The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour is Australia’s original and most iconic “Big Thing”. With National Banana Day on Friday May 1, NSW is celebrating this golden treasure right across the state.

Whether you enjoy your bananas in a smoothie, baked in bread, or straight from the skin, here are seven ap-peeling ways to get involved:

Everyone loves banana bread (Sydney, NSW):

There’s a bunch of cafes, bakeries and restaurants across Sydney where you can grab a slice of NSW’s finest banana bread. Hit up Flour and Stone in Woolloomooloo for their house made banana, chocolate and hazelnut loaf, or Hoochie Mama Cafe in Newtown for their house-made gluten free option.

For an iconic Aussie experience, it’s all about the Big Banana (Coffs Harbour, NSW):

It wouldn’t be National Banana Day without a mention of Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana. Celebrate by ordering some of their famous treats online including choc-coated bananas, jams, chutneys and lollies, as well as fresh bananas straight from the plantation. Plus, learn five ways to eat a banana and other useful tips.

Take a walk around the bend on Banana Street (Mandurama, NSW):

If you happen to live in the rural town of Mandurama (or are dreaming about visiting soon), make sure you take a walk down Banana Street for a street-sign snap in celebration of our nation’s favourite fruit.

For something a little bit naughty and nice, grab some choc-coated bananas (Junee, NSW):

For a regional treat like no-other, order a packet of Junee Licorice Factory’s famous choc-bananas. Available online, you can purchase their signature semi-dried bananas covered in Junee’s organic couverture milk, dark and white chocolate.

Scoop it up on the South Coast (Narooma, NSW):

Narooma Ice Creamery Café is renowned for its house-made ice cream, which incorporates flavours unique to the South Coast. If you’re not a local and can’t visit right now, put this spot on your list for a future trip. Our recommendation is to get a tub of the crowd favourite, banana and peanut butter, to take away.

For something a bit more decadent (Southern Highlands, NSW):

The Southern Highlands is famous for its pies, hosting the annual Pie Time each June. Anyone will attest that Gumnut Patisserie is a must-visit and makes one of the best Banoffee Pies, period. Place an order online to celebrate National Banana Day with decadence.

Banana-flavoured syrup, all the way from Broken Hill (Broken Hill, NSW)

Bells Milk Bar is so famous for its milkshakes and soda spiders that its owners had to start selling the milk bar’s signature syrups online. Celebrate National Banana Day this year by ordering a bottle of banana flavoured syrup to use in your at-home milkshake, dessert and cocktail creations.

For more information on visiting the banana growing and tropical regions of northern NSW including Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Byron Bay Hinterland and The Tweed go to www.visitnsw.com. 

SOURCE: Visit NSW