I haven’t stopped at The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour since 1986, as I always seem to be passing Coffs Harbour in the air these days. I’d like to say that nothing has changed, but I would be lying. But, things always seem different when you were younger, weren’t there a lot more banana trees back then? Nowadays The Big Banana is a fun park; a toboggan ride, waterslides, there’s even an ice skating rink, and of course a huge gift shop. Yes, they still sell choc-coated frozen bananas, and people still pose for photographs in front of the big bright yellow banana, but it’s just not the same. The Going Bananas Cafe is geared to families, and in saying that I mean kids. As I stand at the counter to order my scones, I spy my scones in the cake cabinet and know it wasn’t going to be pretty. They are on the dry side and slightly anemic, with the jam and cream arriving in small plastic tubs. Not one for wasting food, after a couple of mouthfuls, I must admit, they went into the bin.

Scones: 

Jam: 

Cream: 

Tea: A small variety of tea bags.

Price: $$

Overall: Give the cafe a miss unless you’re hanging for a choc-coated frozen banana.

Location: The Big Banana, 351 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Ph: 02 6652 4355 www.bigbanana.com
Reviewed in October, 2013