History
Originally settled for grazing purposes, the area became prominent when James Nash reported the discovery of 'payable' alluvial gold on 16 October 1867. At the time Queensland was suffering from a severe economic depression and the discovery probably saved the colony from bankruptcy. A memorial fountain was built in Gympie's Park in honour of Nash's discovery. 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, along with agriculture (dairy predominantly), timber and tourism. The rapid development of the new settlement was so quick that the streets were laid out in an irregular fashion rather than the grid pattern common to most Queensland towns.
A railway from Maryborough was competed in 1881. The North Coast railway linked Gympie to Brisbane in 1891. A fire brigade was operation in 1900. Official declaration as a town occurred in 1903. In 1953, a powdered milk factory began operations in the town.
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