GYMPIE Gympie is a real surprise and town any visitor should delight in. Clearly the heritage of Gympie is at the forefront of the community’s development guidelines. As an example a new shopping centre is located such that total heritage of the town centre is fully preserved. After all the ‘new’ cities and developments of ‘the coast’ Gympie is a welcome change. Gympie is a regional city approximately 160 kilometres (100 mi) north of the state capital, Brisbane. The city lies on the Mary River. Gympie is a ‘gold’ town and the wealth that was created 100 years ago has continued to produce those characteristics that are inherent of that era. The fight to survive being uppermost. Originally settled for grazing purposes, in 1867 the area became prominent when James Nash discovered gold. At the time Queensland was suffering from a severe economic depression and the discovery probably saved the colony from bankruptcy. This event is still celebrated today during the Gympie Gold Rush Festival, with 10 days of cultural events held in October. Gold mining still plays a role in the area's fortunes. The Gympie War Memorial is a stunner. Any visitor to Gympie should take the time to appreciate, both the thought and sentiment that has been preserved. We are advised this already outstanding accord to those that served is to have further moving innovations introduced. The ‘old’ pubs and newer hotels in Gympie do justice to a vibrant earlier era. The Churches also are of the classic turn of the century vintage. When visiting Gympie, allow time to take in what is a magnificent heritage