A town flourishing with retro charm that still feels alive with possibilities, Nambour is a must-visit for those exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. While many people head to the Sunshine Coast looking for a change of sea-nery, Nambour is the best of both worlds if you’re looking for both nature and easy access to the coast.
History
First settled in the 1860s, it all started thanks to the road between Gympie and Brisbane, which crossed Petrie Creek, near what is now Nambour. A cattle station was soon after established on the Creek and, a few years later, in 1884, the first hotel in the area was built on the present-day Nambour Showgrounds.
The district struggled to grow and maintain its growth leading up to the construction of the hotel, but it was known its timber and sugar cane industries, which helped it chug along. The early 1890s were the true turning point though, with the construction of the North Coast Railway. Nambour was one of the settlements most benefited by the railway, as it was excellently located in relation to coastal farms and the Blackall Range.
Then came the Moreton Central Sugar Mill in 1897 and, with it, Nambour’s time in the spotlight. Sugar became the biggest industry in the area, with a network of trams spreading out over the region. All throughout the first half of the twentieth century, the town flourish, with growth starting to decline in the 1950s, due to competition with other coastal towns and, later, in 2003, the closure of the sugar mill. Today, Nambour still boasts a rich history, gorgeous heritage buildings, and heaps of heart.
Things to do
A short drive from other cosy towns like Montville and Maleny, Nambour is worth a stop all on its own. Nestled in the lush foothills of the Blackall Range, the town has both natural and urban beauty waiting to be discovered. Whether you are looking to hike, see some furry creatures, or go thrifting, Nambour has it!
Start by exploring the historic centre, with its distinctive heritage buildings, boutique cafés, and stunning vintage shops. Discover Nambour’s rich arts scene by visiting a gallery or catching live music at The Old Ambo, the Sunshine Coast’s only multi-arts facility. You can also drop by beloved local venue The Presynct for a night of music spanning multiple genres, from heavy metal to folk, and everything in between!
Of course, no trip to Nambour would be complete without a visit to the region’s sweetest big thing: The Big Pineappple! Ride the Big Pineapple Train and take in the beauty of the area on a scenic loop around the site, and grab an IG-worthy photo with the Big Pineapple herself.
If you’re an animal lover, Wildlife HQ Zoo is a must for you! Featuring plenty of exotic creatures to discover, including endangered species such as the Cotton Top Tamarin, and encounters with lemurs, meerkats, and even a python, this zoo truly has it all.
After Wildlife HQ, those looking for adrenaline can test their mettle and enjoy nature at the same time at Tree Top Challenge, a high-ropes course set deep amongst lush subtropical rainforest.
Once you feel the need to refuel, pay a visit to one of the town’s retro diners, like Rick’s Garage, for a juicy burger, or a drink at one of their top quality wineries.
Nambour also hosts regular community markets featuring fresh produce, handmade goods and local food vendors, like the Rummager’s Market on the third Sunday of every month, and the Nambour Town Square Markets every Thursday!
How to get there
Nambour is about 100 kilometres north of Brisbane, an easy 90-minute drive, or you can take the train on the Nambour line.
