Goomeri is a rural town located in the Gympie local government area and is 180 kilometres north-west of Brisbane. It has a small, friendly population of 500 residents. The town is surrounded by beef cattle and dairy grazing country intersected by small ranges and eucalyptus scrub. Rural stations and homesteads were established with European settlement around 1846. Goomeri is said to retain a certain ‘old world charm’, this is reflected in the preservation of its many historic buildings constructed during its agricultural heyday (1930s - 1960s). The art deco inspired Memorial Clock was built in 1939 and is considered one of the towns favourite landmarks. Goomeri boasts a variety of local gourmet food producers including specialty cheeses, olives, and award winning pies. The township lies within easy reach of the South Burnett wine district with numerous vineyards and cellar doors in close proximity. The recently refurbished public park in Goomeri’s town centre now provides an attractive rest stop for visitors to this attractive regional town.
Visitors to the town can find short-term parking at Goomeri Showground, cnr Moore St & Laird St (Burnett Hwy). Parking is available for 96 hours, however prior arrangements can be made for extended stays by phoning 07 4168 4177. Parking will cost $15 per vehicle per night for an unpowered site and $20 per vehicle per night for power, and visitors have access to potable water (fee) and a dump point.
Goomeri is home to Australia’s only Pumpkin Festival, a free, family-friendly event which is held in late May. The Festival began in the 1990s when farmers were doing it tough and morale was low due to prolonged drought. The highlight of the Pumpkin Festival is the 'Great Australian Pumpkin Roll' down Policeman's Hill. The Festival has expanded to include more pumpkin based competitions including Decorated Pumpkins, Giant Pumpkins and a Pumpkin Quilt Challenge. These events are complemented by market stalls, a heritage and outback street parade, whip cracking, working dog displays, horsemanship displays, roving entertainment and great local food.
Tourist/Visitor Centre
Goomeri Information & Heritage Centre, cnr Moore St & Maudsley St, Goomeri QLD
Ph: 07 4168 4488
Casual Parking
Main St; Goomeri Showground
Short & Long Term Parking
Goomeri Showground, cnr Moore St & Laird St (Burnett Hwy), (96hr), $15 unpwr, pvpn; $20pwr, pvpn (extended stays by arrangement), Ph: 07 4168 4177
Dump Point
Goomeri Showground $2 fee if not staying at the showground - CMCA is working with Council on another potential site for a free dump point.
Potable Water
Goomeri Showground, (water has a charge)
Hospital
Murgon Hospital (12min), (ambulance transports to Murgon)
Doctors Surgery
2/19 Moore St, Ph: 07 4168 4244 (BH); 07 4168 4244 (A/H)
Dentist
101 Lamb St, Murgon, Ph: 07 4168 1540
Pharmacy
19 Moore St, Ph: 07 4169 7800
Supermarket
Foodworks, 20 Boonara St, Ph: 07 4168 4103