Top 10 Things to do in Coffs Harbour, Australia

The name 'Dolphin Marine Magic' is a trading name for the iconic Pet Porpoise Pool Pty Limited. Dolphin Marine Magic is located on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW, in the city of Coffs Harbour and sits approximately midway between Sydney and Brisbane. We are very close to the jetty precinct and adjacent to the Coffs Creek and we have been 'edutaining' (educating/entertaining) and engaging visitors for more than four decades. Over the years we have won many business and tourism awards. Dolphin Marine Magic is a fully accredited marine park with the regional Zoo and Aquarium Association. We are licensed by the Department of Primary Industries to exhibit the animals we have in our care. On Boxing Day in 1970, the marine park opened as a rescue and rehabilitation centre for native marine animals, and we continue with this work. We have a Rehabilitation Licence issued by NSW - Office of Environment & Heritage - NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services. Additionally, we work closely with our local branch of NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services and have a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with them on how we will work together for the benefit of our native marine animals.

The Forest Sky Pier is a spectacular architectural feature providing the panoramic views over the Coffs Coast and Hinterland. Cantilevered off the edge of Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest, the Forest Sky Pier projects 22 metres out over rainforest, 15 metres above the forest canopy. The Forest Sky Pier is a 5-10 minute drive off the Pacific Highway through banana plantations and forest, taking in amazing views as you travel up the hill side. It's a must-see destination for the North Coast.

The Butterfly House is an enclosed subtropical environment where visitors have the opportunity all year round, to get close to nature, be surrounded by myriads of live Australian butterflies and learn about their life-cycle. Our knowledgeable guides are always available to share the experience. Visitors can explore our maze and enjoy a snack in our cafe.

The Solitary Islands Aquarium, located at Southern Cross University's National Marine Science Centre, serves as an important community asset helping to bring an awareness and appreciation for our marine environment through education and science. Our facility is focused on regional species, resource management and conservation. The aquarium provides an intimate experience for visitors to learn about and to interact with marine life of the Coffs Coast through our series of Aquariums, presentations, and visual displays.

Wholesale production of carob, chocolate, honeycomb and brittle confectionery products. Public viewing of production is free so are the tastings. A full retail shop to buy at factory prices & mail order is available. Tea/coffee is available and a colouring-in table for the little ones. Group tours are available for free but bookings are essential as we already have pre-booked tours throughout the year, so email or phone call will prevent double booking. Our grounds are park-like and suitable for picnics. Public toilets - change table.

In 1964 John Landi wanted something to make passing traffic stop at his road side banana stall. He had heard of a "Big Pineapple" in Hawaii and thought that something big would definitely stop traffic. With assistance of 1200 pounds and local engineer, Alan Chapman, who set about designing the giant banana by cutting the best looking banana he could find into 40 pieces and developing plans from which builders could work from, the Big Banana could become a reality. Builder Alan Harvey started the construction in September 1964 with the work to be completed before Christmas. The biggest banana in the world was officially opened on December 22 that year. Not long after, John Enevoldson joined as a partner and they expanded with 20 more plantation acres, a shop, cafe and a larger car park. In 1968 John Landi retired and sold his share to John Enevoldson who continued building the business until 1988 when it was sold to Horticulture World, which was part owned by local businessman Bob Johnston. Bob continued expanding the Big Banana into an educational showcase before undergoing a $30 million redevelopment that re opened in June 1989. The Big Banana now boasts The Banana Slip Water Park (Australia's first 3 story high inflatable waterslide - the biggest in the world), Ice Skating Rink, Wild Toboggan Ride, Going Bananas Cafe, Gift and Souvenir shop, Candy Kitchen, Sunset Lakes Nursery, "The World of Bananas" multimedia theatre experience, plantation and packing shed tour a state-of-the-art Laser Tag arena and in December 2014, a 36 hole Mini Golf Course ! The Big Banana, "It's a Whole Bunch of Fun!"