Heritage talks: the Big Pineapple

Schedule

Wed Dec 09 2026 at 10:30 am to 11:30 am

UTC+10:00
Location

Auditorium 1, level 2, State Library of Queensland | South Brisbane, QL

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It's big, it's bright, and it's unmistakably Queensland.
About this Event

How did a giant pineapple on the Sunshine Coast become one of the state's most beloved landmarks?

Since opening in 1971, the Big Pineapple has welcomed generations of visitors, becoming a symbol of Queensland's booming tourism industry and our love affair with larger-than-life roadside attractions. But behind its towering fibreglass exterior lies a fascinating story of agricultural ambition, tourism, architecture and the people who helped put the pineapple on the map.

Join our panel of experts as we explore the rise of the Big Pineapple, its place in Queensland's cultural identity and the enduring appeal of our 'Big Things'. From its heyday as a must see tourist destination to its recognition as a heritage landmark, discover why this tropical icon continues to loom large in Queensland's imagination.

Presented as part of our Big Things exhibition, this ticket provides you with a chance to attend an exclusive exhibition preview and curator's tour. Big Things officially opens Thursday 10 December.


Image: Andrew Fraser and Lisa Smith at the top of the Big Pineapple, Sunshine Plantation, Woombye, 1980-1989, Cane Toad Times, Acc. 31611 Damien Ledwich archive, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image no. 31611-0022-0018

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Where is it happening?

Auditorium 1, level 2, State Library of Queensland, Stanley Pl, South Brisbane, Australia

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

AUD 0.00

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State Library of Queensland
Host or PublisherState Library of Queensland

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