AusLeisure

After several years of behind the scenes planning, Coffs Harbour attraction the Big Banana has announced a landmark $1.6 million waterpark development.

With the 'Big Thing' attraction celebrating its 50th anniversary, the development is expected to boost tourism in the NSW North Coast holiday town.

Commenting on the development, The Big Banana General Manager Michael Lockman stated "this is a key strategic move in converting the iconic tourist attraction into a major theme and fun park."

Construction is due to commence in May with Coffs Harbour based company Swimplex Aquatics set to install slides from Polin Waterparks and a splash pad.

Swimplex Aquatics Project Manager Daniel Leaver said that highlights of the water park will be a 14 metre high platform that will launch four exhilarating rides and an AquaTower interactive splash pad.

Leaver explained "this project is a landmark development for the people of Coffs Harbour and we are very pleased to have been chosen to deliver this Water Park.

"It is another feather in our cap of delivering turn-key water slides and splash pads throughout Australia.

"We are looking forward to not only building this park locally but also being able to share it with our families and kids!”

Slides operating from the tower include a 96 metre open body slide, a 119 metre raft ride and, what Leaver describes as a “heart stopping” kamikaze slide.

Leaver added "after the first hump, the kamikaze slide is a 45 degree plummet that gets riders to the bottom in 38 heart stopping metres.

“It’s the quickest way to the bottom short of bungy jumping.”

The fourth slide is an exhilarating 90 metre tube body slide with 'black hole' and 'light effects' features for even greater excitement.

The AquaTower splash pad will include a tipping bucket, interactive water toys, three additional junior water slides and an Interactive Water Jet Zone.

Image shows elevations for the new waterslides on the the Big Banana's hillside site.

The project was announced by Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight and local MP Andrew Fraser at the Big Banana’s 50th anniversary cocktail party on Saturday night (28th February).

A video message on the night by Prime Minster Tony Abbott highlighted the wide-spread appreciation of the iconic “traffic-stopper”

Prime Minister Abbott stated "although there are more than 150 'Big Things' across our land ... there is none more iconic than Australia’s very first big thing – the Big Banana."

A commemorative plaque was also unveiled by Cr Knight and Mr Fraser that will be displayed in front of the landmark attraction.

Now the Coffs Harbour and NSW attractions communities are focusing on the new water park a with Lockman anticipating that further developments could follow the success of the first stage.

Lockman stated "we have experienced a considerable uplift in visitation since the laser tag and mini golf course was built.

“We believe that this major water park will take visitation to the park and Coffs Harbour to record highs.”

An extensive marketing plan is scheduled for the opening of the water park and a 'Stay & Play' style packages will be developed with accommodation providers in the region to drive tourism and visitation.

Work on the project is expected to be completed by September.

Visit the Big Banana website at www.bigbanana.com

Click here to contact Swimplex Aquatics via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

Click here to contact Polin Waterparks via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

4th February 2015 - POLIN REBRANDING HIGHLIGHTS WATERPARK EXPERIENCE

5th January 2015 - $4 MILLION ALPHA AQUATIC CENTRE UPGRADE MOVES FORWARD

2nd December 2014 - NEW SWIMPLEX AQUATICS INSTALLED POLIN WATERSLIDE OPENS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

22nd September 2014 - BIG BANANA EXPANDS AS 50TH BIRTHDAY APPROACHES

20th October 2010 - KEEPING FIT AND ACTIVE ON THE HIGH SEAS

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Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.