The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
S 30° 16.488 E 153° 08.034
56J E 512878 N 6650756
The Big Banana opened in December, 1964, on the northern edge of Coffs Harbour to advance the local 'Banana Industry'.
Waymark Code: WMV3D2
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 02/16/2017
Views: 9
As the Monuments Australia website elaborates, (
visit link) the local banana farmer, John Landi wanted a little extra to help stop the highway traffic to pull over and buy his produce at his fruit stall, so having heard of the "Big Pineapple" in Hawaii decided to make a local 'version'.
Right from 'the start' this has been a 'walk-through' Giant of Commerce, with information inside on the Banana Industry in general, and the local plantation in particular. * However in February, 2017 none of the screens were active.*
There is a plaque celebrating 50 years, below The Big Banana, which reads:
"This plaque commemorates 50 years of
THE BIG BANANA
Opened on 22nd December, 1964, to advance the Banana Industry and Tourism in Coffs Harbour, The Big Banana generated a spirit of warmth, goodwill and entrepreneurial endeavour, which resulted in many similar developments across our continent.
"Big Things" are now a form of artistic expression unique to Australia.
Unveiled 28th February 2015 by
Mr Andrew Fraser MP; Member for Coffs Harbour
Cr Denise Knight; Mayor of Coffs Harbour
OWNERSHIP HISTORY
John & Betty Landi
John & Stella Enevoldson
1964-1987
Horticultural World Pty Ltd
Harold Mitchell, Ian Ditchfield
Bob Johnson
1987-1992
Kevin & Marie Rubie
Mary-Anne Costar
1993-2005
The Village Building Co. Ltd
Kevin & Marie Rubie
2005-Present"
I would think that this Banana would be at least 8 metres long! And, you can walk through it!
This fits into the OTHER Depiction, as it is FRUIT! and NOT fantasy or pre-historic!
Access: Best and easiest when heading 'north', but still accessible when heading south. Plenty of parking behind - NONE in front.