Gayndah Shire
Historic Heart of the Hinterland - Oldest Town in Queensland!
A two-hour drive southwest inland from Bundaberg brings you to Gayndah, one of the most attractive of the hinterland towns strung along Highway 17 — the Country Way. At the heart of Queensland's Citrus Country, Gayndah was settled in 1849, and is the oldest town in Queensland, once in the running as the State Capital. If you are into history, then this is the place to be.
A two-hour drive southwest inland from Bundaberg brings you to Gayndah, one of the most attractive of the hinterland towns strung along Highway 17 — the Country Way. At the heart of Queensland's Citrus Country, Gayndah was settled in 1849, and is the oldest town in Queensland, once in the running as the State Capital. If you are into history, then this is the place to be.
Sheep and mining brought settlers into the area: however, it was the drier, less humid climate, rich volcanic and alluvial soils, and plenty of sunshine that set the area up as a prime citrus growing centre. During the cooler months of May to August it is popular with fruit pickers. Gayndah offers an authentic country experience with a variety of relaxing and interesting attractions. The Gayndah Historical Museum, straddling both sides of Simon Street, was developed around an old Georgian cottage built in 1864. The museum has won several awards and houses an outstanding collection of pioneering memorabilia. The Gayndah Museum Steam Days showcase the local commitment to maintaining the past and are held regularly throughout the year on selected days, with all the machinery in full working order.
Many fine historic buildings line the main street representing Edwardian, Federation and Art Deco styles. The Local State School was built in 1863 and Lutvey's was originally established as a grocer’s at the turn of the century. Mellor's Drapery, a perennial favourite, features the only known working original Flying Fox change dispenser in Australia. For the railway enthusiast, Gayndah has a unique collection of early design railway bridges. All seven of them were built in the 1907-10 era when the railway helped open up the area. They are all of different design and structure and offer the enthusiast a quality viewing of early engineering. Maps of the routes and other tourist information may be obtained at Mellor's Drapery, the Community Development Officer at the Council and the Museum.
The area's undulating countryside offers several lookouts including Archer's Lookout, located immediately behind the town on the twin hills known as the Duke and Duchess. Mount Gayndah is one of the most spectacular lookouts in Southeast Queensland, offering views over the many large orchards meandering along the river. The orchards are irrigated from the Claude Wharton Weir, which provides a cool spot for picnics and excellent fishing for the keen angler. Ban Ban Springs is the southern inland gateway where the springs flow intermittently, depending on the amount of recent rainfall.
Gayndah offers a wide choice of motel and caravan park accommodation, and also some great camping spots.
Contact Details:
Gayndah Shire Council
34 Capper Street,
PO Box 49
GAYNDAH QLD 4625
Phone: (07) 4161 1377
Fax: (07) 4161 1934
Mayor: Cr Bill Mellor
CEO: Mr Scott Mason
Email: office@gayndah.qld.gov.au
Website: www.gayndah.qld.gov.au
