Banana fritter and a Tesla test drive
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We’ve passed The Big Banana many times, but this was the first time I’ve stopped there. It’s grown over the years to include a toboggan ride, water slides, ice skating, laser tag and a lot more.
But we’re far too sophisticated for all that 😉. All I could think about in the drive up was getting a banana split, which changed to a banana fritter and banana smoothie when we reached the important decision at the counter of Bananas Cafe.
In the car park, I noticed a Tesla Model 3 and Y with a QR code on the side, and a label “Self-Serve Test Drive”. It seems that you can just walk up to it, scan the bar code, and take the EV for a test drive. Clever idea, since I guess many people see the EVs parked at the superchargers and wonder what it would be like to drive one.
Years ago, I think we first saw EVs charging at the chargers behind Olivers in Gundagai and wondered the same. A couple of years later we took a Tesla for a test drive, and were so impressed that we ordered one on the spot.
Charging
Back in Valla Beach this morning, I entered our destination as Byron Bay. The Tesla’s navigation defaulted to us stopping here to charge for a few minutes. We usually just leave the default, but often override it later if we need to stop earlier or later. But this stop was perfect timing. A good chance to check out the Big Banana and the new chargers for the first time. As usual, the actual charging is a non event. We just park, plug in, and walk away. In this case, the changing finished before my banana fritter order arrived, so I had to move the car to a non charger sport a a few metres away.
Related Posts
- Where we woke that morning — Valla Beach: Valla Beach and The Big Thong 15 Sep 2026
- And the Urunga boardwalk the evening before, plugged in beside it: Just plug in, because you never know. 14 Sep 2026
- Oliver's at Gundagai, where we first watched EVs charging: A half-hour smoothie wait at Oliver's, Gundagai 13 May 2024
- Our own Tesla test drive — 25 minutes in a Model Y Juniper: Our 25-minute Model Y 'Juniper' test drive 23 Apr 2025
- Where that day ended — Byron Bay, and an idling SUV: Please turn off your engine while parked 15 Sep 2026
Links
- The Big Banana Fun Park, 351 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour: The Big Banana
- What the QR code on the door goes to — Tesla's Schedule a Drive: tesla.com/drive
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In fact it makes a lot of sense as anyone can be given access if they have a mobile phone with a Tesla app.
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