Picture-book fans, this one's for you. Zog, the accident-prone dragon from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's much-loved story, has made his home in the rainforest at The Ginger Factory – and the good news is, he's staying. Australia's very first Zog Trail is now a permanent fixture, free to visit every day.
The "wow" factor
Hold up your phone at each trail marker and Zog, Princess Pearl, Sir Gadabout and Madam Dragon pop up right there among the trees. Little ones get to roar, fly and practise their fire-breathing alongside the characters – and every photo and video saves straight to your camera roll.
Who it's perfect for
Toddlers and preschoolers who know the book by heart, early primary kids who love a quest, and grandparents looking for an easy, gentle day out with the littlies. Prams welcome.
The SPARK POP moment
The trail is short, so the magic isn't in the distance – it's in the slowing down. Kids hunt for the next marker, spot lizards and butterflies along the way, and suddenly you're all having a proper wander through the rainforest together. Screens are part of the experience here, but they're doing the job we love most: sending everyone outdoors and into the story.
What we loved
Using the app to bring Zog to life and joining dragon school ourselves. We learned to roar like true fire-breathing dragons, then went head-to-head on the Roar-O-Metre to see who could roar the loudest (no prizes for guessing who won). Then we cooled down with a fun dance fever moment. Pure, giggly, wild-rumpus joy.
Duration
Allow 30–45 minutes for the trail itself (longer if your crew insists on doing it twice – you're allowed to, as many times as you like!). Most families easily fill half a day once rides, play areas and lunch are added in.
Location & accessibility:
The Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina – just off the Bruce Highway, about 20 minutes' drive from Maroochydore. Entry is free, parking is free, and the grounds are pram and wheelchair friendly.
Age suitability
The sweet spot is 2–7 years. Older siblings will enjoy the rides and the bee show more than the trail itself.
Best Time To Go
First thing after the gates open at 9am, before the day heats up and the school holiday crowds arrive. The trail runs 7 days a week, 9am–5pm (closed Christmas Day).
Before You Leave Home
Download the free Zog: A Forest Adventure app at home on wi-fi. Once it's installed, you don't need a data connection on the trail. Allow access to your camera and photos when prompted, or the characters won't appear.
Top Tips For Families
Bring: A charged phone (and a power bank if it's a big day), hats, water bottles and comfy shoes.
Don't forget: You can't BYO food or drinks, but the café and Gingerlatis gelato bar have you covered – and a gelato at the end of the quest is very much part of the tradition.
Make it a full day: Zog is free, but if you're going to stay a while, the Play, Taste & Discover Bundle is the best-value way to do it all – unlimited rides on Moreton the 120-year-old Ginger Train and the Overboard Boat Ride, plus the Live Bee Show and Factory Tour, both with tastings. Little Explorers soft play (for under 5s), Bee-trice the jumping castle and the Rainbrella Project are free extras.
Add an activity pack: Zog activity packs are available at the ticket desk – a lovely way to keep the story going on the drive home.
Great for birthdays or gifts? Yes! The Ginger Factory hosts kids' birthday parties, and the Play, Taste & Discover Bundle makes a brilliant experience gift for a little Zog fan. No wrapping. No batteries. Just memories.
Ready To Book
🛒 Ready to Book?
If you're looking to spark some storybook magic and spend a morning outdoors together, the Zog Trail is one of the Sunshine Coast's best free days out. Pair it with a bundle and you've got a whole day of play, sorted.
👉 BOOK NOW: Play, Taste & Discover Bundle 💝 Give it as a gift with a SPARK POP Gift Card 💬 Have a question? We're here to help – contact us.
Let's Keep The Fun Going!
Tried the Zog Trail? Tag us in your dragon-school photos @sparkpophq or share your own tips!
Looking for something similar? Explore more Sunshine Coast experiences, toddler-friendly days out or fun that's as cheap as chips.