The Big Pineapple is a popular national tourist attraction and food icon based on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. As one of the best known and loved attractions, the Big Pineapple has operated since 1971 and draws over a million visitors each year.
Located along the Nambour Connection Road, Woombye, the Big Pineapple is about an hour’s drive north from Brisbane.
Big Pineapple Wildlife HQ Zoo Discount Tickets & Prices, Markets Qld
Wildlife HQ is where you will see alligators, kangaroos, dingoes, koalas, sun bears, lemurs, wombats, as well as a large range of reptiles and birds. Wander through the rainforest paths and discover more about the animals with the free keeper demonstrations run daily. Within the zoo, there are complimentary BBQ facilities and a cafe that serves cold drinks, ice creams, snacks and souvenirs.
The Big Pineapple site is undergoing renewal and transformation, guided by a whole site master plan across the 170ha landholding. The large scale of the property provides the excellent potential to host new attractions and again become a top-rated destination.
In addition to the iconic Big Pineapple structure, visitor centre and train, today the site is home to the popular zoo, the TreeTop Challenge high ropes and zipline course, in addition to the sell-out events program.
The Big Pineapple also holds a range of events throughout the year, including the Big Pineapple Music Festival, which runs for two days and has a massive line-up of local music. There is also a range of summer outdoor movie festivals and exhibitions aimed at families.
So come to the Big Pineapple and have a great day out with the whole family.
Does the entry price include the train ride?
Hi Bernadette,
Short Answer: No, you have buy the train tickets additional to the Wildlife HQ entry price.
Long Answer: I have to say that the official website is very vague and aside from mentioning that the train cost $5 per person (with children under 3 free) there is no information of how you can reach the Wildlife HQ without the use of the train (i went as far as looking at Google Street View and satellite photos).
What i did find on Tripadvisor was someone else’s experience: “We paid the full admission price and were then asked if we would like to buy tickets for the train (another $5) Luckily we did, as we found out that there is no way to visit the animals on foot and the train ride is essential to see them. When we were leaving, we tried to walk back but were confronted by another padlocked gate, so it was back to the station to get the train back to the exit.”
Thanks,
Michael
Do you have to take the train to see the Wildlife HQ zoo?
Hi Lizzy,
Yes, the train departs every half hour where you will be taken through the rainforest, orchids, bamboo forest and passes the neighbouring zoo animals.
Best regards,
Jess
Hello,
You are also able to buy tickets at the front office of the zoo if you do not wish to go on the train.
Hi, i wanted to book a close encounter for my adult son to have a close encounter with the animals. Zoo keeper for the day sounds awesome. How much is it and how do i book? He has Aspergers and is high functioning. Am i able to go around with him and do i need to pay also?
Hi Liz,
The Big Pineapple Zoo unfortunately hasn’t published their Zookeeper for a day prices online. I suggest you contact them here to ask how much it would be and also if you can get free carers access.
Kind regards,
Jess
Attempted to go to the big pineapple yesterday, but it was closed.
Hi Lisa,
This is strange as they state that they are open daily, and as recently as Christmas Eve quoted on their Facebook page “We are closed on Christmas Day only, every other day the Zoo, coffee shop, merchandise shop and train rides will be open between 9 am and 3:30 pm.”
Perhaps there was some unexpected issue on the day you visited? I will contact them and update our page if there is any change to their opening hours.
Kind regards,
Jess
We need to return a rental car and get to the Big Pineapple. Would that be easiest to return a car and get a bus or taxi from Nambour train station, or from the Sunshine Coast Airport?
Hi Ellen,
If you are returning your car to Sunshine Coast Airport, the quickest way is to take a taxi, or take a bus from the Airport.
After you drop off your car, walk 300 metres to the David Low Way bus stop and catch the #622 Bus which will go to Maroochydore (about 25mins). Transfer at the Maroochydore bus station and catch the #610 bus which will go to the Big Pineapple (about 25mins).
Alternatively, a taxi will take about 20 minutes and will cost around $40 (+ or – a little depending on day and time).
Regards,
Jess
Would love to bring the grandkids up! How do we get from the station to you!!
Cheers
Hi Peter,
The Big Pineapple is located around 20 minutes from the Nambour Train Station. There is a bus that connects directly to the Big Pineapple. Head to Price Street, near Hospital Road, and get on board the 610 bus which runs regularly. Check Translink for times.
Have a great time with your grandkids! If you are interested, you can purchase tickets to the Big Pineapple Zoo here.
Regards,
Jess