Coffs Harbour: Muttonbird Island, Culture and the Big Banana

Coffs Harbour brings together a seabird colony in the heart of town, a significant Gumbaynggirr site, a historic jetty, and distinctive cultural and leisure experiences. The themes range from the nature and history of Muttonbird Island to exhibitions in the town centre and the 13-metre-tall banana. When planning your holiday, the first question is whether you mainly want to explore nature and culture or also include some fun activities.

Muttonbird Island: Nature and Gumbaynggirr history

Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is a seabird colony in the heart of Coffs Harbour. It is one of the few easily accessible places in New South Wales where the migratory wedge-tailed shearwater breeds. The island therefore combines a specific nature experience with its significance to the Gumbaynggirr: Muttonbird Island, also known as Giidany Miirlarl, is an important Aboriginal site with Dreaming stories and many traditional resources. If you are interested in nature and Indigenous history, you will find two aspects here that are closely connected to the same island.

The guided “Muttonbirds by Moonlight” tour is also led by local Gumbaynggirr rangers. It is award-winning and offers a distinctive way to explore the themes associated with Muttonbird Island. The tour name is part of the offering; beyond that, you should not base your travel plans on an assumed schedule.

Art and history in the town centre

Yarrila Arts and Museum is located at Yarrila Place in the heart of the Coffs Harbour CBD, on Gumbaynggirr Country. The cultural centre has five exhibition spaces and a varied program featuring art, social history, and natural history exhibitions. The venue therefore covers a range of subjects rather than focusing on a single perspective on art or history.

The permanent exhibition “Yaamanga Around Here” explores the people, stories, and identity of the Coffs Coast. It uses objects, artworks, and multimedia presentations to do so. If you are interested in both regional stories and different forms of presentation during your visit, this exhibition offers a distinct focus. Yarrila Arts and Museum’s five exhibition spaces and broad program also make it a place to visit for a range of cultural interests.

Another historic landmark is the Coffs Harbour Jetty. It is the last surviving jetty built by the state government in New South Wales in the late 19th century. Its history of construction therefore adds a specific structure from that era to the nature and museum themes.

The Big Banana: Landmark and leisure activities

The Big Banana shows another side of Coffs Harbour. It officially opened on 22 December 1964. At 13 metres tall, the banana was Australia’s first “Big Thing” and was considered the largest banana in the world. This history makes it a distinctive part of the local landmarks; its size and early opening date give its name a specific historical context.

The Big Banana Fun Park offers the Plantation Coaster, an alpine coaster ride through the landscape, as well as a 36-hole mini-golf course. The two activities have different focuses: the coaster is a ride, while mini-golf centres on the game. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you would rather include a ride or a round of mini-golf together, instead of treating the two activities as the same experience.

Choose the right focus for your stay

These experiences offer different points to consider when looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Coffs Harbour. Muttonbird Island combines nature with Gumbaynggirr history; Yarrila Arts and Museum covers art, social history, and natural history; the Jetty and the Big Banana represent, respectively, building history and a distinctive landmark with named leisure activities. Consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay. This can help you decide what kind of trip you want before choosing accommodation in Coffs Harbour.

If you would like to include other local pages in your travel plans, you can also explore Bonville, Arrawarra, Woolgoolga, Upper Orara, and Sapphire Beach.

For the broader travel overview: Coffs Harbour City Council.