Earth Hour 2012

At 8.30pm local time on Saturday 31 March, Earth Hour 2012 will see hundreds of millions of people around the world cross borders of race, religion, culture, geography and society to unite in a single moment of contemplation for the planet and celebration of their year-round commitment to protect it.

Now in its sixth year, the annual lights out event has grown from a single-city initiative in 2007 to become the world’s largest display of environmental action, with citizens of 135 countries and territories across every continent coming together for Earth Hour 2011 indicating a growing global movement of positive change in environmental attitudes.

Kilkivan Great Horse Race

The Kilkivan Great Horse Ride, held annually in March is a spectacular event, attracting over 1,000 riders to it's trek along parts of the Bicentennial National Trail. Riders start from several diverse locations and enjoy a leisurely day of bush riding before parading through Kilkivan's main street - truly a magnificent sight. Their arrival in Kilkivan is celebrated with street entertainment and markets. 

The fun continues with a campfire concert at the Kilkivan Showgrounds. The weekend features The Ride, Kilkivan Street Markets, Campfire Concert and Horse Sports. Join over a thousand horses and riders as they travel through picturesque countryside to Kilkivan for the grand parade. 

Clean Up Australia Day 2012

In 1989 an 'average Australian bloke' had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard - Clean Up Sydney Harbour. The event received an enormous public response with more than 40,000 Sydneysiders donating their time and energy to clean up the harbour.

The next year Clean Up Australia Day was born. Ian and his committee believed that if a capital city could be mobilised into action, then so could the whole nation. Almost 300,000 volunteers turned out on the first Clean Up Australia Day in 1990 and that involvement has steadily increased ever since. 

This simple idea has now become the nation's largest community-based environmental event. Now in its 21st year, the event attracts hundreds of thousands of volunteers from the community, schools and businesses to help clean up, fix up and conserve their environment. So come out on 4th of March and Clean Up Australia.

Valentine’s Train

Back by popular demand, The Valley Rattler’s Romancing the Rails theme train offers lovers an evening of romance and wonder sure to make your Valentine’s celebration an unforgettable one.

This year the team at The Valley Rattler has put together a tempting new program for Romancing the Rails which will be held on Saturday 11 February 2012. Sure to delight romantics far and wide, the evening takes full advantage of the inherent romance of Old Gympie Station which upholds the beautiful workmanship of by-gone era when the station was built in 1913.

Champagne will be served as you board the train at 5.30 pm, before the newly restored DH 45 departs Gympie for a romantic twilight train ride to Dagun in the former Kuranda heritage carriages. En route, be serenaded as the train meanders its way through the scenic Mary Valley. At Dagun enjoy an eloquent entrée at the charming country station which was established in 1914.

Take advantage of the opportunity to converse with your loved one as the train makes a leisurely return to Old Gympie Station for the main course and a dreamy dessert. After dinner enjoy dancing along the platform under the moonlight.

At only $65.00 per person, tickets for Romancing the Rails offer fantastic value and includes the train fare, pre-dinner drinks, a three course meal and live music.

Rainbow Beach Art Festival "Brushes by the Sea"

Be inspired and take part in the 4th annual Art Festival "Brushes by the Sea". The festival will take place at the Rainbow Beach Sports Club on the weekend of the 28 & 29th January, 2012.

In celebration of the local talent on Sunday the 29th there will be Art & Craft markets, live entertainment, goose club raffles, cheese and wine tasting. The Mayor, honorable Ron Dyne will be presenting awards at the prize presentation starting at 2pm.

ATTENTION: ART & CRAFT TRADERS REQ FOR MARKET STALLS 29/01/12. 

$5.00 no power $10.00 powered site. 7:00am set up for 8:00am start. 

Pirates of the Valley Treasure Hunt

Calling all pirates who want to go on a Treasure Hunt down the Mary Valley! Pirates should join Capt Rattlebones at old Gympie Station to board the “Blueskellies Diesel Express” – the heritage train with a big blue diesel locomotive to go and explore the Mary Valley with the Captain’s stolen maps to try and find the hidden treasure.

The ticket price includes the train ride, treasure hunt and sausage sizzle.

Cost: Adult - $30 per Adult and $20 per Child
Depart: 10:00am
Return: 2:30pm

Santa Shuttles

Santa is having a little rest in Gympie before he sets off to see the children around the world so come and see Santa before he leaves. The Santa Special Silver Bullet Railmotor will speed you to Santa’s holiday rest place on 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd December 2011, where you can go and visit Santa! He might even have a little surprise for you. The ticket price includes the train ride, visit to Santa’s holiday rest place and a small surprise!

Santa Shuttles Depart for the North Pole from the Historic Gympie Station in Tozer Street at the following times:

• 6.30pm
• 7.00pm
• 7.30pm
• 8.00pm

Cost:
$4 per person (Adults & Children)