The Ginger Factory is a celebration of all things ginger offering factory and tasting tours, tropical bush walks, theme park style activities and, of course, a shop crammed full of products made with ginger.
I had been there once before but it had been right at the end of the day when things were closing down and we didn't have enough time to explore the park properly. So when I was staying on the Sunshine Coast recently I thought it was time to have another look and I was very pleased I did. It has been substantially improved and extended since my first visit.
Firstly I joined the Factory and Processing tour. A knowledgeable guide talked about the growing of ginger, its uses and how it is suited to the Queensland climate, the importance of bees for pollination and she then took us to view the large processing plant. To end the tour we were taken to a tasting room where we got to taste several ginger products. I enjoyed the tour, it is well worth while.
 |
| Huge vats of ginger being processed |
Next I wandered the pretty rainforest tropical gardens with its water features and quiet, serene places to sit, delightful on a hot day. The Rainbrella Project is a colourful installation by Sophy Blake and a great photo spot on the garden walk.
I'm always a sucker for trains, even little tiny ones, so just had to have a ride on Moreton, the open carriage ginger train, which takes guests on a 15 minute ride through lush gardens and the factory site. The informative commentary tells of the history of Yandina and the development of ginger growing in the area.
 |
| Moreton the Ginger Train |
Local visitors can buy some stunning tropical plants at the Potting Shed on site but as an international tourist I couldn't buy, nevertheless it was good to look at the gloriously vibrant tropical flowers and plants on offer.
There are plenty of activities for children including Craft Days, a Creative Hub, a Knight School (extra charge for this) and Overboard which is a boat ride accompanied by music and animated puppetry (for all ages). The place was positively humming with happy children the day I was there.
 |
| The Egyptian part of the boat tour (photo from trip advisor) |
If you are in a shopping mood or want souvenirs to take home there are plenty of shops to choose from including a toy shop, a herbs and fragrance shop and the main shop at the entry/exit. You'll find a wonderland of ginger products in the main shop, it was hard to choose just a few things to take home but I managed.
 |
| The shop sells everything ginger, drinks, sweets, sauces, soaps, etc, etc (photo from trip advisor) |
Because it was the school holidays the place was pretty crowded with families, however, the only place that felt overly crowded was the cafe so I took myself across the road to the Pioneer Coffee Roastery where I had a very pleasant, leisurely coffee in peace. The Roastery and the adjoining Nut Shop are also both worth a visit.
 |
| The Coffee Roastery has a wonderful selection of coffees to buy. |
I think the Ginger Factory is a terrific place for anyone to visit and especially families. It is well maintained, educational, and there are activities for children and adults alike. I'd say it is a half day activity.
Disclaimer: Views are my own. I have no connection to the Ginger Factory
