October | Gympie, Queensland
Go for Gold
It’s back, don’t miss a minute of the Gympie Gold Rush Festival each October!
Regionally rich and locally loved, the Gympie gold story began with James Nash, turned out to be the most timely investment in Queensland’s history, one that put our state on the pathway to success for the future.
GO FOR GOLD
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The Legacy of Gympie - The Love of Community
Not long after James Nash discovered gold in 1867, the Curtis nugget was unearthed in Gympie. So big, bold and precious was this later discovery by prospectors George Curtis and Valentine Brigg, the word continued to spread across Australia and the world about the excellent quality and rare golden moments to be had within the Gympie region.
That reputation over the years has continued and manifested itself in many ways through the dairy and livestock sectors, agri business, tourism and the business community.
The Gympie Gold Rush Festival is proud to revive one of the region's most cherished traditions, inviting businesses, schools, community groups, sporting clubs, cultural organisations, charities, performers and residents to come together in a colourful display of creativity, community spirit and local pride.
The discovery of gold saved Queensland from bankruptcy and transformed the Gympie region into a bustling hub of prosperity.
Today, the festival honours this legacy with a blend of historical reenactments, cultural displays, and community spirit, making it a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike.
October for the Gympie Region is about much more than a festival, it’s a celebration of “Community” successfully driven by those within!
Unearth the Fun
Our program of events reflects a level of enthusiasm, energy and excitement rarely witnessed within a community. The Gympie Gold Rush Festival showcases the heart and goodness of our regional community and lays bare the talents of a region bursting with golden nuggets.
From the gala cocktail party, to dressing up and creating a spectacular float, then marching with your organisation, or showcasing a classic vehicle down Mary Street in the community parade, to the free community concert and fireworks in Nelson Reserve; or other community lead events incorporating train ride, treasure hunt, fun activities for the kids, photographic competition, country hall, speedway spectacular, a community led gathering of thanks giving! All of this is just a small sample of the golden goodness planned for the yearly Gympie Gold Rush where there’s something for everyone of all ages to embrace!
Check-out the program, navigate to something that takes your interest, participate in the event and celebrate all that is the Gympie Gold Rush Festival and together we will continue to tell the story of the Gympie for the generations to come.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
3-6 hours per shift
Set-up/Pack-up | Marshalls | Chaperones | Event Teams
Sign on & receive a cap/hat, bag, & Festival freebies pack!
Little Diggers Colour-in Competition!
Unleash your creativity and join the fun of the Gympie Gold Rush Festival!
Our Little Diggers Colour-in Competition is open to all kids from Prep to Primary.
Fantastic prizes await, so don't miss out!
Festival Highlights
Bendigo Bank FREE Community Concert
Saturday, October 17th
From 5.30pm at Nelson Reserve
FREE
Including Amusements, Food Vans, Licensed Bar, Fireworks, Little Diggers Kids Corner
FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT
Community Street Parade sponsored by Watson's Marine Centre
Saturday, October 17th
3.30pm Mary Street, Gympie
FREE
Little Diggers Kids Corner
Nelson Reserve Gympie
Saturday 17th October from 5.30pm
Sponsored by
Fireworks Display
Nelson Reserve Gympie
Saturday 17th October from 5.30pm
Sponsored by
Gympie Gold Rush Festival Raffle
Saturday 3-17th October 2026
ONLINE EVENT
Join the Celebration!
Don't miss out on the excitement of the Gympie Gold Rush Festival!
If you are interested in becoming involved in anyway - food truck, parade, volunteer, organising committee, band, school - whatever you do! - hit the link and let us know what you have got!