Gympie
As the heritage and cultural centre of the Cooloola Region, Gympie boasts a tradition that few areas in Queensland can offer. A city of 16,000 people, Gympie offers the warm hospitality of a country town with all the modern conveniences.
Known as the "Town that Saved Queensland", Gympie's proud heritage began in 1867 with the discovery of gold by prospector James Nash at the site now occupied by the Town Hall. At the time, Queensland was facing bankruptcy due to drought and the fall in wool prices.
However, Nash made the five day journey down the Mary River from Maryborough and, after digging up 75 ounces of gold in six days, staked his claim. The Gympie Gold Rush was on, injecting the boost to the Queensland economy that enabled the colony to survive.
Nowadays, you can relive the tradition that has given Gympie its special place in history. At the Gold Mining Museum, displays covering the gold rush days are mingled with exhibits such as the Lighthorse Museum and Andrew Fisher House to provide an outstanding range of cultural as well as historical exhibits.
Other attractions such as the Mary Valley Heritage Railway and Woodworks Forestry and Timber Museum provide outstanding links to the region's railway and timber history.
The city's heart is Mary Street, a fantastic blend of shopping, heritage and nearby parkland that combines the activity of a regional centre with the relaxed, carefree experience of a holiday.
Take a heritage walk past traditional shopfronts as well as excellent examples of 19th Century architecture. Or stroll to a coffee shop and take in the casual atmosphere that seems to be lost in the modern era.
Gympie's location, right on the Bruce Highway under 2 hours drive north of Brisbane, makes it easily accessible for travellers looking for a special slice of Queensland. And it's centrally located to the breathtaking coastline of Rainbow Beach, the dolphins of Tin Can Bay, and the rural hinterland of the Mary Valley.
Come and visit us in Gympie and see what makes us one of the most unique holiday destinations in Australia.
Mary Valley
In the Mary Valley, you're never too far away from a country town and country hospitality. The Mary Valley Scenic Way is the main route linking the towns of the Valley, with several 'back roads' providing picturesque alternatives.
This area is a patchwork of pineapple plantations, grazing properties and macadamia farms at various stages of growth. Pineapples are the major crop grown here, with the entire area providing an outstanding hinterland experience characteristic of rural Australia.
When the railroad came through in the early part of the 20th Century, timber became the major industry which first opened up this area. Sawmills became major employers in the towns, with the Dagun sawmill one of the few remaining sawmills in the region.
The road from Dagun to Amamoor takes you to the Amamoor lookout. From here a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside is gained and a 'sun dial' pillar provides information on local landmarks.
From the lookout, you could follow Amamoor Creek to see the State Forest Parks of Amama, Cedar Grove and Amamoor Creek - Home of the National Country Music Muster.
Heading through Kandanga and onto Imbil takes you along a fabulous route of hills dotted with pineapple plantations, dairying and grazing properties. Imbil, nestled beside Yabba Creek, is the largest township in the area and perfect for horseback riding or soaking up the quaint country atmosphere of the Valley.
Drive up to the Imbil Lookout for spectacular views or pick up some supplies before heading out to Lake Borumba and a day of picnics, swimming, or fishing. Imbil Country Markets are held every Sunday from 8am to 2pm with a variety of stalls selling local produce, plants, bric-a-brac, etc.
Bellbird habitats are dotted throughout the forests in the Valley and it's not unusual to hear them even while just driving by. The easiest bellbird habitat to visit is located in the Imbil State Forest just outside Imbil.
The best way to access the Mary Valley is north from Gympie, with the southern approach through Kenilworth and the Blackall Range. Either way, the Mary Valley is Australia's rural hinterland at it's best.
Hervey Bay
The main town in the Fraser Coast region and is brimming with highlights of its own. From August to November about 3000 humpback whales don't simply pass through Hervey Bay on their annual migration - they stop to rest and play in the bay's protected waters.
Thanks to this natural spectacle, Hervey Bay is renowned as one of the best spots to embark on a whale-watching tour. Urangan Boat Harbour is the departure point for such adventures, and here you will find a number of operators conducting tours from around July to November.
Other highlights of Hervey Bay include beautiful beaches, parks, botanical gardens and plenty of bird watching opportunities, making it one of those rare peaceful stop offs on Australia's East-Coast.
