| Goomeri Queensland |
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Goomeri looking towards the war memorial |
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Goomeri
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| Population: | 488[1] |
| Established: | 1911 |
| Postcode: | 4601 |
| Location: | |
| LGA: | Gympie Region |
| State District: | Callide |
| Federal Division: | Wide Bay |
Goomeri ( /ɡuːˈmɛri/ goo-merr-ee) is a town in the South Burnett region of Queensland, Australia. The town is located on the intersection of the Burnett, Bunya and Wide Bay Highways, 235 kilometres (146 mi) from the state capital, Brisbane. Part of the Gympie Local government area, at the 2006 census, Goomeri had a population of 488.[1] The town's name is allegedly derived from the Aboriginal name for "broken shield".
European settlement in the Goomeri area began in 1846 with the establishment of Booubyjan Homestead and Boonara Station. Closer settlement took place in 1911 with the sale of rural allotments and town blocks.[2]
With delightful parks and many of the buildings built in the 1920s, Goomeri is a quiet and pleasant place that boasts an agreeably relaxed old world charm. The town is also known as “Clocktown” due to the landmark town clock built in 1939. Goomeri's impressive Hall of Memory – still in use today, was built in 1926 and is now a National Trust-listed building.
The town is also well known for its gourmet food. Goomeri offers variety dining of options from fine dining, country food, gourmet cheeses and locally grown olives to award winning pies. Goomeri is the gateway to the South Burnett wine district, with numerous vineyards and cellar doors within close proximity. Other industries in the area include beef and dairy.
The Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, held on the last Sunday in May each year, attracts up to 14,000 visitors each year. The highlight of the Pumpkin Festival is the "Great Australian Pumpkin Roll" down Policeman's Hill.
Goomeri’s information centre situated near the windmill at Lions Park in Moore Street. Open 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday. Goomeri also has a hotel and art gallery.
Kinbombi Falls is a popular retreat with a large picnic area and barbecues, close to Goomeri. A walking track leads to a deep natural pool. An easy track skirts the top of the gorge, offering breathtaking views.
29 km north of Goomeri is Springbrook Host Farm, home of the Visit Oz scheme, which provides training and work for young travelers on outback properties all over the country.