UNWIND and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a bygone era and warm, country hospitality of Gympie. Known as “the town that saved Queensland”, Gympie is the heart of the Cooloola Region. Less than two hours’ drive from Brisbane, it is perfectly located just off the highway and has all the modern conveniences of a city.

There is plenty to celebrate in this event-rich area, with major events including the National Country Music Muster, the Gympie Gold Rush Festival, the Bull and Bronc Spectacular and the Tin Can Bay Seafood Festival. Contact the Cooloola Visitors’ Information Centres for dates of these events and to see what else will be on during your visit.

Gympie’s proud heritage began in 1867 with the discovery of gold by prospector James Nash. A monument can be seen today near the Town Hall marking the general location of the discovery that saved the fledgling colony of Queensland from bankruptcy.

The heart of the city forms around the shopping precinct of Mary Street, a fantastic blend of shopping, Victorian era architecture and nearby parkland.

Take a heritage walk past traditional shopfronts and excellent examples of 19th century architecture, then sit and relax over a coffee enjoying the casual tree-lined atmosphere.

In a perfect blend of heritage culture and modern technology, exhibitions are displayed in the Cooloola Shire Public Gallery in Nash Street. Indulge your senses through the three galleries in this heritage-listed building.

One of the founding industries on which Gympie based its economy was the timber industry. See some of the region’s timber-cutting past at the WoodWorks Forestry and Timber Museum, where a replica of a steam-driven sawmill has pride of place.

Railway history comes alive at the Mary Valley Heritage Railway where you can ride the restored 1923 steam train, the Valley Rattler, from Gympie through the scenic Mary Valley.

Gympie is famous for the immac­ulate park areas surrounding the city. For a little relaxation time in a peaceful outdoor setting, visit one of the many park areas. Children can enjoy feeding ducks, or burn up some of their excess energy in modern play areas and skate bowls.

Gympie is surrounded by State Forest recreation areas perfect for swimming, picnicking and bushwalking.

Golfing enthusiasts can take advantage of the Gympie Pines Golf Course 18-hole championship course or the Gunabul Homestead par 3.

For racing enthusiasts, the Gympie Turf Club has eight racing days throughout the year.