Five Big Australian Fruit Icons
The Big Banana
351 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Probably the most iconic of the Big Fruits, the Big Banana is fun for all the family and you will be able to fill in the day pretty easily. This is no quick stopover, especially if you have kids.
This roadside attraction actually directs people to the biggest family fun park on the northern NSW coast, set amongst the banana trees and with breathtaking views of the Coffs Harbour coast. It is open every day from 9am to 5pm.
The park has a 600m toboggan track, a Laser Tag arena and a Water Park with four waterslides and an aqua play area, There are also a 36 hole mini golf course, theatre and a banana plantation tour, ice Skating rink, candy kitchen, a cheese making workshop and an Opal Centre.
The Big Pineapple
76 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Kitsch? Absolutely. Popular? Undoubtedly!
Located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, the Big Pineapple has had its had had its up and downs over the years – from floods to cyclones and every weather incident in between.
It is open every day from 9am to 4pm and basically outlines the pineapple farming process. The view from the observation deck at the top of the Big Pineapple is amazing and the Pineapple Train should not be missed – it is the steepest climbing railway line in Australia. There is even a zoo with over 200 animals for you to visit!
The Big Orange
Berri, SA (closed) OR River Rd, Harvey WA 6220 (open)
Ok, don’t get confused here. The original Big Orange is in Berri, South Australia and is one of the biggest big fruits in Australia at 15. There are plans to rejuvenate the site but those plans are on hold.
But don’t despair, keep driving to Western Australia and you can see their version of the Big Orange. This Big Orange sit on a 10 metre tower, with a further 4 metre climb to its viewing platform. This icon sits above the Harvey Fresh orchards. You must stop by and see this, especially if you like oranges.
The Big Avocado – Tropical Fruit World
29 Duranbah Road, Duranbah, NSW
The Big Avocado is situated outside Tropical Fruit World and while it pales into insignificance somewhat to the other “Big” fruits above, it is well worth the visit. Previously called The Avocado Adventureland, Tropical Fruit World now showcases a wide range of tropical fruits – there are now over 500 tropical fruits from around the world growing here.
Make sure you do a Fruit Tasting – from cheese fruits and caramel fruit to champagne fruit and ice cream bean. There is an absolute smorgasbord of fruits you will never have heard of, let alone tasted. Book a Park Tour and you get the Fruit Tasting included.
There is an educational guide tour on the Plantation Safari ride, a jungle river cruise and miniature train ride to enjoy while you are here too. And get a smoothie on the way out – made from your favourite tropical fruit.
The Big Mango
Bruce Highway, Bowen, 4805
There must be something about tropical fruits which makes people want to build big versions of them. Bowen has the Big Mango. It is a tribute to the fruit which has put the town on the map.
This Big Fruit is situated next to the city of Bowen’s tourist information centre, paying tribute to the mango orchards in the area and the prosperity it delivered.
In February 2014, the 7 tonne Big Mango was stolen overnight, loaded into a truck by some unnamed pranksters. It was found not too far away, well hidden under branches and a tarp. It was later revealed as a publicity stunt and a pretty good one at that.