At the heart of Queensland's Citrus Country, Gayndah, settled in 1849, is the oldest town in Queensland and was once in the running at the new state capital, along with Brisbane and Ipswich. Sheep and mining brought settlers into the area, but 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 and is popular during the cooler months of May to August with fruit pickers.
Gayndah is located two and a half hours drive inland from the coastal cities of Bundaberg and Maryborough and is serviced by Brisbane Bus Lines from Brisbane along Highway 17 - the Country Way. 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 and old 1864 built Georgian cottage. The museum has won several awards and houses an outstanding collection of pioneering memorabilia across several buildings.
The Gayndah Museum Steam Days showcase the attention paid to maintaining the past and are held regularly throughout the year on selected days. All remnants of machinery are in full working order. The Georgian cottage built in 1884 is the centrepiece of the museum.
Many fine historic buildings line the main street - representing Edwardian, Federation and Art Deco styles. A unique collection of early designed railway bridges offer the railway enthusiast an insight into early bridge structure and engineering.
The areas undulating countryside offers several lookouts including Archer's Lookout, Binjour Lookout and Mt Gayndah - with views over the citrus orchards, Burnett River Valley and rural countryside. Relaxing country drives offer secluded picnic spots beside billabongs and pastures and spring brings the scent of a hundred thousand citrus trees in the air.
Queensland DVD (Queenslands South East - Land of Scenic Wonder)
Purchase the DVD that portrays Queensland's South East including footage of Fraser Island, Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Montville, Mount Tamborine and Springbrook's unforgettable rock bridge.
Taking you through the tree tops in Lamington where the thick, green roof shades; the mysterious underworld of the forest floor. On to Noosa, a haven of stunning national parks and brilliant waterways. Plus the amazing coloured sands of Teewah and Rainbow Beach.
PLEASE NOTE: The Queensland travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for Queensland Holidays can be found on the main Queensland Holidays location guide.
