Australia's Big Pineapple is getting a glow-up

The Sunshine Coast’s Big Pineapple just scored $5 million from the Queensland Government. Here’s what’s coming.

If you grew up in Australia, chances are you’ve got a photo somewhere – squinting into the sun, ice cream in hand, standing in front of one of Australia’s iconic Big Things. The 16-metre fibreglass Big Pineapple at Woombye is one of those places that exists somewhere between national treasure and beloved kitsch. And now, it’s getting its biggest upgrade yet.

The Queensland Government has committed $5 million to the Big Pineapple Rejuvenation project – the largest single grant from the first round of the state’s $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund. That’s a lot of pineapple cash.

So, what’s actually changing?

The Big Pineapple in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland — The revitalised precinct will be less of a roadside stop, more of a full-day destination. (Credit: Visit Sunshine Coast)

Quite a lot, it turns out. The funding will go towards both structural repairs and a whole new suite of experiences at the Woombye site.

On the practical side, the main building complex is getting some much-needed TLC: glazing replacements, veranda repairs, and energy-efficiency upgrades. The kind of stuff that doesn’t make headlines but keeps a heritage-listed icon standing for another 50 years.

The exciting part? What’s going inside. The revitalised precinct is set to include a family-friendly microbrewery, cafes, retail outlets, a full restaurant, a sports bar and function spaces. Think less roadside stop, more full-day destination.

Owner Peter Kendall said the funding would breathe new life into the attraction’s heritage infrastructure. The upgrades, he said, are designed to “attract more visitors to the Sunshine Coast, while creating jobs and boosting the local economy."

A comeback already in progress

This isn’t the Big Pineapple’s first rodeo with reinvention. The landmark was officially relaunched back in June 2024, after a major refurbishment of its internal structure. That first stage brought a cafe, a children’s playground, a new viewing platform and a fully restored train back to the site, which has been a tourism drawcard since it first opened in 1971. The new funding builds on that momentum.

The Big Pineapple grant is just one piece of Queensland’s broader tourism ambitions. The $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund is part of Destination 2045, the state government’s long-range roadmap to position Queensland as what Tourism Minister Andrew Powell calls “the Home of the Holiday."

Round one of the fund spread money across the state, with other recipients including:

A new wave pool and surf lagoon at Palm Valley on the Gold Coast
Australia’s largest zip line in the Numinbah Valley
An expansion of the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, including a new waterpark
A new flying fox adventure experience along the Brisbane River
Revitalisation of the Great Keppel Island Hideaway Bistro
A new 2.4-hectare lakes precinct at Longreach’s Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
A flood-resilient rafting centre at Lake Placid near the Barron River

Under the fund’s terms, the state government’s contribution must be matched at a minimum by project owners, meaning the actual investment pouring into these sites is considerably higher.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Why it matters

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Mark Stoeckel put it well. “Almost everyone has a story, memory or photo connected to [the Big Pineapple]".

For decades, it’s been the kind of place you stop at because it’s there, it’s enormous, and how could you not? The goal now is to make it the kind of place you’d actually plan a trip around, and stay a few hours longer than expected. A microbrewery and a proper restaurant will do that.

“Projects like this help preserve the character and nostalgia people love, while creating a new generation of experiences that will attract visitors, support local jobs and strengthen the region’s tourism future," Stoeckel said.

Round two of the Tourism Icons Investment Fund opens soon, so there’s more to come for Queensland’s tourism landscape. But for now, it’s the Big Pineapple’s moment in the sun.

Woombye’s Big Pineapple is located at 76 Nambour Connection Road, about an hour’s drive north of Brisbane.

There’s more to Australia’s Garden City than meets the eye.

With Victorian-era and traditional Queenslander buildings, an abundance of manicured gardens and the famous Carnival of Flowers painting the streets in vibrant colours each spring, Toowoomba is one of the most charming regional cities in Queensland Country.

While its beauty alone is reason enough to visit, there are lesser-known sides to Toowoomba that locals love most, from its burgeoning culinary scene to its artistic flair. Located just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane (or a direct flight from Sydney), it’s all too easy to discover on a long weekend away.

1. There’s an awesome local arts scene

tour group walking in front of toowoomba street art — Find incredible works of art around Toowoomba’s streets. (Credit: Nathan McNeil)

Australia’s second largest inland city is a flourishing arts and culture hub waiting to be discovered. Over 100 vibrant street art murals and graffiti works decorate the city, and they’re best viewed along Bank Lane and Searles Walk.

Regional Queensland’s oldest public art gallery can also be found in Toowoomba – it’s home to 20th-century Australian works created by Queensland artists and those connected to the Toowoomba region.

2. It has world-class farm-to-table dining

rosalie house aerial toowoomba secrets — Stop into Rosalie House to wine and dine.

As a regional city, Toowoomba has direct access to incredibly fresh produce that’s shaping its culinary scene. At sunset, head to the verandah at Rosalie House Cellar Door Restaurant for a grazing-style dining experience and to discover Queensland’s underrated wine scene. Indulge in dishes such as Warilba lamb rump and roasted pumpkin with ginger-roasted potatoes and lime yoghurt, paired with their delicious cool-climate wines.

For a more relaxed affair, sweet tooths should make a beeline for award-winning The Baker’s Duck. Be sure to try their cult favourite strawberry cheesecake danish; you’ll learn why 35,000 of these treats are sold annually.

3. Small bars are doing big work

table spread at Uno Más small bar in toowoomba secrets — Pop into small bars like Uno Más.

