The Ginger Factory, located just off the Bruce Highway in Yandina, has beckoned visitors since the 1980s. Originally started in the 1940s as a co-op of farmers who helped to fill the gap in ginger shortages due to WW2, the factory continues to deliver the finest ginger in the world. It also offers plenty of attractions and other things to do.
As I enter the overflowing car park, I begin to realise this Sunshine Coast attraction must have more to offer than the train ride we took our son on years ago and an assortment of goodies for purchase in the gift shop. Sure enough, greeting me at the park’s entrance is Zog, a dragon that takes you through an immersive forest adventure using augmented reality.
Thankfully, the train is still here as well. This is not some rusty diesel but a beautifully restored piece of history. Moreton – The Ginger Train is an 118-year-old sugar cane train lovingly cared for by devoted mechanics that chugs around The Ginger Factory grounds.
As someone who loves ginger, my mind is blown when I start looking at the largest ginger-themed store on the planet, with scores of ginger-themed activities, rides, and experiences for young and old. So, let’s start with things to do.
The Ginger Factory tours: which should you do?
There is an assortment of tours and experiences on offer at The Ginger Factory, including:
Factory & Processing Tour: This tour takes you into the factory, where you will find out how ginger is grown and harvested and sample products on offer in the gift store. This tour is very informative, but it could be a bit boring for children. There are tasty treats so sample at the end of the tour, but this felt a bit like a sales pitch at few times during the tasting session.
Ginger Growing & Harvest Tour: This is great for getting your hands dirty and having a play. On this tour, you learn about the growth cycle, history, and medicinal benefits of ginger. You also get to plant, harvest and taste some delicious ginger products on this tour as well. We did this tour with a mature couple and we all really enjoyed it, especially the big bit of fresh ginger we got to take home to eat and/or plant. It’s the opposite of the factory tour as it’s very hands on which makes it a great choice for kids as well.
Live Bee Show & Tastings: Led by an experienced beekeeper, on this tour you learn all about life in the beehive, see many different bee species, learn how bees make honey, and taste some of the delicious honey varieties and learn what makes them different. The handling of the bees is done behind glass so you don’t need to worry about getting stung. We did this tour when our son was younger and we all enjoyed it.
Ginger meets the future with Zog: A Forest Adventure: This free self-guided tour will delight both kids and parents as they journey into the forest with Zog, the dragon featured in Julia Donaldson’s children’s books. Using an augmented reality app, you search for dragons, earn gold stars, fly, roar, and dance, take lots of photos and videos, and have a lot of fun along the way. This is another must-do for the little ones and and their parents.
The Ginger Factory rides
There are also two rides at The Ginger Factory, and while they may not be heart-pounding thrillers, they are a lot of fun. They are designed to entertain and bring joy to visitors of all ages but it’s mostly little ones who will be thrilled.
Moreton The Ginger Train: As I said before, this historic sugar cane train is a lovingly restored piece of history and a must-do experience. The journey will take you through the park and gardens and is loads of fun for all ages, but especially for small kids.
Overboard: Join the gingerbread man on this float around the world, discovering the world of ginger in some exciting places. From the North Pole to Paris and featuring 200 handmade moving puppets, the Overboard ride is fun for kindy kids but any children older than this should give it a miss.
Free things to do at The Ginger Factory
The Ginger Factory also has free activities, including the garden walk, which takes you through the beautiful gardens and a playground and jumping castle that will make the kids happy and adults happier when the kids’ energy meter runs out at bedtime and they go to bed early. Browsing at the gift store and sampling some of the products is free as well.
The Ginger Factory food and gift shop
A large food area has an extensive menu selection with hints of ginger. From burgers, ice-creams and scones with ginger jam and cream, your taste buds are sure to tingle. For adult play time, there’s even a beer garden offering an assortment of ginger beer to keep things happy. There are also plenty of purchasing opportunities for ginger-themed products, ranging from medical and herbal products to plush Gingerbread men and some lovely Australian themed gifts for those visiting from overseas.
The Ginger Factory school holiday program
From gingerbread man decorating to pretending to be a knight and protecting the forest realm, The Ginger Factory offers an assortment of school holiday programs and activities to keep little ones occupied. Check The Ginger Factory website for updates, times and dates.
The Ginger Factory entry fee and tour costs
Entry to The Ginger Factory is free to enter but all of the tours and of the rides come at a cost. There are packages starting from $19 up to a couple of hundred dollars for families who want to do the lot, with all the bells and whistles. It’s a good wet weather activity on the Sunshine Coast as a lot of the attractions and tours are under cover.
The Ginger Factory at Yandina: Who should go?
The biggest winners at The Ginger Factory are families with small children as there are so many things aimed at maximum kid fun thanks to rides and adventure-themed activities. Adults will enjoy the factory tour and taste, plus the hands-on garden and ginger growing class. Teens and young adults will probably run screaming in terror from the mass of small children and prams, nappies and sippy cups. Bring them to The Ginger Factory at your peril, but everyone else should have a good time.
Disclosure: The writers have visited as guests of The Ginger Factory and at their own expense.
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