How to make the most of your Heart Of Gold weekend in the Mary Valley
Sixteen years ago, Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival was founded by an ambitious group of locals in their beloved hometown of Gympie. Fast forward to today, the event has grown to be Australia’s biggest regional short film festival - but we haven’t forgotten our roots!
To us, Gympie is much more than just another Queensland country town. While you’re in the area for the Heart of Gold festival, make sure to check out our favourite local spots and all of the wonderful things this town has on offer!
Where to Stay
We think the best way to get the complete Heart of Gold experience is to stay for the duration of the festival. Whether you’re staying for the full four days or just the weekend, you’ll be in need of some good old fashioned Gympie hospitality.
Luckily, you’ll be spoilt for choice for accommodation that isn't too far from the festival grounds. That way you can make sure you don’t miss out on all of the action at Heart of Gold.
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The Great Eastern Motor Inn
27/29 Geordie Rd, Monkland
07 5482 7288
From $131/nightThe Verandah Motel
53 Horseshoe Bend Road, Gympie
07 5402 3204
From $109/nightMary River Motor Inn
Corner Bruce Highway & Oak Street, Gympie
Ph: 07 5482 9977
Price: From $185/nightFox Glen Motor Inn
30 Nicholls Rd, Gympie
Ph: 07 5482 3199
Price: From $128/nightRooms Motel Gympie
16 Wickham St, Gympie
Ph: 07 5482 9964
Price: From $150/night -
Kilkivan Bush Camping and Caravan Park
577 Rossmore Rd, Kilkivan (30 minutes from Gympie)
Ph: 07 5484 1340
Price: ‘Glamping’ cabins from $160/night
Caravan/Camping spaces from $33/nightNomads Rest Caravan and Bush Camp
97 Gympie Connection Rd, Victory Heights (10 minutes from Gympie)
Ph: 0438 083 673
Price: Self-contained unit from $140/night
Caravan/camping spaces from $13/nightStandown Caravan Park
91 Radtke Rd, Kia Ora (20 minutes from Gympie)
Ph: 07 5486 5144
Price: Caravan/camping spaces from $25/night
AROUND TOWN
Between the festival’s film sessions, interactive workshops, and free live shows at Heart of Gold, there will be plenty to keep you busy. However, if you are wanting to explore the area in your down time, there is plenty to see and do around Gympie.
To Eat
If you’re on the lookout for a great breakfast spot, stop by SoMa SoMa Espresso. We recommend getting the house-made spicy baked beans with toasted Turkish with extra halloumi but with a menu like theirs, you can’t go wrong with your choice!
The Two Of Us, Mia Bella, Smooth Brew and Brown Jug all do an excellent cup of joe and a delicious range of food that is sure to keep your belly full for the day ahead.
While you’ll be spoiled for choice with food trucks at the festival, Gympie also has some great restaurants if you fancy a fine dining experience. Head into town for dinner at Kingston House Impressions and enjoy classic cuisine in the dining room or on the veranda.
Or stop by Mama Dee’s Kitchen for a bite to eat and head to Melt Me for dessert!
Things To Do
In the mood for some local history? The Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum is the place to go. Learn about Gympie's history as one of Australia's largest producers of gold and even try to pan for gold yourself!
We also encourage you to check out the Mary Valley Rattler, a historic steam train ride with runs going from Gympie to Amamoor and Dagun. This is the ultimate tourist trip as you'll pass through some stunning scenery as you take in views of farmland and verdant green hills.
Keen for a shopping spree? Grab a bargain at either Lion’s, Red Cross, Fancy That or 91.5FM Op Shops or check out the stunning gowns at Gympie Bridal and Formalwear - ready for Opening Night at Heart of Gold! While you’re at it, browse the racks at Coco Blush, Lissy’s Closet and Mini Mosca. Get some truly beautiful gifts and homewares at Bella Casa, a good read at Twiga bookstore or pick up something for the kids at ToyWorld.
When it comes to local businesses in Gympie, you really can’t go wrong!
DAY TRIPS
It’s a well-known secret that Queensland has some of the world’s best beaches, and Gympie is a stone's throw from the cream of the crop.
A day trip to Rainbow Beach is ideal for a quick getaway and you won’t have to travel hours to get back to the festival for an evening film session!
You can go four-wheel-driving across the beach and see the Double Island Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1879 and is still operational today. You can also go scuba diving, hiking, kayaking with dolphins or whales, or even take a scenic helicopter ride tour!
If kayaking with wild dolphins in Rainbow Beach isn't enough, you can visit Tin Can Bay to feed them and watch them play in their natural habitat. Tin Can Bay also offers dedicated dolphin-watching ferry cruises and fishing charters out to Fraser Island for a trip out on the water. Fish isn't the only item on the menu in Tin Can Bay, with squid, mud crabs, and prawns also popular catches in the area.
The Festival At The Centre Of It All
There’s stacks more on offer in Mary Valley and the Fraser Coast regions but we reckon Heart of Gold is the pick of the bunch. Over 170 international short films, great music, free talks, live podcasts, family fun, food and drink, gala events and film masterclasses are just a few of things on offer to festival goers this year.
Browse our program and get your tickets today!
