As big things go, the Big Macadamia Nut isn’t one of the classics known for starting the big things “thing”, however, it has been around for almost as long as it’s more well-known sibling, The Big Pineapple. Built in 1978, only 7 years after the Big Pineapple, the Big Macadamia Nut added to the then growing Big Pineapple tourist trap on what was the main Bruce Highway thoroughfare.
I remember visiting the Big Pineapple in the early 1980s. It was a big deal in the day (was that a pun?), standing prominently on the Bruce Highway, but I can’t remember the Big Macadamia Nut. I’m sure others were aware of it, attracting nut lovers for the fresh tasty nut treats from the macadamia nut factory.
The highway bypassed Nambour in 1990. It closed in 2013, along with the pineapple plantation-themed tourist park. While the Big Pineapple is still prominent from what is now called Nambour Connection Road, the Big Macadamia Nut doesn’t stand out as much. Lacking the bright yellows and greens of the Big Pineapple doesn’t help.
In 2020, the Big Pineapple Adventure Park opened, inclusive of the Nambour Treetop Challenge operated from the Big Macadamia. Suspended in 10 acres of Nambour rainforest, the treetop challenge takes you through the tree canopy. There are six courses, ranging from easy to extreme (Black Diamond), to cater for most levels of adrenalin loving adventurists. There are also 12 flying foxes, sometimes known as ziplines, ranging from 20 metres to 140 metres.
It is one of three adventure parks by TreeTop Challenge, the other two being at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 
in the Gold Coast, and Thunderbird Park at Mount Tamborine. Nambour is the highest, largest, and thrilling of the three – and claimed the most thrilling in Australia.
Did I try any of the courses? I didn’t have time, I tell you. The fact that I feel uncomfortable with a step that is larger than regulation height has nothing to do with it! If you are into extreme high adrenaline racing climbs through the tree canopy, or want to challenge yourself with teeth-clenching challenges in the rainforest, the Nambour TreeTop Challenge at the Big Macadamia Nut is for you.
The Big Macadamia Nut is viewable from the outside. To book a session in the trees, use the link below.
Links
https://www.treetopchallenge.com.au/sunshine-coast-adventure
