What Do You Think Of Tropical Fruit World?

by Reem
(Kuwait)

What do you think of Tropical Fruit World?

Is it worth it?

How long does it take to get to Tropical Fruit World from centre of Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast (Courtyard Marriot Hotel)?

What fruits can I taste there?

What are the prices for adults and children?

Here's my 'Quick Review of Tropical Fruit World'

I haven't been to Tropical Fruit World in a while, but I have been about 3 times in total. I guess the fact that I have been back pretty much sums up what I think of it! However, I am fascinated by all the different fruits and I always learn something new whenever I go there.

At the fruit tastings, which I think go for about half an hour, you have a introductory talk by one of the staff about the fruits they grow etc. As they talk they are preparing your tasting.

Depending upon the time of year you get to taste whatever is in season.

Here are some of the fruits you may get a chance to taste during July, I cannot promise you will taste all of them, but these are the ones that should be in season during July.

These are the more tropical ones:

• Caramel Fruit


• Cherimoya


• Cherry Guava


• Cumquat


• Custard Apple


• Yellow Dragonfruit


• 5 star fruit (Carambola)


• Jakfruit


• Lemonade Fruit


• Pummelo


• Rambutan


• Rollinia


• Santol


• Soursop

And here's a list of some of the others they grow that are probably less exotic, however, when you taste them at Tropical Fruit World, somehow I always think they taste so much better!

• Avocado


• Banana


• Macadamia


• Mandarin


• Orange


• Papaya


• Pinapple

Tropical Fruit World was originally an Avocado plantation where research was done. There are some of the original avocado trees still there and producing fruits. They also showcase jams and chutneys from fruits out of season, so you can get a chance to try some of the fruits that are not in season.

One year I was there with my sister who cannot eat sugar or chocolate, she had heard of the fabled Chocolate Pudding Fruit which is in season during August. We went at the beginning of August and the crop was not quite ready... however they had frozen Chocoalate Pudding Fruit on sticks. She had a wonderful time with that on the way home, I can tell you.

The owners of Tropical Fruit World work in conjunction with a couple of Australian Universities doing research into the medicinal and healing properties of the tropical fruits. I find that fascinating.

As well as the Miracle Fruit Tasting, there is an extensive shop, fruit market and they do a plantation tour, boat ride and there is some farm animal feeding. When we go, we usually spend two to three hours there and the cafe is a must if you have time.

Okay back to practicalities, from the centre of Surfers Paradise, if you drive yourself it will probably take about an hour to drive (Google Maps says it is 42kms and takes 48 minutes), but I would leave an hour for traffic. Tropical Fruit World is at Duranbah which is just south of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads and is in northern New South Wales.


Tropical Fruit World entry prices in 2010 are approximately:
Adults $37
Children $20 (4 years to 13 years)
Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children) $85

You can check here for the current pricing as it may change, though I seem to remember that is what we paid every time we went.

Alternatively, if you want to do Tropical Fruit World as part of a day tour, they generally stop for the fruit tasting and a quick look around the shop (so you don't get to do the tour plantation) this can also be a great way to see the highlights. Here are a few day tour options that include Tropical Fruit World.

Phew, did I say a quick Tropical Fruit World review? That wasn't that quick, it's just that I personally love this place, but I do recognise that everyone isn't a nut about fruit and veggies like me!

I hope that answered your question, if you have any more please leave in the comments below and I will answer them. You can also let me know what you thought of my answer ;-) by rating it.

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