In 1972, Robert and Valorie Brinsmead  purchased the property we are on today as a run down small crop farm that had been given over to grazing. Bob was fully aware of the land’s fruit growing potential, and the location offered breathtaking views of the Tweed Valley to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. 

The family plan was to grow tropical fruit on the red soil hills, while preserving areas of the original forest and the natural beauty of the land.  Bob started planting lots of avocados.  He also enlisted the enthusiastic help of his children, and together they nurtured orchards of custard apples, bananas, mangos, lychees, guavas, macadamias, papaya …. the collection grew, and over the years the plantation became a fascination for an endless stream of visiting friends and family. 

And so, “Avocadoland” opened its gates as a tourist attraction for the first time in 1983.

This labor of love continued to grow (literally), and the property now boasts hundreds of species of tropical fruit from all over the world.  Today, three generations of the Brinsmead family are involved in the continued success of this commercial farm and tourist attraction, now known as Tropical Fruit World. Founder Bob’s eldest child, Judith Brinsmead, took over the running of the property in 1990.  Bob’s grandson Tom Hill has also inherited a keen interest in the diverse facets of the agri-tourism business.

A dedicated team of over 100 staff not only nurture the farm but also bring the Tropical Fruit World experience to life through guided tours, café dining and distinctive retail experiences. Guests can take a taste of the farm home from our Fruit Market, discover tropical and subtropical plants in our Retail Nursery, and explore our Farm Store collection, including premium skincare and products inspired by the fruit, botanicals and spirit of the farm. 

As the farm business diversifies, the family remains committed to best-practice environmentally sustainable farming methods - principles championed by our founder for more than 30 years.

Tropical Fruit World has now welcomed more than 2 million visitors through the farm gates, and continues to celebrate nature’s glory and a love of the land.