The Ginger Factory - Yandina - Queensland - Review
During their recent Queensland holiday, Kate and her little ones spent a fun day at The Ginger Factory in Yandina riding on their historic ginger train, hopping on boat rides, going on a tour of the factory, experiencing a live bee show, doing lots of tastings and playing too! Thanks for the Ginger Factory for having us and thanks Kate for this great review! x Catherine To follow Kate’s adventures, head to her page @kateflatman.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
One of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular attractions, The Ginger Factory in Yandina has been delighting families for more than 40 years. Home of the famous Buderim Ginger, it is the world’s largest operating ginger factory and produces a large range of delicious and locally made ginger drinks, sweets, spreads and foods. However, there is more to the iconic Ginger Factory than manufacturing, it offers fun rides, fascinating tours, a unique retail precinct and café surrounded by beautiful sub-tropical gardens - there is something for everyone.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Here are our TOP SEVEN reasons for visiting The Ginger Factory with the whole family.
1. Ginger Train
Climb aboard Moreton, the historic ginger train for a tour of the factory grounds. Moreton, the 116 year old, retired sugar cane train now spends his days taking people around the property giving a running commentary of the history of Buderim Ginger, the factory and local area + interesting things to see along the way. Trains depart every thirty minutes from Ginger Town Station. After three rides, the poppets voted the Ginger Train the best part of our day!
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
2. Overboard Boat Ride
Running continuously throughout the day, hop on a boat and chase the gingerbread man on an adventure as he escapes the clutches of hungry chefs. As you sail through different countries, little ones will love trying to spot the gingerbread man as he hides amongst 200 homemade moving puppets including Moulin Rouge dancers, Santa and his elves and the guards at Buckingham Palace. Please note that this ride is quite dark in parts, which some children may find scary.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
3. Live Bee Show & Tasting
Led by an experienced beekeeper, learn about the life of a bee, how bees make honey and see different bee species up close in this fascinating presentation. Honey lovers will enjoy tasting some delicious varieties of honey at the completion of the show with opportunities to buy jars to take home.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
4. Factory Tour & Tasting
Take the fully guided Factory Tour for a behind the scenes look into how far Buderim Ginger has come in the last 77 years, from a small farming community and ginger growers cooperative to one of the world’s largest suppliers of ginger. Finish the tour with a private tasting in the Tasting Room featuring products available to purchase in the Ginger Shop and recipe ideas.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
5. Gingerbread Decorating
Purchase a freshly baked gingerbread man from the Ice Creamery with a tub of colourful icing, mini chocolates and lollies for children to use to decorate. The poppets loved decorating the gingerbread men, but they loved eating them more!
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
6. Kids Play Area
There are several free and fun play spaces for kids to explore. The undercover playground next to the Ginger Cafe allows children to play in a fenced areas with tunnels, stairs, slides, windows for peaking, and ropes for climbing. There is also a smaller play space designed for toddlers with their very own train to climb, a carriage to crawl through and colourful balls to play with. The poppets also loved playing the giant snakes and ladders located outside the Overboard Boat Ride.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
7. Café, Ice Creamery & Shop
A fun day out isn’t complete without a treat from the café (the ginger scones come highly recommended) or a handmade ice cream. Pop into the Ginger Shop on the way out to pick up your favourite Buderim Ginger products for home or gifts for family or friends.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Admission into The Ginger Factory is FREE - this allows you access to the Ginger Shop, Ginger Cafe, Ginger Town, play areas, gardens and Rainforest Walk. Extra costs apply for the Ginger Train, Overboard Boat Ride, Live Bee Show and Factory Tour. Check the website for prices and special bundle offers. If you want to experience everything, purchase a Play, Taste & Discover Bundle which includes entry to all tours and shows + unlimited rides. Note, children aged three and under are free.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Busy City Kids were invited to experience The Ginger Factory for the purpose of a review. All opinions & feedback are genuine & truthful. Travel and food was self funded.