The Gympie region and Mary River Valley are blessed with a number of national parks and forests located within a few hours’ drive. There are so many activities you can do including camping, bird watching, hiking, or simply enjoying a picnic. Here is a selection of places for you to have fun exploring.
Mary River
Flowing north from its source near Booroobin in the Sunshine Coast hinterland to its mouth at River Heads on the Great Sandy Straight just south of Hervey Bay, the Mary River basin is a rich tapestry of landscapes and history.
Brooyar State Forest
A short drive north west of Gympie you will find this lovely state forest. To get there, follow the Bruce Highway north for 10 km and then turn left onto the Wide Bay Highway. Follow this road until you get to the Peterson Road...
Amamoor State Forest
To get to this park follow the Bruce Highway 20km south of Gympie and take the turnoff to the town of Amamoor. Pass through the town and follow the Amamoor Creek Road another 10 km to reach the national park.
Woondum National Park
The Woondum National Park is located only 16 km south east of Gympie along Noosa Road and Hill Road. The park is an ideal place to come for a day-trip. Just inside the park entrance is the Rock Pools day use area where, as the name suggests, a series of cascading rock pools...
Great Sandy National Park
The Great Sandy National Park is on the coast and gives access to Great Sandy Strait, Fraser Island and the magnificent Great Sandy Marine Park. The Cooloola Recreation Area covers a large area of the national park between Noosa and Rainbow Beach all within an easy drive from Gympie.