If you grew up in South East Queensland, chances are you visited The Ginger Factory at Yandina on the Sunshine Coast when you were a child.

Still going strong after more than 40 years, The Ginger Factory offers a great morning or afternoon for Brisbane kids (and parents), with rides, attractions, gardens, play spaces, food and shopping spread across a nine-hectare site. Entrance to The Ginger Factory is free, if you fancy just having a look, or you can pay for the attractions and tours there on arrival.

Today, The Ginger Factory is home to Buderim Ginger and Australia’s only operating ginger factory. It is also described as the world’s largest operating ginger factory, producing a huge range of locally made ginger drinks, sweets, spreads and other foods.

The ginger factory itself is just a small fraction of what’s on offer here, and you can easily fill a day without taking a tour or tasting ginger if it’s not your cup of tea.

Taste of Ginger Tour

The Taste of Ginger Tour is a 40-minute fully guided experience that takes you behind the scenes of The Ginger Factory and gives you a fascinating look at how ginger goes from the farm to the products you know and love.

The tour starts at The Ginger Factory Theatre onsite, where you watch a video about the history of ginger before heading outside to the Ginger Farm Garden. Here, you can see the ginger growing and learn how it is cultivated, with plenty of opportunity for kids to ask questions.

From there, you’ll head inside the factory to the elevated viewing deck overlooking the onsite ginger factory. This is one of the most fascinating parts of the tour, as you can watch the production process happening below, including huge vats of ginger having syrup added to them. The syruping room, as it’s called, is the largest facility of its kind in Australia and gives visitors a unique glimpse into the production of Buderim Ginger -there are even step stools for smaller guests to climb up to watch what’s going on below!

The tour finishes in the Tasting Room, where you can sample a variety of ginger-inspired sweet treats, drinks and savoury bites showcasing just how versatile the ingredient can be. Many of the products you taste can also be purchased in the Ginger Shop, so you can take some of your favourites home with you.

Tour the Gardens by Train

You are welcome to walk through the gardens for free, admiring the tropical and subtropical plants, water features and peaceful garden areas along the way, or you can purchase a ticket to ride Moreton, the 125-year-old cane train.

The gentle 15-minute Ginger Train Ride travels through the lush gardens and around the factory site, with open-air carriages making it easy to enjoy the scenery. There is also commentary about the history of Yandina and the local ginger industry.

Moreton has a fascinating history, having originally operated as a sugar cane train. Today, it offers a relaxing way for visitors of all ages to explore the grounds. There is only one station, so prams and strollers can be left on the platform to return to after the ride.

Overboard Boat Ride

Running throughout the day is the Overboard Boat Ride. After purchasing a ticket, hop on board for a gentle 15-minute indoor boat ride that takes you around the world, passing landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and Santa’s North Pole workshop.

As you go along, you’ll follow the story of the Gingerbread Man, who is trying to escape the clutches of two hungry chefs. Featuring more than 200 handmade moving puppets, music and animated scenes, there is plenty to look at, and your Brisbane Kids may want to ride more than once.

Live Bee Show

Visitors can purchase tickets for the Live Bee Show and learn about the fascinating lives of honeybees and the process of honey production.

Presented by knowledgeable beekeepers, the 40-minute presentation is engaging for young and old, with lots of bee facts for kids.

The attraction includes learning about how beekeepers tend to hives, and guests can get right up close to working bee hives, which are built into glass windows of the building. You can learn how bees makes honey and even try to spot the Queen Bee. The bees are free to come and go through the open side of the building and are separated from visitors by screens or glass.

The experience finishes with honey tasting in the Ginger Shop, giving guests the chance to try different varieties of honey and other honey products.

Zog Trail

Zog Trail is a free attraction that will delight Brisbane Kids who are fans of Julia Donaldson’s Zog books.

Follow the rainforest trail in search of Princess Pearl, Madam Dragon, Zog and his friends, using the augmented reality app along the way. Children can complete challenges, discover hidden images and interact with the trail as they explore.

