Coast Banksia is a highly variable species. It can form a large tree in protected situations or may grow as a small, gnarled tree in highly exposed coastal positions. The leaves are dark green with a white underside, and occur in whorls of three to five. Adult leaves have entire margins. Juvenile leaves have dentate margins with a few short teeth, and are generally larger than adult leaves. Flowers occur in Banksia's characteristic "flower spike", and are usually pale yellow to yellow.

Coast Banksia is native to the east coast of Australia but its natural distribution does not extend to the Surf Coast. All mature specimens have been removed from the Jan Juc Clifftops however some seedlings continue to germinate.

Photos courtesy of Neil Tucker.