From Hervey Bay you can also access Lady Elliot Island, the very first coral cay in the southern Great Barrier Reef.
Tin Can Bay
Secluded in the midst of picturesque Tin Can Inlet, experience a tranquil getaway to this area known for its eco-tourism surroundings. Tin Can Bay is home to close to 2,000 people and is the place to unwind and relax.
Originally known by the aborigines as Tuncanbar, this peaceful bayside town is well known for its recreational fishing and boating pleasures. Its major industry is fishing with prawning fleets based in Schnapper Creek.
Sailing along the Inlet is a popular pastime, with the protected waters also providing an ideal location for houseboat enthusiasts. The estuaries throughout the water system also make for brilliant canoe trips, while the popular facilities and ample parking at the Norman Point boat ramp allows access to the Inlet for pleasurecraft and the wonderful sense of freedom on the waterways.
Or if you enjoy birdwatching, you can view over 130 species of birds along the Environmental Walkway.
One of the very special features of Tin Can Bay is the regular visits of wild dolphins to the water edge. The unique phenomenon attracts locals and visitors from far and wide. As the dolphins are wild animals in their natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
However, traditionally the best times for viewing are between 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM most mornings so please contact the Cooloola Visitor Information Centre for more information about dolphin feeding in the area.
You can hand feed our dolphins FOR FREE.
Things to See and Do in Tin Can Bay
Environmental Walkway
A wonderful opportunity for birdwatching, as the foreshores of Tin Can Bay can be explored via the environmental walkway. This allows visitors to observe the inhabitants of the foreshores in comfort and without disturbing their natural habitat.
Marina
Rent a yacht and sail around Tin Can Bay and the Sandy Straits, with yachts available at Tin Can Bay Marina. Bookings are recommended.
Houseboating
A holiday with a difference. For those who would like something flatter than a winged keel, a houseboat is a great way to motor around Tin Can Bay.
Fishing
A great experience either from the shoreline or offshore. For those looking to venture out onto the Inlet, 'tinnies' are available for hire from businesses throughout the area.
Experience the Waterways
Canoeing/kayaking options are available to explore the inlet. For a change of pace, enjoy the Ferry Cruise between Tin Can Bay and Carlo Point near Rainbow Beach
A Round of Golf
For a change from the water activities, head for land and the Tin Can Bay Country Club. The golf course is beautifully presented amongst large tea trees, but be prepared to share the course with a wallaby or two.
Lawn Bowls
The Tin Can Bay area boasts two manicured lawn bowls clubs that provide for a great day out.
Great Sandy Straits
The Great Sandy Strait is an ideal area to begin a family tradition of spending time on and by the sea. Perfectly situated between Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay, the Strait is protected by Fraser Island. Mangrove-lined shores, sandy tidal flats, protected beaches and a maze of tidal creeks and islands are characteristic of the area. The waterways are serene with numerous locations providing safe anchorage inviting further exploration. Currents can be quite strong as the region is tidal. Check tide times and heights prior to departure.
The Great Sandy Strait is recognised by the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance and was declared a Ramsar site in 1999. The Strait is also a designated dugong sanctuary and these majestic mammals may be seen as they surface from feeding on sea grass on the sandy bottom. Turtles and playful dolphins are also frequently spotted. This area is a valuable roosting area for migratory trans-equatorial shorebirds with almost 30,000 birds stopping annually.
Nature and photography enthusiasts will love the opportunity to capture the rare wonderland nature has created in this vicinity. Stop at one of the islands or Garry's Anchorage for a picnic, go fishing, catch a feast of mud crabs or soak up the pure luxury of your surrounds. By yacht, houseboat or other pleasure craft, the Great Sandy Strait invites a lifetime of exploration.
The Southern section of the Great Sandy Strait, more often than not the forgotten region by the majority of yachties, is quiet, peaceful and absolutely stunning. Once you cross the Wide Bay Bar and pass through Hook and Inskip points the world is literally your oyster.
Sheltered bays, creeks that meander back to mangroves, sandy beaches and abundant fish stocks make the waters near Tin Can Bay and Carlo Point a must-see spot.
