Tropical Fruit World, south of Gold Coast

What’s the first three things that come to mind when you think of the Gold Coast? Golden beaches? Theme parks? How about tropical fruit?

Yep, we’re serious. Just south of the Gold Coast, in the beautiful Tweed hinterland, lies 175 acres of tropical fruit plantations. It’s a working farm with more than 500 varieties of fruit growing, and it’s also a unique tourist attraction with plenty to keep the kids entertained. They may even learn a thing or two!

Things to do at Tropical Fruit World

When you arrive at Tropical Fruit World, there is an off-street car park, a small playground and a counter to buy tickets. Once you have purchased a ticket, you can spend the rest of the day enjoying the following attractions:

Plantation Safari – tractor train

All aboard! The tractor train winds its way through the farm while the driver explains the history of the farm and the intriguing fruits that you are passing. There are a few stops throughout the plantation where you can hop off and sample fruits that you have probably never laid eyes on before! There’s also a stop to crack and sample some macadamia nuts, the only nut that is native to Australia.

Fauna Park – feed the animals

The tractor train’s next stop is at the Tropical Fruit World Fauna Park. This pretty part of the property is home to a number of animals, including horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, emus and wallabies. Here you can buy animal feed and get plenty of cute photos of your kids feeding the friendly animals.

Wildlife Boat Cruise – duck and bird feeding

Leaving from the fauna park is a boat which takes you along a (man-made) water course. Brimming with bird life, bread is available on the boat for kids to feed the ducks, geese and other water birds that flock to this area. After a short, but very pleasant boat ride, you will arrive at The Island.

The Island – children’s playground

The Island is a child’s paradise! There is mini golf, playgrounds, a tractor to climb on, and a miniature train to ride on. There’s also plenty of room for picnics, including sheltered picnic tables, so this is a great spot to stop for lunch and relax. The tour only allows about 20 minutes of play time on the island before you hop back on the tractor train, but you can opt to stay longer and return with a later tour group.

Fruit Tasting – try something new

Also included in your entrance ticket is a fruit tasting session where you can try fruits that you have probably never before tasted. You may even learn some interesting facts about fruits, and your kids may discover a new favourite fruit!

Plantation Pavillion – cafe and gift shop

You are welcome to BYO a picnic lunch or snacks to Tropical Fruit World, or you can purchase a delicious juice, smoothie or ice cream from the cafe, all made using tropical fruits grown on the farm. There are also light meals and snacks available in the cafe. Before you leave, you may like to visit the gift shop, which is overflowing with jams, preserves, chutneys and other quirky and interesting gifts. And of course, you can also purchase some fresh fruit to take home with you.

Tropical Fruit World is located at 29 Duranah Road, Duranbah (NSW) but operates on Queensland time all year round.

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Cath Johnsen

At every opportunity, Cath loves to explore Australia with her husband and three children. She also loves reading and writing, and is a regular contributor to Kids in Australia.