Gympie-Cooloola-Tourism-Official tourism body for Gympie Region

AMAMOOR STATE FOREST - 30km south-west of Gympie.

Enjoy a drive through the forested valley and explore interesting walks. More than 120 bird species live in the riverine rainforests and plantations of hoop and bunya pines. From Amama day-use area, take the platypus walk (300m return) to a viewing platform for a chance to see a platypus. The rainforest walk at Cedar Grove features huge red cedar and fig trees. Cedar Grove and Amamoor Creek camping areas have large flat sites. In August, the annual National Country Music Muster takes place here.

GREAT SANDY NATIONAL PARK (Cooloola Section)

Cooloola is nature’s sand sculpture. Massive dunes, towering cliffs of coloured sands and wide ocean beaches have been etched by wind and water. Tall forests, fragrant wildflower heaths and paperbark swamps decorate the sands. Water features abound, including surf, freshwater lakes and the undisturbed upper Noosa River. Walk one of 21 tracks to highlights such as the historic Double Island Point Lighthouse. Pack a tent for the 2-4 day Cooloola wilderness trail. Canoe the Noosa River. .

INSKIP PENINSULA RECREATIONAL AREA

Located just 9km north of Rainbow Beach. Bring your own drinking water and camp at one of the four camping areas. Catch a vehicle barge over to Fraser Island or just soak up the amazing views. Enjoy wide ocean beaches or watch sunsets over quiet bay waters. Dogs are permitted in the recreation area, but must be kept on a leash. This is a wetland of international importance. Bring your binoculars to view birds in the early morning or late afternoon.

WOONDUM FOREST RESERVE - 14 km south-east of Gympie.

Tall, wet eucalypt forests and subtropical rainforests surround the rocky creeks of this popular retreat. Picnic beside the cool Mothar Mountain rock pools; amongst granite boulders and shady green forests, where Bolder and Woondum Creeks meet. Stroll along a short walk featuring large turpentine trees and a rock hop across Boulder Creek. Explore diverse forest types on the 4WD forest road.

BROOYAR STATE FOREST - 20 minutes north-west of Gympie.

Set up your tent or caravan on the grassy camping area beside Glastonbury Creek. Absorb the tranquillity. Take a short stroll through rainforest and open forest on an old logging road. In summer, feast your eyes on the forest’s colours: rich red and yellow flowers of black bean trees, and vivid orange flower spikes of silky oaks. You can bring your dog here, but keep it on a leash. Walk 150m to Point Pure lookout for a marvellous view over hoop pine plantations and mature rainforests.

KILKIVAN FOREST RESERVE - 8.5km north of Kilkivan.

Known locally as Mudlo Gap, this reserve protects one of the area’s few remaining stands of native hoop pine rainforest. The reserve is near the site of Queensland’s first gold discovery, at Kilkivan township in 1852. Go for a short, scenic drive to Mudlo Gap for excellent views. Enjoy a picnic beside Scrubby Creek. Part of the 1km Scrubby Creek walking track is wheelchair accessible, through dry rainforest, past giant figs and lovely creeks. On your walks, keep your eyes open for Whiptail Wallabies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION FREECALL 1800 444 222