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The Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour has announced a $50 million masterplan outlining a major expansion of the iconic tourist attraction.

With the Big Banana Fun Park holding 15 hectares of undeveloped land, the new masterplan will utilise this space to add new rides and attractions, including up to 50 cabins for holiday accommodation, and relocate some of the existing attractions.

Over the past 15 years, The Big Banana has developed into a diverse visitor attraction with rides and attractions for all ages.

It features the biggest waterpark between the Gold Coast and Sydney, the biggest giant slide in the country, a 36-hole mini golf course, a 4D ride simulator, laser tag arena, toboggan ride, ice skating rink, the World of Bananas Theatre and Tour Experience, the ‘Going Bananas’ Cafe and Gift Shop, a Fun Zone that caters for younger patrons, Reptile World, Opal Centre, Candy Making Kitchen, and Cheesemaking Workshop.

Announced in the week of The Big Banana’s 56th birthday, the following attractions are expected to be completed as early as 2023:

• The construction of up to 50 family friendly, nature-based accommodation cabins
• An expansion of the waterpark, which will include a duelling raft ride off a 16.5 metre platform, additional children’s slides, water play equipment and a wading pool
• A new Plantation Coaster that will loop around the hillside and through the banana plantations, providing magnificent views of the Ocean
• A contemporary and stylish brewery and restaurant with an open and airy environment reflective of the plantation style of the Park
• A ‘Demolition Derby’ amusement ride

Future stages of the Master Plan will include:

• More new rides and attractions
• Additional specialty shops and outlets
• A 4 ½ Star multi-level resort style accommodation affording expansive ocean views
• Expanded food and beverage offerings
• Further Water Park improvements
• The relocation and upgrade of the 36-hole mini golf course
• Upgraded access points and connection pathways
• Conferencing and Event facilities.

Introducing the masterplan, The Big Banana General Manager, Michael Lockman stated “the Big Banana Fun Park Master Plan presents a 20-year vision that will further establish this iconic tourist attraction as a key destination for Coffs Harbour and the North Coast.

“With a renewed focus on domestic tourism in Australia, the timing is perfect for these very exciting enhancements.”

Besides providing a boost to tourism and employment in the local region, this major expansion might offer an investment opportunity.

Lockman added that the owners of The Big Banana Fun Park are considering making shares available to certain qualifying investors and are particularly interested in expanding the shareholding to include investors from the Coffs Harbour Region.

The proceeds from the sale of shares would assist with funding the Park’s expansion.

Images: The Big Banana General Manager, Michael Lockman with the masterplan document (top) and an artist's impression of the plan (below).

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