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. GAYNDAH MUSEUM AND VISITOR INFORMATION 8 Simon Street, Gayndah | (07) 4161 2226 secretary.gayndahmuseum@gmail.com www.gayndahmuseum.com.au

The 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 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.

Gayndah Racecourse was the headquarters of the first Queensland Jockey Club and the venue for the first Queensland Derby in 1868. It was also home to the North Queensland Jockey Club and the first Ladies Side Saddle Race in 1880. The track is still in use today.

Ideraway Upside Down Bridge – This unusual bridge at Ideraway spans 45 metres and was constructed in 1906/7. Turn right into Ideraway Road 10km north of Gayndah and follow the signs. There are no facilities or amenities. Gayndah Heritage Railway shares the story of connecting various settlements between Biggenden and Gayndah. The site today is home to the Station Building with ticket office, amenities, RV stop and restoration work underway of historic railway carriages.

The Burnett River Walk is the perfect way to explore the mighty Burnett River. You could even spot platypus, ceratodus, fish, birds and other wildlife along the Walk! If you’d like to get your heart pumping, join in on ParkRun held weekly on a Saturday morning.

Local Knowledge

Great places to watch a sunset Claude Wharton Weir over the Burnett River or Archer’s Lookout.

Benyenda, Gayndah

Gayndah Heritage Rail

Eat North Burnett

Gayndah is one of Australia’s premier citrus growing areas. During the season, roadside stalls sell choice citrus at very competitive prices. Gayndah’s passion for citrus is showcased at the biennial, family friendly event, the Gayndah Orange Festival, which celebrates all things citrus.

way Upside Down Br i dg e

PC: Rose HamiltonBarr

Sightseeing

McCONNELL LOOKOUT Drive 7km north of town on the Burnett Highway and turn left on the Mount Debateable Road, continue on another 7km. The drive up to the lookout at Mount Gayndah is well worth the drive with panoramic views of the Burnett River flanked on both sides by citrus orchards and large tracts of farmlands to the south and west. The steep 2km climb to the summit is not suitable for caravans, however caravan parking is provided at the entrance. Sections of this road are unsealed.

ARCHER’S LOOKOUT The lookout sits on one of Gayndah’s twin hills known affectionately as ‘The Duke’ and ‘The Duchess’, providing an excellent perspective of the town and district.

TOWN CLOCK Designed in the shape of a citrus tree, the stained glass and stainless-steel timepiece stands in the main street depicting stories of the Gayndah district.

ZONHOVEN PARK Named in honour of Gayndah’s sister city in Belgium, this park offers well shaded picnic areas, views of the river and nearby citrus orchards. It provides public toilets and a dump point for motor homes.

Claude Wharton Weir

Alternative Route to Mundubbera

An alternative scenic route can be taken along the Burnett River passing through the citrus orchards and farms. When leaving Gayndah’s main street do not turn right to cross the Burnett River, instead head straight across the intersection and follow the Gayndah Mundubbera Road.

Fishing & Boating

THE CLAUDE WHARTON WEIR The Claude Wharton Weir turnoff is 2km north of Gayndah, turn off the Burnett Highway (A3). There are a large number of excellent places to go boating, canoeing and fishing. Australian Bass, Golden Perch (Yellow Belly), Spangled Perch and Catfish are the most commonly caught species.

Facilities include two boat ramps, picnic shelters, barbeques, public toilets and parking. Camping is prohibited at Claude Wharton Weir however there are a number of caravan parks in the district.

MINGO CROSSING Mingo Crossing, set along the banks of the Burnett River upstream from Paradise Dam, is 41km from Gayndah. Head south on the Burnett Highway (A3) from Gayndah 13.5km, turn left onto the Gayndah Mount Perry Road for 27.5km. Also accessible from Mount Perry and Biggenden. Perfect for all kinds of water sports including fishing, sailing, water skiing, and tubing. Australian Bass, Barramundi, Golden Perch (Yellow Belly), Silver Perch, Eeltailed Catfish, Fork-tailed Catfish, Spangled Perch and the endangered Queensland Lungfish may be caught.

Facilities include a boat ramp, caravan park with camping ground, fish cleaning station, 12 powered caravan sites, two large undercover barbeque areas, drinkable tank water, amenities block, parking for cars and boats, laundry, pets allowed and wheelchair friendly. A glamping facility is opening soon.

MINGO CROSSING CARAVAN AND RECREATION PARK P (07) 4161 6200 E mingo.crossing@northburnett.qld.gov.au

Scenic Drive

THE BURNETT CIRCLE Gayndah - Mount Perry Loop - (6 days)

Day 1 - Drive 26km south of Gayndah to Ban Ban Springs where a natural spring and popular picnic area are located. Turn left at Ban Ban Springs, passing the scenic volcanic mountains known as the Seven Sisters, heading towards the township of Coalstoun Lakes. The volcanic history of the area is apparent everywhere. The turnoff to Coalstoun Lakes National Park is on your right past the township. Situated between Biggenden and Coalstoun Lakes is the turnoff to Coongarra Rock at Lords Road which goes to within a short distance of this spectacular outcrop (4WD only). Overnight Biggenden

Day 2 - Explore one of the national parks or visit the museum. Picnic at Paradise Dam or Chowey Bridge before heading to Mount Perry. Overnight Mount Perry

Monto

Day 3 - Follow the heritage walk to relive some of Mount Perry’s history, take in the views from the Normanby Lookout, and visit the cultural centre and art gallery. Enjoy a hearty meal and country hospitality at one of the pubs enroute to Monto. Overnight Monto

Day 4 - Spend the day exploring Cania Gorge National Park, fishing at the dam or wander through the Cultural and Historic Complex and Museum Reserve and the Lister Street Artwalk precinct before heading south to Eidsvold. Overnight Eidsvold

Day 5 - Discover the bush spirit at the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre before driving south to Mundubbera. Explore the Auburn River National Park. Overnight Mundubbera

Day 6 - Don’t miss the Mundubbera Regional Art Gallery. Picnic in the beautiful grounds of Bicentennial Park where there is plenty to see including a sensory garden and a series of metal sculptures. Return to Gayndah

Bundaberg

73km

100km

Eidsvold

Gin Gin

Mt Perry

70km

Paradise Dam Childers

35km

Mundubbera

46km

27km

Biggenden

Maryborough