NAMBOUR Nambour is a nice town. This place could be the next Caboolture and be set for a development disaster. The traveler senses this will not occur at this town. Nambour is the next major centre on highway 1 before Gympie. Many at Nambour commute to Brisbane. It is now the administrative centre of the Sunshine Coast Region and civic pride is clearly on display. The name is derived from the Aboriginal word "naamba", referring to the red-flowering tea tree Callistemon viminalis. The area was first settled in 1870. The town was then called Petrie's Creek. In 1890 the Maroochy Divisional Board was established. In 1891 the rail link with Brisbane was completed, and at its opening Petrie's Creek was renamed "Nambour", after the Nambour cattle station Nambour's primary industry has been sugar; other industries in the area include tourism, and the growing of tropical fruits. The Big Pineapple tourist attraction on the southern outskirts of the town reflects both of these pursuits. Other tourist attractions include The Big Macadamia Nut. Nambour has three 50’s hotels. The Nambour War Memorial, although difficult to locate is an admirable tribute. The United and Catholic Churches are nearly 100 years old. Nambour has a museum. As may be typical with voluntary staff the museum was not open on this particular Sunday. Nambour is a nice place to visit. To make the most of the Nambour arrive on a weekday and allow a min of an overnight stay. Heritage diary   .