Discover Gympie Regional

Gympie Regional brings together Gympie’s gold and timber history with art, historic sites and trails for a range of activities. At the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum, the collection of documents, artefacts and photographs spans from James Nash’s gold discovery in 1867 to the closure of operations at the Gympie Eldorado Gold Mine. Educational tours and interactive exhibits add to the museum experience.

Culture and history

The forestry and timber industries also have their own place: the Woodworks Museum and Interpretive Centre traces their development. Exhibits include a steam-powered sawmill, a display on springboard techniques, historic forestry hand tools and a fully restored 1925 “Republic” cable winch. Groups, including school classes, can arrange demonstrations and tours by appointment.

The Gympie Regional Gallery is housed in the heritage-listed School of Arts Building, built in 1905. It presents a diverse selection of professional and emerging regional artists, alongside touring exhibitions from across Australia. Art classes, artist talks and tours round out the program. If you plan to attend any of these, check the current program before your visit.

The Heritage Trails take you on walks to historic sites around the city. Memorial Park is a recognised landmark in the heart of Gympie, is listed on the Queensland State Heritage Register, and serves as both a memorial and public open space. The historic railway station is also part of Gympie’s architectural heritage: it is believed to be the largest timber railway station building constructed in Queensland in the 20th century.

Trails and outdoor activities

The River to Rail Trail in central Gympie is 7.8 kilometres long and suitable for walking and cycling. Much of the route follows the Mary River. There are opportunities for picnicking, fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Check for current trail closures before setting out; for water activities, also be sure to check local conditions.

The Victory Heights Trail Network offers a different landscape: it covers 60 hectares of remnant eucalypt forest, seasonal creeks and low hills. The area is suitable for nature watching, bushwalking, trail running and mountain biking. The network also includes a 2-kilometre cycling track for children. Younger children must be supervised.

Steam train and local events

The Mary Valley Rattler operates heritage steam train journeys between Gympie and various destinations in the Mary Valley. Authentic steam locomotives and historic passenger carriages are used. This makes a train journey different from the museum exhibitions: the historic railway itself is the main attraction. Check operating days separately when planning your trip.

Art Stars is a monthly art group run by the Gympie Regional Gallery for children and their families. It takes place on the first Saturday of each month, except during school holidays. The Gympie Showgrounds Farmers Markets are held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, from 6 am to 12 pm, at 77 Exhibition Road, Southside 4570. They offer fresh produce and prepared takeaway food. As event dates and market offerings can change, check the latest details before your visit.

Plan your stay

You can organise your time around the experiences that interest you most, then look for a hotel for your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Downsfield, Goondiwindi Regional, Rockhampton Regional, Ipswich City, Logan City, Townsville City, Toowoomba Regional, Tablelands Regional

Return to the main travel overview: Queensland.