Toowoomba doesn’t disappoint with fantastic pubs, but discerning drinkers can take happy hour to the next level at one of the city’s impressive small bars. Savour Spanish-style bites paired with a thoughtful line-up of wines at the newly opened Uno Más Tapas & Wine Bar. On Thursdays, head to Cork & Lever to tap your feet to live music over creative cocktails made with their all-Australian gin collection. And enjoy elevated toasties and premium drops at the cosy Press’d Coffee & Wine. Or try newly opened The Book Pour.

4. There’s no shortage of fabulous stays

Whether you prefer the buzz of the city centre or retreating to the hinterland, there are stylish stays aplenty to settle into in this idyllic corner of the world. Apartment-style living can be found at Quest Toowoomba; partly housed in a heritage church building in the city, it’s a comfortable and convenient base. And at The Arbour Boutique Apartments, spacious rooms are injected with old-world charm.

In the hinterland, enjoy bucolic bliss at the boutique Bunnyconnellen, where an 1880s farmhouse and self-contained cottage are backdropped by rolling hills. And at the secluded Ravensbourne Escape, one-bedroom studios, two-bedroom chalets and three-bedroom holiday homes overlook Ravensbourne National Park and the Brisbane and Lockyer Valleys.

5. It’s a nature-lovers paradise

extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain — Tackle Table Top Mountain. (Credit: Ariana Potamianakis)

Toowoomba is hugged by national parks, making it a haven for nature lovers. On its doorstep you’ll find the extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain, where keen hikers can tackle the challenging two-kilometre return trail which rewards them with 360° views of the Lockyer Valley and surrounds.

For a more gentle experience, Ravensbourne National Park offers peaceful walking trails within lush rainforest. It’s a top spot for bird watching as there are over 110 bird species that call the area home, including the paradise riflebird. Crows Nest National Park is home to platypus and koalas, and its refreshing natural swimming spots, like Kauyoo Pool, are a great place to beat the heat.

6. Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after

Toowoomba’s cool and calm energy lends itself to a wellness-focused getaway. Slated to open in August 2026, soak in the serenity at Vikasati Toowoomba, a bathhouse oasis with outdoor hot and cold magnesium pools, ice baths and Finnish saunas. Rest and recharge at City Cave Toowoomba, which offers float therapy, infrared sauna and massage services, or visit Kalm Springs for LED therapy, cryotherapy and float therapy.

7. It’s preserved its 19th-century charm

inside Queensland Museum Cobb + Co — Learn all about the history of Cobb+Co.

History buffs can step back in time at Toowoomba’s fascinating cultural and historical museums.

Explore 50,000 years of Darling Downs and Toowoomba history at the Queensland Museum Cobb+Co; it’s known for its impressive National Carriage Collection of 47 restored horse-drawn vehicles, which were put to use for Queensland’s urban expansion. Visitors can also try their hand at blacksmithing or leadlighting in heritage workshops, refuelling with traditional scones at the onsite cafe.

Train enthusiasts can celebrate the golden era of rail travel on a heritage steam locomotive thanks to the volunteer-driven, community-led organisation DownsSteam Toowoomba. Vintage train rides range from a two-hour journey between Toowoomba Station and DownsSteam Railway Museum to an overnight adventure from Toowoomba to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt

8. There are vintage gems waiting to be found

Whether it’s to pick up a unique piece for your home or a one-of-a-kind accessory for a loved one, you’re guaranteed to find something special in one of Toowoomba’s antique and vintage stores. Range Antiques sells everything from furniture, rugs and lamps to fine porcelain, jewellery and art, while Toowoomba Antiques & Collectables is a treasure trove of Art Deco, farmhouse, retro and mid-century modern pieces.

Start planning your weekender of a lifetime in Queensland Country region at queenslandcountrytourism.com.au.

Australia’s most famous pineapple is getting a glow-up – and it comes with a microbrewery

The Sunshine Coast’s Big Pineapple just scored $5 million from the Queensland Government. Here’s what’s coming.

So, what’s actually changing?

A comeback already in progress

Why it matters

Woombye’s Big Pineapple is located at 76 Nambour Connection Road, about an hour’s drive north of Brisbane.

I stayed on Richard Branson’s $25,000 per night private Noosa island – here’s what it’s like

This hidden stargazing spot in Queensland just joined a list of the world’s best

Is Noosa’s most talked-about new resort actually worth it?

The Sunshine Coast’s brand-new beachfront hotel is worth the hype

Wine, dine and vintage gems: 8 things you didn’t know about Toowoomba

There’s more to Australia’s Garden City than meets the eye.

1. There’s an awesome local arts scene

2. It has world-class farm-to-table dining

3. Small bars are doing big work

4. There’s no shortage of fabulous stays

5. It’s a nature-lovers paradise

6. Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after

7. It’s preserved its 19th-century charm

8. There are vintage gems waiting to be found

The Sunshine Coast’s Big Pineapple just scored $5 million from the Queensland Government. Here’s what’s coming.

So, what’s actually changing?

A comeback already in progress

AI Prompt

Why it matters

Woombye’s Big Pineapple is located at 76 Nambour Connection Road, about an hour’s drive north of Brisbane.

I stayed on Richard Branson’s $25,000 per night private Noosa island – here’s what it’s like

This hidden stargazing spot in Queensland just joined a list of the world’s best

Is Noosa’s most talked-about new resort actually worth it?

The Sunshine Coast’s brand-new beachfront hotel is worth the hype

There’s more to Australia’s Garden City than meets the eye.

1. There’s an awesome local arts scene

2. It has world-class farm-to-table dining

3. Small bars are doing big work

4. There’s no shortage of fabulous stays

5. It’s a nature-lovers paradise

6. Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after

7. It’s preserved its 19th-century charm

8. There are vintage gems waiting to be found