BUYING

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. 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.

The Cooloola Region is situated between Noosa and Fraser Island, and is part of South East Queensland, one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. Gympie has a city population of approximately 17,000 living within its area and being surrounded by the Cooloola Shire, together they provide a rural environment for around 36,000 residents. The Cooloola Region centres on the historic city of Gympie and includes the Cooloola Coast and the Mary Valley. Other major towns include Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach, Amamoor, Kandanga and Imbil.

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.

Rainbow Beach

Rolling surf. Kilometres of unspoilt, white sandy beaches. A perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of modern life. You may not think a place like this exists anymore, but it does. And it's called Rainbow Beach.

This former sandmining town is perfectly situated as the "Gateway to Fraser Island", but Rainbow Beach has so many attractions that it's an eco-tourism destination in its own right.

The town takes its name from the towering coloured sand cliffs nearby which are part of an aboriginal legend. The legend states than an ancient aboriginal god threw himself into the sand cliffs in a fight over a woman, colouring them forever. You can visit the Coloured Sands and other outstanding natural attractions such as the Carlo Sand Blow, Double Island Point and Inskip Point, the launching point for Fraser Island.

The Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park invites you into a four-wheel drive adventureland of rainforest, freshwater lakes and deserted beaches. The Park is full of bush-walking tracks, picnic facilities, and offers the only beach camping facilities between Fraser Island and Noosa.

Boating is also an excellent option from Rainbow Beach, as Carlo Point offers access to the protected waterways of Tin Can Bay Inlet. From here, recreational boats can put into the Inlet and open up a host of fishing and watersports options for your holiday. And, of course, fishing from the beach remains one of the primary activities of visitors and locals alike.

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.

Sailing along the Inlet is a popular pastime, with the protected waters also providing an ideal location for houseboat enthusiasts. 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. You can even hand feed dolphins FOR FREE.

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.

With areas 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.

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.

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.