The town's signature museum, set on five hectares south of the centre, tells the story of the 1867 gold rush that created Gympie and the deep-lode mining that kept it going for nearly a century. Exhibits include working steam-driven stamp batteries, mining equipment, period buildings relocated from around the district, and a large mineralogy collection. The 700-tonne Andrew Fisher Cottage, named for the future Australian prime minister who worked the local mines, is also on the grounds.
Allow at least two hours — the site is much larger than it first appears. The volunteer-run museum runs occasional steam-up days when the old machinery is brought back to life.