McConnell Lookout
Gayndah 27KM NORTH OF BAN BAN SPRINGS ON THE BURNETT HIGHWAY (A3), GAYNDAH IS SITUATED ON THE BURNETT RIVER AND HAS A POPULATION OF OVER 1900.
T
he name Gayndah is of Aboriginal origin but the derivative is unclear. It may derive either from ‘Gu-in-dah’ (or Giun-dah), meaning thunder, or from ‘Ngainta’, meaning place of scrub. Alternatively it may be derived from Wakka language ‘kunda’, meaning range or ridge, or ‘ga-een-ta’, meaning bushy land. It was opened up for sheep in 1845 and in later years the land was found to be very suitable for citrus. The Gayndah Museum is a must-see attraction. Make sure you see the Queensland Lungfish (Ceratodus) – the display was produced by the Queensland Museum and placed in Gayndah as the town was at the centre of scientific studies of this link back to the Late Triassic Age, 227 million years ago. While the Lungfish is only found alive in the Burnett and Mary Rivers, fossils have been found all around the world. You may be lucky to see the Lungfish in the river, remember it’s a protected species and has been since 1914. While at the museum visit
20
NORTH BURNETT VISITORS GUIDE
GAYNDAH MUSEUM AND VISITOR INFORMATION 8 Simon Street, Gayndah | (07) 4161 2226 secretary.gayndahmuseum@gmail.com www.gayndahmuseum.com.au
the exhibits and memorabilia displayed in and around the heritage-listed 1864 Georgian brick cottage. These include a motorised rail ambulance from the 40s and 50s and a steam powered sawmill. Gayndah lays claim to being the oldest town in Queensland, first settled in 1849. Several buildings have been heritage-listed including Mellor’s Drapery (one of the few buildings in Australia that still uses a ‘flying fox’ to deal with financial transactions, an old section of the State School, Gayndah Soldiers Memorial Hall (Town Hall and Council Chambers), racecourse and several rail bridges. Gayndah Art Gallery is found in the old St Joseph’s Convent at 34 Meson Street. This heritage-listed building features design influences of Spanish mission style with textured stucco render and arched openings. The gallery regularly hosts events and exhibitions showcasing local and regional artists. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am – 2pm.
