Brown Creek

As an avid Ginger lover the Ginger Factory was on my list of places to visit even before Annie told me there was a potentially culturally insensitive small world ride. When I arrived I also saw it had a train ride too. Kid in a candy shop much (before you ask, no I don’t have a formal diagnosis).

I asked the ticket agent how it all worked and when the tours left. Unfortunately I didn’t have time for a factory tour but could fit in the train and boat ride. He looked kinda puzzled when I asked for a ticket for 1, looking behind me probably in search of a small child. “So 1 big kid ticket for the train and boat ride?” he asks with a smirk on his face. “Yep, that’s me” I reply and part with my $20 for the combo ticket that I later realised is called “play combo”. 😂

The train was leaving in 2mins so I rushed like a kid at a train store to the platform and boarded the train filled with parents, toddlers and some kindergarten aged kids. This big kid took one of the few seats left before the gates were closed and we set off on the 15min loop around the property, me with a big kid smile happily onboard.

Before the rush of the train ride had worn off I was boarding my private boat for the search for the gingerbread man ride. I think it was called the ‘overboard’ ride but let’s face it, it was it’s a small world with some gingerbread men added. The ride progressed with lots of puppets and music. I passed through London, Paris and then into China and some Island tribes. I can see what Annie meant now. Still the whole ride was a hoot. Pictures and videos tell the story better than I can in words.

Once the ride came to an end I was greeted by the ride attendant who quizzed me on my thoughts on the ride. “Umm, yeah it was entertaining for sure”. I can’t tell whether she is being sarcastic or genuine when she says she loves it and always sees something new each time she rides it.

With rides done I needed to eat something with Ginger in it and Ginger Beer sorbet seemed like the ticket. Not the best Ginger sorbet but refreshing as I walked around the old town styled stores and forest walk. The last attraction was the rainbrella (rainbow umbrellas) art installation which was cute.

While totally designed for kids I had a great time here. I bought some Ginger treats to take home with me and with everything Ginger satisfied made my way to the airport. If I did it again, I’d have come here first so I could fit in a factory tour. Oh well - next time gadget!Read more