The Ginger Factory is a free-entry attraction at Yandina on the Sunshine Coast, about 90 minutes north of Brisbane, with ginger tastings, a boat ride, a live bee show, gardens, playgrounds and a village of shops. It is run by Buderim Ginger and open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
You can arrive, park for free and wander the gardens and playgrounds without paying a cent, then add the paid rides and tours if you want them. It sits right next to the town of Yandina, so it works as a half-day stop on the way to Noosa or the hinterland.
What you can do for free
Entry to the grounds is free, and there is plenty to do without buying a ticket. The free list on the official website includes the rainforest and gardens, the Zog Trail (a free rainforest-themed augmented reality app), the Rainbrella Project, Little Explorers soft play, a kids playground and a bee jumping castle.
The Ginger Shop sells Buderim Ginger products, Ginger Town is a heritage-style village of boutique shops, and The Potting Shed sells plants and flowers.
Rides, tours and the bee show
These cost extra. Prices and bookings are on the Ginger Factory website, where you pick your session when you book.
- Moreton the Ginger Train: a 15-minute train ride. It is currently closed for maintenance with no reopening date, so check the ride status page before you go.
- Overboard boat ride: a family boat ride with music and more than 200 handmade moving puppets, running daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm.
- Taste of Ginger Tour: a guided tour of about 40 minutes through the ginger farm garden, a theatrette talk, a view of the factory from an elevated deck and a tasting room with ginger sweets, drinks and savoury bites. Tours run daily at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm.
- Live Bee Show and Tastings: an experienced beekeeper explains life in the hive and you taste several Buderim honey varieties, at 11 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
The website has a ride status page, so check it before you go. On Anzac Day, tours and rides do not start until 1:30 pm.
Food and drink
The Ginger Kitchen serves salads, burgers and shareable dishes, with the main menu running from 9 am to 2:30 pm and coffee and light refreshments until 4 pm. Gingerlatis sells gelato, lollies, donuts, shakes and sundaes, and the Buderim Ginger Beer Garden is on site.
A short history
The Ginger Factory grew out of Buderim Ginger, a company that needed more room than its original factory at Buderim offered. A site at Yandina offered plenty of flat land close to the main growing area. In 1989 Buderim Ginger Limited was formed and expanded its tourism attractions.
Is the Ginger Factory dog friendly?
No. Domestic pets and all other animals are not permitted. Certified guide, hearing and assistance animals are welcome.
Planning your visit
- How long: one to two hours for the free parts; half a day if you add the tour, the rides and lunch.
- Best time: open 9 am to 5 pm every day. Tours start at 10 am and the bee show at 11 am, so a morning arrival lets you fit them in.
- Cost: entry and parking are free. Rides, tours and the bee show are paid; see the website for prices.
- What to bring: a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for the gardens.
- Accessibility: accessible parking is close to the entrance, the pathways are wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly, accessible restrooms are available and complimentary wheelchairs are offered first come, first served. The Overboard boat ride is the only experience not suited to visitors with limited mobility.
Getting there and parking
The Ginger Factory is at 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina, about 90 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD without traffic. Leave the Bruce Highway at Exit 215. Parking is free and there are 12 electric vehicle charging stations.
By public transport, Translink route 631 (Noosa to Nambour via Cooroy and Eumundi) stops at Pioneer Road at The Ginger Factory. The official site says the fare is 50 cents. Services are infrequent, so check the Translink Journey Planner before you go.
Nearby
- Yandina – the town next door.
- Big Pineapple – the giant pineapple at Woombye, about 15 minutes south.
- Eumundi Markets – about 15 minutes north by car.
- Montville – a hinterland village.
- Maleny – a hinterland town.
- Kondalilla Falls – a rainforest waterfall walk.
Browse more entertainment and Sunshine Coast places, or see things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
Quick answers
Is the Ginger Factory free to enter?
Yes. Entry to the grounds is free. Tours, rides and the bee show cost extra.
What are the Ginger Factory opening hours?
9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week, every day of the year except Christmas Day. Tours and rides start at 1:30 pm on Anzac Day.
Is parking free at the Ginger Factory?
Yes. Parking is free and there are 12 EV charging stations.
Can you take dogs to the Ginger Factory?
No. Only certified guide, hearing and assistance animals are allowed.
How far is the Ginger Factory from Brisbane?
About 90 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD, leaving the Bruce Highway at Exit 215.
Can you get to the Ginger Factory by bus?
Yes. Translink route 631 stops at Pioneer Road at The Ginger Factory. Services are infrequent, so check the journey planner.
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