The Banana Bender Pub building with blue sky.

Elevate your next meal out by dining at the Banana Bender Pub on the Sunshine Coast. Conveniently located next to Aussie World, its a quirky, bright and family-friendly venue where you can eat, drink and have fun.

The History of the Banana Bender Pub

Chances are you have driven past this commanding building nestled beside Aussie World, but have you stopped in and do you know the history of the venue?

The Banana Bender Pub hasn’t always looked the way it does now, nor has it always been called the Banana Bender Pub.

Back in 1989, Australia’s second Ettamogah Pub was built on the site and stood proudly beside the Bruce Highway, until it was given a massive makeover in 2019.

The modern transformation brightened up the interior, made it eye-catching to passers-by and has embedded itself as a family favourite for locals and visitors alike.

Food Options at the Banana Bender Pub

Family Pub-Style Meals

Like any good pub there are plenty of food and drink options including the classics, a kid’s menu, some more fancy offerings and cold drinks.

The extensive menu features steaks, seafood, burgers, salads and more, with a variety of vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free and dairy free options.

The kid’s menu, for those under 12 years, has the usual suspects like fish and chips and chicken nuggets, and some other faves like schnitzel, spaghetti and mac and cheese.

Grandparents haven’t been forgotten either, with senior lunchtime specials available on presentation of a valid senior’s card.

There are several areas to sit in and menus to choose from at the Banana Bender Pub depending on what time you visit – the Den café, the Den Bar and Mango’s Bar and Grill. If you are unsure of what’s on offer, be sure to ask the friendly staff for further details.

IMAGE CREDIT: Burger and Pizza Co., The Banana Bender Pub

Burger and Pizza Co.

The newest addition to The Banana Bender Pub’s dining options, Burger and Pizza Co. is now open and slinging lower calorie, slow-rise sourdough base pizzas and burgers for families to enjoy; all containing locally sourced ingredients.

The menu includes kid-friendly pizzas such as Margherita or BBQ chicken, as well as a range of more intense toppings and white base pizzas. On the burger side of things, diners can chose from classics like beef or chicken, as well as barramundi and vegan burgers, with the signature ‘Buff Boss Burger’ offering a unique combo of premium buffalo meat sourced from the local Maleny Buffalo Farm.

What’s On at the Banana Bender Pub

Aside from stopping in for something delicious to eat or drink, there are many activities on offer throughout the year to entertain guests.

Live music events, open mic sessions, trivia, wrestling, raffles and more are held at the venue, and what’s even better, a local courtesy bus is available (call for details).

To see what’s on, visit the Banana Bender Pub website.

Functions and Events

When you are looking for a venue for your next event, function or party consider the Banana Bender Pub. Whether it is a small gathering, or a large function, there is an area and food package to suit.

As an added bonus, local, not-for-profit initiatives can enjoy free venue hire at the Banana Bender Pub on certain days. Just contact the staff or jump on their website for further details and bookings.

Who Would Love the Banana Bender Pub?

Aside from any family, we think this venue would make the perfect place to take visitors from overseas.

Many of the themed areas have a strong Australian influence – snap a selfie with a lazing kangaroo drinking a beer, see how many cockatoos you can find throughout the pub, or mimic the kangaroo and koala who are surfing the waves – the fun photo opportunities are endless.

Accessibility at the Banana Bender Pub

The Banana Bender Pub is an accessible venue. There is ample off-street parking including several accessible spaces.

The venue can be accessed via stairs or a ramp, and once inside you will find accessible toilets, baby change facilities and a lift to reach the upper floors.

What We Loved About the Banana Bender Pub

We loved the happy feeling we felt as soon as we entered the front doors. The bright colours, quirky decorations and varied places to sit, relax and eat were all appealing.

Miss 9 loved spotting the different animals adorning the roof, walls, and floor as we waited for lunch. She also enjoyed sitting on the deck chairs, which were shaped like pineapples, thongs, and other ‘Aussie’ icons.

The menu was varied, the meal was fast, and the chips were crispy. What more could you ask for?

While You Are in the Area

Aussie World

Housed in the same complex is the fun-filled theme park, Aussie World. The compact layout and lack of massive queues makes this the perfect venue for young families to visit.

Just down the road is Opals Down Under, where you can do a spot of shopping or fossick for your own gems in the scratch patch.

Amaze World

If you are looking to exercise your grey matter, venture 10 minutes up the road to the fabulous Amaze World, where you can try your hand (and feet) at the variety of mazes and puzzles in a family-friendly environment.