About Us

the quirkiest pub
in Queensland

Sunshine Coast’s iconic pub for dining, live music and events

With over 35 years of history, Banana Bender Pub is one of the most iconic pubs on the Sunshine Coast, known for its relaxed atmosphere, live entertainment and quality dining experience. Located just off the Bruce Highway near Aussie World, it’s a go-to destination for locals and visitors looking for great food, cold drinks and unforgettable nights out.Here’s our story.

The History of Banana Bender Pub Sunshine Coast

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

Ettamogah Pub Origins and Transformation

The Ettamogah Pub was originally conceived by cartoonist Kenneth ‘Ken’ Maynard who started drawing the iconic building, with its outward leaning walls and bullnose verandah, in 1959. The Ettamogah Mob cartoons, an iconic series of weekly cartoons, were published in The Australasian Post for nearly 50 years until that publication closed in the early 2000s. These cartoons were the inspiration for the building of the Ettamogah Pubs.

When Did Ettamogah Pub Become Banana Bender Pub?

In 2019, the pub, visible from the Bruce Highway at Palmview on the Sunshine Coast, underwent a major transformation to unveil a vibrant, new, eye-catching Queenslander look and feel. Today, Banana Bender Pub rises across three levels with a magnificent 500 square metre deck, creating a unique tropical atmosphere for locals and visitors. Located in one of Queensland’s most popular destinations, the Sunshine Coast, the venue offers a welcoming space for families and friends to enjoy great food, cold drinks and unforgettable experiences.

What Is Banana Bender Pub Known For Today?

While never forgetting its Ettamogah roots, the Sunshine Coast’s Banana Bender Pub, offering live music, events, weekly activities and more, showcases a quirky laid-back Queensland charm. Packed with good times with a twist, thanks to its eye catching, must-see, instaworthy, décor and one-of-a-kind memorabilia which is showcased across all three levels of this unique Queensland pub.

You’ll enjoy and smile at the celebrity caricature banana and pineapple heads that adorn the Banana Bender Pub’s walls, live music and events in The Shed, drinks in a sundrenched beer garden, and amazing spaces to gather for parties, celebrations or just catch ups, which include ‘The Verandah’, ‘The Surf Lifesaving Mezz’, ‘The Music Mezz’, ‘The Celebrity Mezz’ and ‘The Marquee’.

From The Den Bar, serving up the coldest brews and killer cocktails, you can ascend to the pub’s summit and discover some of the most innovative pub food on the Sunshine Coast. Explore our food and drink menu at Banana Bender Pub to see what’s on offer. Created by a team of internationally trained chefs at Mango’s Bar & Grill, you’ll be looked after by our incredibly friendly service team and experience dishes to dine for.!

Planning a visit? Book a table and experience it for yourself.