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$150m master plan to rejuvenate Australia’s Big Pineapple

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big pineapple australia

A AUD$150 million (USD $107m) master plan will return the Sunshine Coast’s iconic Big Pineapple tourist attraction to the glory days it enjoyed in the 1980s.

The Big Pineapple is a heritage-listed tourist attraction at Nambour Connection Road, Woombye, Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia.

New features include a two-kilometre Tree Tops Challenge and zipline course, which are nearly complete. It will feature around 120 activities including a 120m zipline. The former macadamia nut factory will be upgraded.

The 170ha site will also include a water park, an adventure precinct, a major concert event space and 793 on-site accommodation options – including an RV park and eco resort.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said: “Work on the project is tipped to pump nearly $90 million into the Sunshine Coast’s economy and 800 construction jobs will be on offer.

“More tourists mean more jobs for locals. Once it’s fully operational, the revamped Big Pineapple site will support more than 630 local jobs.

“Importantly this will pump $45 million per annum into the Sunshine Coast economy through expenditure and overnight stays.”

“More tourists than ever before are flocking to the Sunshine Coast every year. Projects like this will ensure visitor numbers only continue to grow in the future.”

Other plans include a food and tourism hub, showcasing the region’s produce, and educational elements including a school camp.

Big Pineapple Renewal Project Director Jim Costello said: “Our renewal master plan is set to position the Big Pineapple for sustained success, with an emphasis on showcasing the region’s famous, world-class produce and other attractions, including major music events, adventure tourism.

“Our plans set our vision for the future, but the Big Pineapple renewal is also about the ‘here and now’ too with an active events program, a high quality zoo, TreeTop Challenge about to commence operations and COYO organic yoghurt set to establish their international base here later in 2019.”

Image courtesy Moondyne via Wikicommons

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Michael Mander

Michael Mander

I am a journalist from Essex, England. I enjoy travelling, and love exploring attractions around the world. I graduated from Lancaster University in 2018. Twitter @michael_mander.

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