The Big Pineapple

The Big Pineapple was opened in 1971 by Doug and Lynette Beckers on what was then a 165-hectare pineapple farm. The structure was designed to promote the Sunshine Coast's pineapple industry and attract tourists traveling along the Bruce Highway. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the attraction flourished as one of Queensland's most popular tourist destinations, featuring plantation tours, a souvenir shop, and the famous Pineapple Train. The venue faced financial difficulties in the 2000s and briefly closed, sparking community concern about losing this beloved icon. In 2010, the site was purchased and underwent extensive redevelopment, emerging as a modern entertainment precinct while preserving the historic structure. The addition of TreeTop Challenge in 2012, Wildlife HQ Zoo in 2013, and the Big Pineapple Music Festival established it as a contemporary destination. The recent focus on sustainable tourism and the addition of Sunshine & Sons distillery has breathed new life into this classic Australian attraction.

More Fun Facts

• •You can actually climb inside the Big Pineapple and ascend to an observation deck in its crown for 360-degree views
• •The Big Pineapple weighs approximately 100 tonnes
• •The original structure was built from fibreglass in just a few months in 1971
• •The Big Pineapple Music Festival, held annually since 2013, attracts thousands of music lovers to its natural amphitheatre setting
• •Wildlife HQ Zoo houses over 200 native and exotic animals including kangaroos, koalas, meerkats, and reptiles
• •The historic Pineapple Train has been delighting visitors for decades with scenic tours through working plantations
• •Sunshine & Sons distillery produces craft rum and gin using locally-sourced ingredients
• •The site once featured a nutmobile - a large fibreglass macadamia nut structure that has since been removed

Visiting Tips

• 💡Start your visit by climbing inside the Big Pineapple structure itself for views and historical displays
• 💡Book TreeTop Challenge online in advance, especially during school holidays and weekends
• 💡The Pineapple Train tour provides excellent educational content about pineapple farming and is suitable for all ages
• 💡Wildlife HQ Zoo offers animal encounter experiences - check the daily schedule for feeding times and keeper talks
• 💡Visit Sunshine & Sons distillery for tastings of locally-made spirits (adults only)
• 💡Wear closed-toe shoes if planning to do TreeTop Challenge
• 💡The grounds are extensive - allocate at least 3-4 hours to experience multiple attractions
• 💡Check for combo ticket deals that bundle multiple attractions at discounted rates