When it comes to family-friendly attractions in Australia, The Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour has a well-earned reputation. With its iconic giant banana shape and a wide range of activities, it promises a full day of excitement for visitors of all ages. We’ve taken a close look at the Ultimate Pass—a ticket designed to unlock the full spectrum of what this lively park offers—and here’s what you need to know before you go.
What we particularly like about this experience are the diverse attractions—from water slides to laser tag—and the fact that you can enjoy many activities as many times as you like within your visit. It’s a convenient way to get the most value out of your day, especially if your group’s energy levels vary. That said, a noteworthy consideration is the cost of food on-site, which many reviews mention as a bit steep and potentially affecting your budget if you plan to spend a lot of time there.
This experience suits families with children, groups seeking a mix of adrenaline and relaxation, or anyone looking to combine fun, education, and nostalgia into one affordable day trip. If you’re ready for a lively, activity-packed outing with plenty of options, the Big Banana could be just the ticket.
Key Points
- All-in-one family fun: Offers a broad array of activities suitable for different interests.
- Good value for money: The Ultimate Pass allows unlimited access to attractions for a full day.
- Variable weather options: Indoor and outdoor activities make it flexible in different weather conditions.
- Food costs: Can be high; consider bringing snacks or planning for meal expenses.
- Crowd management: Many reviews mention minimal wait times, making for a smooth day.
- Memorable experiences: Activities like mini golf, ice skating, and water slides are crowd favorites.
Contents
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Ultimate Pass Experience
- A Full Day of Activities for All Ages
- What’s Included and What’s Not
- Getting the Most From Your Day
- The Variety of Attractions
- Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback
- Practical Tips for Visiting
- The Verdict: Who Will Love This Experience?
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- More Tour Reviews in Coffs Harbour
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Coffs Harbour we have recnetly reviewed
An In-Depth Look at the Ultimate Pass Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Coffs Harbour.
A Full Day of Activities for All Ages
The Ultimate Pass—priced at around $63.12 per person—is designed to give visitors unlimited access to key attractions like the giant water slides, laser tag, mini golf, 4D ride simulator, ice skating rink, bumper cars, and a banana plantation tour. Admission itself is free; you pay for the attractions, which means you can indulge as much as you want during your visit. For families, this creates a flexible itinerary, letting each person choose what they want to do most and revisit favorites.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The pass includes the classic activities that have made the park famous—think thrilling toboggan rides, giant water slides, laser tag battles, an interactive banana plantation tour, and more. These attractions are what most visitors rave about, providing a mix of adrenaline rushes and gentle family fun.
However, it’s worth noting the exclusions: Escape Rooms and Axe Throwing are not part of the Ultimate Pass. If these are on your must-do list, you’ll need to consider separate tickets.
Getting the Most From Your Day
Most reviews highlight how the park’s open hours (9 am to 4:30 pm) make for a manageable day. It’s advisable to arrive early if you want to maximize your time, especially on weekends or during holiday periods. The park is large enough to warrant some walking, and while parking is accessible, some guests suggest driving closer if mobility is an issue—especially for the uphill walks that connect different attractions.
The Variety of Attractions
Water Park: This is a highlight, perfect for hot days or families who love splashing around. Giant water slides promise adrenaline, although some reviews mention seasonal closures, like the water park being shut before summer—so check ahead if that’s a priority.
Ice Skating: A surprisingly popular feature, the rink offers a fun twist in a tropical setting. One reviewer called it a “hit,” and it’s a good choice if you want a break from high-energy rides.
Mini Golf: The course is described as entertaining and accessible. Several visitors comment that it’s a good way to relax and have some friendly competition.
Laser Tag & 4D Ride Simulator: Both are praised for adding excitement and virtual adventure to the day. The 4D cinema especially captures interest with its immersive effects.
Banana Plantation Tour: This provides some educational value in a fun way—learning about bananas’ history and cultivation. Some find it basic, but it adds a nice touch of local flavor.
Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback
Reviews provide a balanced view—many guests mention waiting times at the cafe (up to 1.5 hours), which can impact your day. Several note that food prices are high, so packing snacks might be wise. Others, however, appreciate the friendly staff and clean environment, making the overall experience pleasant.
The water slides often emerge as the favorite activity, with visitors exclaiming “the slide was the best” and “kids love the giant slide.” Conversely, some attractions like the luge were temporarily unavailable, which disappointed visitors who had been looking forward to it.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early to maximize your time and beat potential crowds.
- Bring snacks and drinks to avoid expensive on-site food options.
- Check opening hours in advance—some attractions may close seasonally.
- Consider mobility—parking closer or taking a stroller/wheelchair might be helpful.
- Plan your day around peak attraction times to reduce waiting.
The Verdict: Who Will Love This Experience?
The Big Banana Ultimate Pass offers a solid mix of fun, education, and nostalgia. It’s particularly well-suited for families with children, offering endless activities that keep everyone entertained. The price point is reasonable given the number of attractions included, especially if you take advantage of the unlimited access.
If you’re someone who enjoys a variety of activities—from water slides to mini golf—and appreciates the opportunity to revisit favorites without extra cost, this should be on your list. Be prepared for food costs, and perhaps bring your own snacks to stretch the value even further.
For travelers who prefer more exclusive or specialized attractions, or those who dislike walking or wait times, this might feel a bit crowded or limited. However, for those seeking a fun-filled, family-oriented day with some educational elements thrown in, it’s a great choice.
The Sum Up
The Big Banana Fun Park’s Ultimate Pass delivers a cost-effective way to enjoy a full day of diverse activities in a lively, friendly environment. It offers a well-balanced mix of thrill rides, relaxed activities, and learning opportunities that appeal to all ages. The flexibility of unlimited access makes it especially appealing for families, groups, or anyone wanting to indulge in multiple attractions without the hassle of separate tickets.
While some visitors do mention waiting times and food prices as minor inconveniences, these are outweighed by the overall fun and variety. The park’s clean facilities and friendly staff add to the positive experience, making it a memorable outing in Coffs Harbour.
If you’re after a family-friendly, activity-packed day that balances excitement with education, the Big Banana’s Ultimate Pass provides excellent value and a fun way to spend your time. Just plan ahead, pack snacks, and enjoy the tropical charm of this iconic Australian attraction.
The Big Banana Fun Park – 1-Day Ultimate Pass
“Very slow big banana cafe – We have to wait for food for 1.5 hours. Customers also had the same issue at the time. We missed some activities due …”
FAQ
What is included in the Ultimate Pass?
It includes unlimited access to attractions like water slides, laser tag, mini golf, ice skating, 4D ride simulator, banana plantation tour, bumper cars, and toboggan rides.
Can I revisit my favorite activities?
Yes, the pass allows you to enjoy each attraction as many times as you like during your visit.
Are there any attractions not included?
Yes, Escape Rooms and Axe Throwing are not part of the Ultimate Pass.
How long should I plan for my visit?
Between 1 to 8 hours, depending on how many activities you want to experience and how much time you spend at each.
Is food available on-site?
Yes, there is a cafe, but reviews mention long wait times and high prices, so bringing your own snacks might be smarter.
What are the opening hours?
The park is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week.
Is there parking available?
Yes, parking is accessible, and you can drive closer if mobility is a concern.
Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed.
Is the experience suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the park is designed to be family-friendly, with activities suitable for children and adults alike.
In all, the Big Banana Fun Park with its Ultimate Pass offers a robust, value-packed experience that’s bound to create lasting memories for families and groups seeking a fun-filled day in Coffs Harbour.
