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.