SITUATED just two hours’ drive from Brisbane, Gympie is a splendid blend of modern shopping and golden history. Gympie is in fact known as “the town that saved Queensland.”

In the days when the State was still a colony, the discovery of gold at Gympie was what brought Queensland back from the brink of bankruptcy. You will see many indications of the early wealth in the gracious historic buildings, built with gold profits during the boom times.

Enjoy the individuality of the CBD and take a walk past buildings that are a vivid reminder of that era. Admire the Town Hall, Stock Exchange Building, Smithfield Chambers Building and other architectural delights.

If the idea of gold fires your imagination, try a little gold fossicking for yourself. Grab a permit from the Cooloola Information Centre, hire some pans and shovels, and head for the Deep Creek Gold Fossicking Area off Brisbane Road east of Pengelly Bridge. Also visit the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum.

For something different, enjoy nature the old-fashioned way and take a trail ride. Or just find yourself a spot at the water’s edge and feed the ducks down at Lake Alford.

A drive of 20 minutes will take you to Mothar Mountain, where you can relax over a picnic or go bushwalking in the forest.

On the mornings of the second and fourth Sunday of the month, the Gympie South Country Markets are held. Browse around and find a bargain.