Why Woombye belongs on your radar

Escape to the country with a weekend in Woombye, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland destination that belongs on your radar. This quaint region just beyond the famed beaches of the region offers ample opportunity to recharge among its rolling hills. But it’s not just its plentiful acres which beckon you here year-through (thanks to consistent Woombye weather), but the ways in which you can spend your time.

Woombye, named by the local Indigenous after a place (wumbai) of black snake or (wambai) black myrtle, is most famously home to tourist haven the Big Pineapple. But just as well-regarded among locals is the pub (and plenty more on top). After some more ideas on things to do? Let this guide to Woombye lead the way.

Big Pineapple

No visit to Woombye is complete without taking the chance to pay a visit to this heritage-listed tourist attraction which initially opened its doors in 1971. After a recent revamp of its 170 hectare property, the 16-metre Big Pineapple is back up and running, with new amenities in tow. Most popular is a chance to climb to the top of the state icon and take in the sweeping views of its surroundings from the observation deck.

Wildlife HQ Zoo

Not forgetting Wildlife HQ Zoo, which also resides on Big Pineapple grounds. Formerly known as Alma Park Zoo, this space and each of its 200 animals was moved into its new home back in 2014, which owner Julie Seabrook did by hand. Today the park continues to educate visitors on wildlife (both native and otherwise) and conservation.

Treetop Challenge

Post-climb you can choose to embrace an adrenaline-filled afternoon with the neighbouring TreeTop Challenge. The high ropes and zipline course is strung across 10 acres, suspended in the rainforest canopy up to 30 metres off the ground. There are 12 different ziplines to choose from, and six high ropes courses, promising something for everyone.

Thrill Hill Waterslide

Not far away sits the Sunshine Coast’s only waterslide park, Thrill Hill. There’s plenty of fun for all ages available to enjoy here - with children as young as two welcomed to slip their way downhill (accompanied by an adult of course). After something a little more exhilarating? Aim for the 120-metre dynamic hydro slipslide.

Big Pineapple Music Festival

One of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular events is held annually in May of each year in Woombye at the Big Pineapple Music Festival. The iconic giant fruit comes alive for the day (and night) with a smorgasbord of local and international musical acts taking to the stage - the likes of Bliss n Eso, Example, and Peking Duk have all performed. In even better news you can also stay the night thanks to a camping option.

Kimnat Little Market and Café

If you harbour a passion for healthy food you won’t want to miss out on a chance to pay a visit to Kimnat Little Market and Café. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan cuisine dominates the menu at this petite eatery, with healthy treaties, fresh juices and salads aplenty.

GROUNDED@Woombye

It’s not just activities galore while you’re in Woombye, but there’s plenty of eating and drinking to be done too. Creative breakfasts and quality brew are the specialty of picturesque GROUNDED, which serves up a rotating array of live music alongside its dishes.

The Woombye Pub

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland isn’t shy of a few pubs, but one of its best is found in Woombye. This local watering hole housed in a rejuvenated old Queenslander was born back in the 1800s but today remains at the heart of the local community thanks to its merging of quality pub grub, live music, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Kondalilla Falls

While not officially within Woombye, but not far either (at just 15 minutes drive) is Kondalilla Falls. Sitting in Kondalilla National Park, this region dates back 28 million years. And while there’s plenty of bushwalking trails and rainforest to explore, the key drawcard for this destination remains the waterfalls which cascade 90-metre towards a popular swimming hole.