the site into several blocks of apartments, but Tiga Cross and her husband bought the place to save it. Now, this magnificent facility provides a ‘forever home’ to over 40 marine and terrestrial animals that can’t be returned to the wild due to injury or illness. These animals serve as ambassadors, helping to educate the community and promote awareness for their species and the preservation of their environments.
Finding Serenity on the Boambee Creek Estuary
After a lot of fun but busy time at Coffs Harbour, the serenity of Boambee Creek Estuary was so welcome. This favourite spot for kayaking enthusiasts near Sawtell offers a variety of options, whether you prefer to drift with the tide or take on a more challenging long paddle. The pristine water allows you to see stingrays gliding through the shallows and scores of crabs scurrying across the sandy flats. It’s an enjoyable opportunity to learn about the area’s flora and fauna while exploring the creek’s remarkable beauty.
Discovering a Passion for Reptiles at Reptile World
You can tell when someone is truly passionate about their life’s work, and that’s exactly the feeling you get from Steve McEwan at Reptile World. His exhibit, located at the Big Banana, is a tribute to all the hard work he has put in over the years learning about these incredible species. This is the place for you if you love reptiles. You can see snakes, lizards, and crocodiles on display, have your photo taken with a python, or even feed Snappy the Estuarine ‘Saltwater’ Crocodile.
A Picturesque Challenge of Mini Golf at The Big Banana
There was one last thing to do at the Big Banana! Our crew took on the challenge of the mini-golf course, set beautifully amid the bananas and overlooking the lovely Coffs Harbour coastline. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say our group was very competitive and didn’t mind a sledge, but it was a lovely way to finish up a big day at the fun park. The competition was fierce, the scores were close, and you’ll have to watch the video to find out who won!
- Find your perfect stay retracing our steps at these awesome NSW and Qld holiday and caravan parks. Or catch our full East Coast road trip, through the words of author Leanne O’Neill, editor of our Queensland and NSW touring guide.
