Big Pineapple takes a slice of $25.5m boost for Queensland Tourism Icons

by | Jun 4, 2026 | News | 0 comments

Queensland tourist icons are being developed from $80 million allocated from the Tourism Icons Investment Fund. The fund is a key part of the Destination 2045 plan to create jobs, attract new investment, and position Queensland as a world-class tourism destination for decades to come. And this is great news for some of our favourite tourist attractions such as the Big Pineapple, Sunshine Coast. 

The iconic Big Pineapple in Woombye, on the Sunshine Coast, has been around for over 50 years. It officially opened on August 15, 1971. And who hasn’t visited this icon on a family holiday to the Sunshine Coast?

Originally established as ‘Sunshine Plantation’ by Bill and Lyn Taylor, the 16-metre fibreglass structure pioneered pineapple agri-tourism in Australia. Over the decades, it has hosted millions of visitors—including a royal visit from Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1983. 

Now with the injection of cash for the Big Pineapple, the plan is to help attract even more visitors to the Sunshine Coast. And encourage longer stays for the Sunshine Coast.

Currently, the precinct features the restored pineapple train, a wildlife zoo, a high-ropes course and local distilleries. With the cash injection, the Big Pineapple will be revitalised with new experiences including a family-friendly microbrewery, cafes, retail stores, restaurant and function spaces. We can only presume these will all be pineapple-related!

Other areas to receive funding for development include:

  • Australia’s largest zip line in the spectacular Numinbah Valley
  • Flood-resilient rafting centre at Lake Placid near the Barron River
  • Expansion of the award-winning BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort with a new café, cabins, and a new waterpark.
  • Great Keppel Island Hideaway Bistro
  • Creation of a transformative Lakes Precinct at Longreach’s Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
  • A new wave pool and surf lagoon at Palm Valley on the Gold Coast
  • Flying fox adventure experience for the Brisbane River.

 

READ MORE:

Discover Queensland Now Posts

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Sharyn McCullum with a glass of beer in front of her at the Coldstream Brewery, Yarra Valley.

I’m Sharyn, the creator of this blog and have been travelling all my life thanks to my dad who worked for an Australian airline. After many years living and working abroad, I like to stay on the ground and discover Australia one road trip, one city or town, one beach and one great Aussie meal at a time. Join me to discover your own Australia now.

 

My Essential Travel Resources that help me discover Australia now.

* For accommodation I choose to book a bed in a hostel through HostelWorld or a hotel room via Booking.com. For free accommodation I house sit through Trusted Housesitters.
* I purchase camping & caravanning gear through Caravan RV Camping, Amazon, Anaconda and Outback Equipment. I power up with a Bluetti Solar Powerbank.
* For clothing and travel gear I like North Face  (particularly their jackets and their hybrid backpack/suitcase).
* For bags (I take my messenger bag everywhere) I like Bagsmart.
* If I need to rent a car I check out options at DiscoverCars and campervans at Jucy. And I find my way with Hema Maps.
* When I need travel insurance I get a policy through World Nomads or SafetyWing. For car and van insurance I use the state auto clubs like RACV.
* I protect myself online with a VPN from NordVPN.

 

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