Gayndah

At the heart of Queensland's Citrus Country, Gayndah, settled in 1849, is the oldest town in Queensland.

Sheep and mining brought settlers into the area, but it was the climate, rich volcanic and alluvial soils and plenty of sunshine that set the area up as a prime citrus growing centre. It's 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 bus from Brisbane along Australia's Country Way.

Gayndah offers an authentic country experience with a variety of relaxing and interesting attractions. The town is attractive with floral median strips, wide streets and well preserved colonial buildings.

Don't miss a visit to Mellor's Drapery where you will see the only remaining 'flying fox' in operation. Cash sales are sent to a central office by means of a cup and wire runners, the change is returned in the same manner.

The Gayndah Historical Museum, straddling both sides of Simon Street, was developed around an old 1864 Georgian cottage. 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.

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 area's 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 bring the scent of a hundred thousand citrus trees in the air.

Claude Wharton Weir, 3 kilometres west of the town on the Burnett Highway (A3) is a popular fishing spot. Australian Bass, barramundi, golden perch, spangled perch and catfish are the most commonly caught species.

Today, Gayndah's oranges and mandarins are famous and are an export commodity.