About Us: What’s the history of the Sunshine Coast’s Banana Bender Pub?

If you’re looking for a Sunshine Coast icon, you’ve found it in the Banana Bender Pub. With 33 years of rich history, this must-visit destination - formerly known as the Ettamogah Pub - stands tall alongside the just as legendary Aussie World theme park, both of which opened in 1989.

So, what’s the history of the Banana Bender Pub? Here’s all you need to know about the famous Sunshine Coast venue/pub…


Was the Banana Bender Pub the Ettamogah originally?

Yes! The Banana Bender Pub was the second Ettamogah to be built in Australia and was opened in 1989 by Queensland’s then Premier Mike Ahern after nine months of construction.

What were the Ettamogah Pubs based off?

Former police officer Kenneth ‘Ken’ Maynard rose to fame as a cartoonist thanks to his Ned and the Neddy cartoons in the country’s longest running paper, the now defunct Australiasian Post magazine - affectionately known as the Aussie Post. Over the years In of Ken Maynard’s cartoons to make way for the Ettamogah, dubbed the “cartoon pub”.

When did the Sunshine Coast Ettamogah Pub change to the Banana Bender Pub?

In 2019 the pub - which can be seen from the Bruce Highway at Palmview just an hour north of Brisbane and 40 minutes south of Noosa. - underwent a modern transformation to unveil a vibrant brand-new eye-catching look, which includes three levels and a 500 square metre deck around the front and sides of the building bringing a unique and tropical feeling wow factor to the pub and an incredible space to catch up with friends for a drink or meal.

What is the Banana Bender Pub best-known for?

While we will never forget its Ettamogah roots, the Sunshine Coast’s Banana Bender Pub - has pulled out all the stops, showcasing a quirky laid-back Aussie charm, offering up good times with a twist in spades thanks to its eye-catching/or must-see decor and one-of-a-kind memorabilia throughout the building.

You'll enjoy the Celebrity caricature faces that have been immortalised in the Banana Bender’s walls in a quintessential Australian way and stay for the live music or entertainment in The Shed and a drink in our sun-drenched beer garden.

You can be guaranteed the best pub Parmy on the Sunshine Coast with a twist or a top-shelf meal at Mango’s Bar and Grill restaurant and you’ll leave with an experience and incredible service from our staff that will have you grinning from ear-to-ear thanks to the pub’s larrikin charm.



Opening Hours


Sunday

9am - 8pm Food Service 11am - 7pm

Monday & Tuesday

9am- 6pm Food Service 11am- 4pm

Wednesday & Thursday

9am - 10pm Food Service 11am - 8pm

Friday & Saturday

9am - Late Food Service 11am - 8pm

Public Holidays

9am - 5pm Food Service 11am - 3pm

Get In Touch

Phone
(07) 5436 3812

Address
1 Downunder Drive, Palmview

Email
pub@thebananabenderpub.com.au