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. The Big Banana now boasts a Giant Slide know as "The Racer" which is the biggest slide of its kind in the country, The Big Banana Water Park (the biggest Water Park between Sydney and The Gold Coast), Area 351 Laser Tag Arena, 36 hole Mini Golf Course, Ice Skating Rink, Wild Toboggan Ride, “The World of Bananas" multimedia theatre experience, plantation and packing shed tour, Going Bananas Cafe, Gift and Souvenir shop, Candy Kitchen, Opal Centre and Cheesemaking Workshop! The Big Banana, "It's a Whole Bunch of Fun!"