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The Queensland Government has committed $5 million from its Tourism Icons Investment Fund to upgrade the Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast, backing heritage infrastructure repairs and new hospitality venues at one of the state's most recognisable roadside attractions.
The funding will support a family-friendly microbrewery, cafés, retail outlets, a restaurant and a sports bar at the Woombye site, which has operated as a tourism drawcard since 1971.
Big Pineapple owner Peter Kendall is required to match the government's contribution at minimum under the fund's co-investment terms.
The Big Pineapple grant is the largest single allocation from the first round of the $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund, one half of a $100 million tourism infrastructure package announced by the state government to mark 100 days since the release of its Destination 2045 tourism roadmap.
The broader strategy is underpinned by a $1 billion commitment to Queensland tourism. The remaining $20 million sits in a separate Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund targeting smaller-scale projects.
“The Big Pineapple is already big, and with the Crisafulli Government backing it, it’s only getting better,” says Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell.
“This is what the Home of the Holiday as part of Destination 2045 is all about, investing in our icons and giving people more reasons to visit.
“We’re delivering new experiences that give visitors more to see and do, encourage longer stays and support local jobs and tourism operators."
Local member for Nicklin Marty Hunt describes the funding as a major win for the community.
“The Sunshine Coast is open for business and rolling out the welcome mat, with plenty to see and do today and even more to come,” says Hunt.
“The Big Pineapple upgrade is a win for our local community, creating jobs and new opportunities while giving visitors even more reasons to come and experience this iconic destination.”
The grant for the attraction comes on the heels of Sunshine Coast outperforming other South-East Queensland local areas, including the Gold Coast, in tourism percentage growth for both international and domestic visitors, according to the latest data.
Kendall says the Big Pineapple has been a beloved icon for generations and the funding will allow new life to be breathed into its heritage infrastructure.
“The rejuvenation of this iconic tourism attraction will include a family-friendly microbrewery, cafés, retail spaces, and a high-quality restaurant and function facilities – upgrades that will attract more visitors to the Sunshine Coast, while creating jobs and boosting the local economy,” he says.
“Thanks to this Queensland Government support, we can continue to preserve this iconic attraction while introducing exciting new experiences, ensuring The Big Pineapple remains a vibrant and cherished destination for years to come.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Mark Stoeckel points out that the Big Pineapple has played a key role in shaping the Sunshine Coast tourism industry for decades.
“Almost everyone has a story, memory or photo connected to it," he says.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the redevelopment of the precinct progressing through this grant support.
“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.”
Five other projects were named among the first round of Tourism Icons Fund recipients.
They include $3 million for BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, $2.1 million for eco-tourism on the Brisbane River, $1.8 million for the Great Keppel Hideaway Renewal, $1 million for the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame in Longreach and $677,000 for Barron River Rafting in Far North Queensland.
All successful proponents must at least match their government grants with private investment.
The Destination 2045 roadmap targets growing Queensland's overnight visitor expenditure and positioning the state's tourism sector ahead of expected demand through the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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