Get to know the best things to do in Gympie

If you have a soft spot for a country tune or a line dance, you’ll already be familiar with Gympie. This place is famous for being a country music hot spot, as the home to the annual Gympie Music Muster, an unforgettable camping and music experience in one.

But that’s not all Gympie has to offer. The town nudging the outskirts of the Sunshine Coast is a haven of history - founded in 1867 this place boasts a rich mining heritage after gold was discovered at the site now occupied by the town hall. Throw in easy access to the produce-rich region of Mary Valley, and the idyllic coastal getaway of Rainbow Beach and you have yourself a destination well deserving of a wander. Here are some of the best things to do in Gympie.

Eat

Like any adventure you’ll need sustenance along the way, and thankfully Gympie is overflowing with places to grab a decent bite to eat. Town itself is well-armed with cafes, with SoMa SoMa Espresso a must-visit for those after a delicious brunch and quality coffee combo. Self-proclaimed foodies also can’t afford to miss out on a visit to the Kin Kin General Store and Black Ant Gourmet outside of town, a cafe run by a farming mother and daughter duo which not only stocks dine-in dishes and desserts galore but ample local produce.

Or combine your lunch break with a historic experience aboard the Mary Valley Rattler - a must-do among the things to do in Gympie. The Classic Rattler Run is a steam train experience which departs from the historic Gympie Station, a building fully restored to its former glory. Post-train trip explore the station, dropping by the Rusty Rails Cafe for a nibble before you go.

Drink

Feeling thirsty? All the more reason to list a visit to Pomona Distilling Co as one of the best things to do in Gympie. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland resident proudly extracts, distills and bottles on premises, and consistently celebrates the surrounding community with its creations. Master distiller and owner Robin Yates has an enduring passion for the spirit, dating back to his uni days of distilling in the back of the chemistry lab while studying to be an Industrial Chemist. These days Robin spends his days experimenting with gin blends using native botanicals (some foraged from the farm itself) merging them with Eastern European juniper berries for a distinct flavour.

Play

You won’t find a shortage of things to do in Gympie. First and foremost is the annual Gympie Music Muster, one of the nation’s most popular country music events. Merging camping and music in one it’s staged deep within the grounds of the Amamoor State Forest, and showcases a mix of country, roots, blues, folk and rock music, plus workshops, dancing, bush poets, and more. Also on the calendar is the Gympie Gold Rush Festival, an annual celebration of James Nash's discovery of gold in Gympie in 1867.

But outside of the festivals you won’t find yourself bored here. Take a deep dive into the region’s history with a visit to the Gold Mining & Historical Museum. It houses an impressive collection of photographs, artefacts, and documents that date back to 1867. And you can follow the heritage trail which will take you on a tour around the historic sites of town - a plaque at each building gives you the history of each individual site. There’s also time to be spent at the Woodworks Museum, and a chance to browse the creativity of the heritage-listed school of arts Gympie Regional Gallery.

Or get out of town (quite literally) with a day trip to Rainbow Beach, less than an hour’s drive away. This 4WD-favouring coastal destination is popular among tourists for the idyllic Double Island Point and the otherworldly sandscape of Carlo Sand Blow. It’s from here that you can also access the Cooloola Great Walk, a 100-kilometre coastal walk through the Great Sandy National Park, and find camping opportunities galore at Inskip Point and its surrounds.

Stay

When it comes to Gympie accommodation, your options vary. There is ample budget accommodation on offer, with some of the best available to be found at Room Motels Gympie, and a rising handful of airbnbs.

Though if you’re after something truly memorable look to Amamoor Lodge in the luscious Mary Valley. The boutique escape contains a cluster of self-contained cottages, alongside a traditional B&B. The location will tempt you even more than the rooms - there’s plenty of outdoor activities (like hiking, riding, or driving) available to get better acquainted with the postcard-perfect surroundings.

When exactly is the best time to visit Gympie? Whenever! Gympie weather doesn’t stray too far from the Sunshine Coast average. Think long, humid summers, with short, cool winters. 

Feature image: @maryvalleyrattler