It’s a lovely way to combine imaginative play with a walk through the rainforest, and the trail is free to enjoy.

Rainbrella Project

One of the most colourful free experiences at The Ginger Factory is the Rainbrella Project, a permanent art installation tucked into the garden walk.

Look up as you wander through the gardens and you’ll see hundreds of rainbow-coloured umbrellas suspended in the canopy above the path. The installation was created in collaboration with Sunshine Coast artist Sophy Blake and symbolises a community of hope.

The umbrellas create a spectacular rainbow canopy, and the experience is more than just something pretty to look at. You can pause beneath the umbrellas, listen to the relaxing soundscapes and take photos as you wander through the gardens.

It’s a particularly lovely addition for families because it is completely free and gives you another reason to slow down and explore the gardens rather than rushing between the rides.

Food Court, Gift Shops and Playground

There are several free play spaces at The Ginger Factory, making it easy for kids to burn off some energy between attractions. Parents will appreciate the large, fenced, covered playground that adjoins the café seating area. The playground has a toddler section on one side and a play space suitable for pre-schoolers and primary school-aged children, on the other side.

Little Explorers is an inside softplay space, where younger children can climb, play and explore, and adjacent to that is an area for kids to colour in, relax and read. There’s weekly story time and craft sessions in this space.

There’s also the Bee Jumping Castle, giving children another opportunity to burn off some energy.

When it’s time to eat, The Ginger Kitchen serves meals, snacks, coffee and drinks, with options including salads, burgers and dishes designed for sharing. The restaurant is also fully licensed. The Buderim Ginger Beer Garden provides a relaxed outdoor spot surrounded by gardens, where adults can enjoy Buderim Ginger beer on tap.

For something sweet, you could try the handmade gelato churned onsite or the famous ginger scones as well as the selection of gingerbread men. There are currently 35 flavours of gelato, along with lollies and shakes.

Near the eating areas, you’ll find the Ginger Shop, which boasts the largest selection of Buderim Ginger products in the world. From ginger beer and cordial to marmalades, spreads, sweets and ginger pieces, there’s plenty to browse and plenty of options to take home.

Explore The Gardens

Make some time to explore the gardens rather than rushing between the rides.

The Ginger Factory’s nine-hectare property includes acres of tropical plant life, beautiful water features and quieter pockets where you can sit and relax.

The Rainbrella Project is a highlight, but there are plenty of other little discoveries to make along the garden paths. Turtles and eels can be spotted in the pond, while water dragons and bush turkeys are regular visitors to the grounds.

School holiday activities

Visit The Ginger Factory’s website for free entertainment and activities available throughout the school holidays. They regularly runs special family activities, craft sessions and character appearances, with the program changing throughout the year. There are also regular free Story Time sessions for younger children.

The Ginger Factory also hosts special events throughout the year, including Moreton’s Birthday and school holiday programs.

Birthday party packages are available, while the attraction can also cater for school groups, business meetings and events.

The Ginger Factory At a Glance

The Ginger Factory is located approximately one hour north of Brisbane.
It’s open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm, closing only on Christmas Day.
This family friendly attraction has been operating for more than 40 years and is home to Buderim Ginger and Australia’s only operating ginger factory. It’s described by the attraction as the world’s largest operating ginger factory.
Entry to the park is free, but tickets for the tours and rides need to be purchased separately. There are several free experiences to enjoy, including the Zog Trail, Rainbrella Project, rainforest and gardens, Kids Playground and Little Explorers.
The Ginger Factory is pram and wheelchair friendly. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available onsite.
Birthday parties, school groups, business meetings and events can be arranged with staff.

How to Get to The Ginger Factory

The Ginger Factory is located at 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina.

There is ample off street parking or, for those using public transport, bus route 631 stops on Pioneer Road at The Ginger Factory. See Translink for details.