The Big Pineapple (former Sunshine Plantation)

The Big Pineapple, once an iconic tourist attraction on the Sunshine Coast was established in 1971 by Bill and Lynn Taylor. Initially known as the Sunshine Plantation, the property informed visitors about the cultivation, production and consumption of various tropical agricultural products. A climb inside the large fibreglass pineapple included displays on the production of tropical fruits, which could be sampled in the restaurant, or you could take the can train tour around the site. In 1972 the Taylors received the inaugural national award for tourist development. During the 1970s, adjoining properties were acquired and the site expanded to include a Polynesian restaurant, a macadamia nut factory, including the nut-mobile ride, an animal farm and rainforest walk. The property changed hands in 1981. When the Bruce Highway was realigned in 1990, the property was bypassed which ultimately led to its demise. The Sunshine Plantation went into receivership in 2009. The nut-mobile was sold to a tourism operation at Bauple, south of Maryborough. The Big Pineapple now operates on a smaller scale. The function centre is available for hire and regular markets are held. The train runs to a zoo on the neighbouring property. You can still climb inside the pineapple.