Plans lodged for $2m Big Banana water park expansion

The plans, which include a new duelling raft ride and a wading pool for the little ones, marks the first tangible forward in the Big Banana’s whopping $50m expansion.

Plans have been lodged for the Big Banana's water park expansion, which includes a new raft ride and wading pool.

The submission of development plans for a new water raft ride has marked the first tangible step forward in the Big Banana’s recently announced $50m expansion.

The first stage in the massive expansion is the extension of the water park to include both a new raft ride as well as a wading pool for children under 1.2m tall. The entire $50m expansion is expected to take place over the course of 20 years.

A development application for the $2m water park project was submitted to Coffs Harbour City Council last week and is under review.

General Manager Michael Lockman previously told The Advocate that they were aiming for the new raft ride and wading pool to be ready by the summer.

Plans have been lodged for the Big Banana's water park expansion, which includes a new duelling raft ride and wading pool.

Mr Lockman said the project would include two new duelling rafts off a 16.5m platform, fitted with sensors and a scoreboard so park visitors can race each other. He added the new wading pool would provide a greater offering for the “littler kids.”

A multistorey resort, brewery, a coaster ride and nature-based cabins are just some of the other additions expected to become a reality at the fun park over the 20-year expansion.

It was announced before Christmas last year, through the release of the tourist attraction’s 20-year Master Plan on its 56th birthday.

Michael Lockman, manager of the Big Banana, announced the release of the Big Banana’s 20-year Master Plan just before Christmas.

The Big Banana currently holds 15 hectares of undeveloped land, which will be used to add the new rides, attractions and accommodation.

“With a renewed focus on domestic tourism in Australia, the timing is perfect for these very excitement enhancements,” Mr Lockman had said.

With the assistance of a local engineer and builder, the Big Banana was first opened by Californian expat and banana grower John Landi in 1964 as part of a bid to draw attention to his roadside banana stall.

It has gradually expanded over time and is now the biggest theme park between Sydney and the Gold Coast.