A fee to climb inside one of the Sunshine Coast’s best-known landmarks has sparked hundreds of comments from people who remember the experience being free.
A recent Facebook post about the cost of entering the Big Pineapple at Woombye attracted more than 560 comments, including criticism of the charge and debate over the cost of maintaining the attraction.
The fee itself is not new.
The refurbished interior of the 16m-high Big Pineapple reopened in December 2024 with a $10 admission charge, several months after the broader attraction was officially relaunched in June that year.
The Big Pineapple now advertises a $12 fee for all people climbing the landmark, while entry to the grounds remains free. Its Pine Mobile tour and heritage train also cost $12 each.
Some commenters argued a smaller contribution would be more appropriate.
“They have upkeep, so a gold coin donation should be enough,” one person said.
Another reflected on previous visits to the attraction.
“We lived in Nambour for 19 years and never ever paid to go inside the pineapple. Even when we were kids, we never ever paid. It was always free.”
Others defended the fee and pointed to the costs involved in operating the attraction.
“It was free before Covid-19 and then they closed and once opened they charged $12. How do you want them to make money. It’s not a public playground lol,” one person said.
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One commenter described the price as disappointing.
“I know times have changed, but this is really, really disappointing. The pineapple was always just there and free to climb. I could understand and tolerate a gold coin donation to help with maintenance and preservation…”
The landmark has been undergoing a broader revival since its June 2024 relaunch, which included a new cafe, children’s playground, viewing platform and restored train.
The site is owned by Peter Kendall’s CMC Property.
The Queensland Government announced a further $5 million for the Big Pineapple Rejuvenation project in May this year.
The funding is intended for upgrades to heritage infrastructure and new facilities, including work on the main building complex, glazing, verandas and energy efficiency improvements.
Big Pineapple owner Peter Kendall said at the time the funding would help preserve the attraction while adding new experiences.
“The rejuvenation of this iconic tourism attraction will include a family-friendly microbrewery, cafes, 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,” Mr Kendall said in a media release.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Mark Stoeckel previously said the landmark had played an important role in the region’s tourism history.
“Almost everyone has a story, memory or photo connected to it, and it has played an important role in shaping the Sunshine Coast tourism industry over many decades,” Mr Stoeckel said in a media release.
The Big Pineapple first opened in 1971 and remains at 76 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye.
Sunshine Coast News requested comment from The Big Pineapple and Visit Sunshine Coast.
