The Big Pineapple at Woombye is a heritage-listed Sunshine Coast landmark where entry is free and you can climb inside the giant fruit for 360 degree views. It sits on Nambour Connection Road, about 80 minutes by car from Brisbane, and has a train ride, a zoo and a high ropes course on the same site.
The Big Pineapple opened in 1971 as part of the Sunshine Plantation, stands 16 metres high and has been on the Queensland Heritage Register since 2009. Its main building had a major internal refurbishment, completed in 2024, and the site is now open daily.
Climb the Pine
Climbing the pineapple costs $12 per person. Inside it is air-conditioned, you pass refurbished models of the landmark’s history on the way up, and the top has 360 degree views over the Sunshine Coast.
If you want more than one attraction, the official site discounts a bundle of the climb, the train and the Pine Mobile tour when you book them together.
Train ride and Pine Mobile tour
The Big Pineapple Train is $12 per person and runs daily from 9 am to 4 pm, with the last train leaving at 3:30 pm (hours from the official Experiences page). The Pine Mobile tour is also $12 and takes about 20 minutes, a ride through the rainforest past Sunshine & Sons and the TreeTop Challenge. Both leave every 30 minutes.
On the Pine Mobile you can hop off at Sunshine & Sons for a rum and gin tasting and be picked up again later.
Wildlife HQ Zoo and TreeTop Challenge
Wildlife HQ Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, with last entry at 3 pm, and is closed on Christmas Day. Ticket prices are on its website. If you are also thinking of a bigger wildlife day, Australia Zoo at Beerwah is about 30 minutes away by car.
TreeTop Challenge is a high ropes adventure park, with climbers aged 8 and over and a Juniors course for ages 4 to 9. Check its pricing page for current prices and book ahead for busy days.
Cafe, play areas and the Big Pineapple Fields
The site has a cafe with tropical-inspired meals and drinks and children’s play areas. Smooth, paved paths reach the main attractions, gardens and dining areas, and there are several accessible toilets around the park.
Big Pineapple Fields is a natural amphitheatre used for music events since 2013, including the Big Pineapple Music Festival. The official What’s On page also lists family days and local markets, but gives no fixed market days, so check it before you plan a visit around one.
What is new and what is still to come
The 2024 refurbishment restored the structure, the cafe and the visitor amenities. In May 2026 the Queensland Government committed $5 million to the next stage, which is planned to add a family-friendly microbrewery, cafes, retail, a restaurant and a sports bar. Those are plans, not open venues, so there is no date to rely on yet.
Planning your visit
- How long: Allow 2 to 3 hours for the climb, the train and lunch, or a full day if you add the zoo and TreeTop Challenge.
- Cost: Entry to the site is free. Attractions are paid separately, so check each one’s prices.
- Dogs: Pets are welcome in the designated outdoor areas only. Service animals must be leashed or harnessed and under control.
- Hours: 8:30 am to 4 pm daily, including most public holidays. Check the Big Pineapple website before you go, as hours can change for events.
Getting there and parking
The Big Pineapple is at 76 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye, about 95 km and 80 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD without traffic. Parking is free, with spaces for cars, buses and RVs near the entrance and accessible spaces by the main entrance. Overflow parking may open on weekends and school holidays.
By public transport, Translink lists a bus stop called Nambour Connection Rd at Big Pineapple, served by route 610 towards Maroochydore. Woombye also has a train station on Translink’s T1 line, but the walking distance to the site is not published. Check the Translink journey planner for current times.
Nearby
- Ginger Factory – the other big Sunshine Coast roadside icon, about 15 minutes away at Yandina.
- Yandina – a small town with markets and cafes on the way north.
- Montville – hinterland village with shops and views, about 20 minutes away by car.
- Australia Zoo – about 30 minutes south by car.
- Things to do on the Sunshine Coast – the wider list, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and history and landmarks pages.
Quick answers
Is the Big Pineapple free?
Entry to the site is free. The climb, the train and the Pine Mobile tour are $12 each, and the zoo and TreeTop Challenge have their own prices.
What are the Big Pineapple opening hours?
The site is open 8:30 am to 4 pm daily. The train runs 9 am to 4 pm and Wildlife HQ Zoo opens 9 am to 4 pm, with last entry at 3 pm.
Can you still climb the Big Pineapple?
Yes. Climb the Pine costs $12 per person and ends with 360 degree views of the Sunshine Coast.
Is parking free at the Big Pineapple?
Yes, parking is free, with room for cars, buses and RVs near the entrance.
Are dogs allowed at the Big Pineapple?
Pets are welcome in designated outdoor areas. Service animals are allowed throughout and must stay leashed or harnessed.
How far is the Big Pineapple from Brisbane?
About 95 km, or about 80 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD without traffic.
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