TEXTILES designer Ellie Whittaker stopped over at The Big Banana on an East Coast road trip to source inspiration for her collection of iconic Aussie prints and designs.

Ellie’s Australian designs show patterns full of colour and whimsy inspired by childhood nostalgia, literature and popular references.

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“My road trip was inspired by good old-fashioned Aussie nostalgia,” Ellie told News Of The Area.

“I grew up in Berri, South Australia, which was famous for the Big Orange.

“We’d drive past it all the time and it had a roller-skating rink in a shed behind, so I have very fond childhood memories of ‘Big Things’.

“I think when you think of Australia’s big things, The Big Banana is the first that pops into most people’s heads.”

It stood out as a ‘must-do’ on her trip from the Gold Coast to Sydney.

“Coffs Harbour is a fantastic coastal town, an amalgamation of all the things I love – regional towns, the beach, and the big things – I am constantly being inspired by the Aussie land and seascape for my prints.”

Living on the Gold Coast, the beach is Ellie’s happy place, and she finds herself gravitating towards creating ocean-themed prints.

“It’s amazing that you can travel to beach after beach, and they all have something that makes them unique.

“Coffs Harbour and the surrounding beaches have the most magnificent blue sea and I love the rocky outcrops and small islands.”

Ellie also stayed at Coffs Harbour Camping and 4WD which backs onto the Lower Bucca State Forest.

Her accommodation was in a rustic cabin, a “relaxing experience”, said Ellie.

“I got to sip on my morning cuppa whilst overlooking horse paddocks, geese waddling along the deck…divine.

“The Coffs region is a great place to visit and I’ll definitely be bringing my family back here.”

Ellie often works with bright colours, bold styles and oversized designs and has developed widespread repute for her aesthetic, having produced fabrics and collections for labels such as Alfie’s Children’s Apparel, Minouche, Kapow Kids, Goosebumps Boutique Bedding, Jericho Road and Spotlight.

Ellie’s road trip coincides with the launch of her first exclusive Best&Less summer collection which features several ranges in nature and beach inspired prints.

Keep your eyes peeled for Ellie’s Coffs Harbour inspired textile prints.

By Andrea FERRARI