The Big Pineapple was the biggest of Australia’s big things in 1983, but when Princess Diana arrived it paled into insignificance.
All eyes were on the people’s princess as she and Prince Charles toured the Sunshine Coast and Queensland icon.
It was a magic moment for Woombye and one that will now be immortalised thanks to a touching tribute to be unveiled Thursday as part of the heritage-listed attraction’s 50th birthday celebrations.
The train carriage that carried the royal couple has been painstakingly restored and will become a permanent feature at the onsite Diablo Oasis bar.
People will be able to sit where Diana sat during her famous tour and have photos taken in a carriage fit for a princess.
Diablo Oasis owner Dimitris Limnatitis said the carriage had been in storage for the past 20 years and was found recently with its original plaque to commemorate the royal visit.
“When we discovered it, we thought we’d give it a little bit of TLC and turn it into something people could come along and have their photo taken in when they visit the Oasis bar.
“This year marks the 50th birthday of the Big Pineapple so it’s fitting that an iconic Sunshine Coast tourist attraction showcases the legacy of the royal visit to our region on 12 April, 1983.
“For many people Princess Diana was an icon of her generation and she’s just as popular today, so we feel that it is fitting that we restore this carriage to commemorate what would have been her 60th birthday this year.”
Do you have a memory of the royal visit? Tell us about it via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au
The train that carried the royal couple hit the news in May, when it was derailed, allegedly by a tipsy brewery tour patron.
The train was in its storage tunnel when a group of people took it for a spin, police said.
The train and four carriages came off the track, cracking the windscreen and causing a hefty damage bill. Police suspected alcohol was a factor.
Mr Limnatitis opened the tropical-inspired Diablo Oasis bar at the Big Pineapple in mid-2020 and earlier this year the venue introduced a Bali hut bar featuring an ever-changing cocktail menu and visits from the wide variety of animals at the nearby Wildlife HQ.
“People just love the venue because it’s outdoors and there’s plenty of shade under the trees and we have a nice afternoon breeze as well as a cool and refreshing Diablo Ginger Beer and fantastic street food to help keep everyone comfortable,” he said.
As part of the venue’s 50th birthday celebration, the first Pineapple Country music event will be held from 2pm Sunday, August 15, featuring internationally renowned singer/songwriter Alex Lloyd, Brad Butcher and Kelly Cork. Tickets are $35 and available via oztix.com.au.
The 16m fibreglass Big Pineapple is one of the nation’s most recognisable attractions.
Pineapples have long been a significant crop in the area, with production increasing following the opening of the Golden Circle cannery at Northgate in 1947.
The Big Pineapple opened in 1971, as part of the Sunshine Plantation – an early example of agricultural tourism.
Bill and Lyn Taylor bought a pineapple farm and established it as a tourist attraction, showcasing fruit, nuts, and sugarcane.
They established a small train so visitors could ride through the farm’s crops, see demonstrations of cultivating and harvesting and consume food made from homegrown produce in its restaurant.
Local journalists supporting local people. Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article
In 1978, the plantation added the ‘Nutmobile’ tour and the attraction was at the peak of its popularity in the 1980s, when it attracted up to 800,000 visitors a year.
The Big Pineapple site is currently undergoing renewal and transformation that stays true to its roots.
Today, it is home to the Wildlife HQ zoo and a TreeTop Challenge with high ropes and zipline course.
It also hosts an exciting array of music and food and beverage events, including a craft beer and cider expo.
Information: bigpineapple.com.au
