Gympie Court House and Lands Office (former)

The streetscape of Channon Street Gympie, between King and Duke Streets, includes an array of early public buildings. In the centre is the early court house and lands office, bookended by a post office and a police station. All are symbolic of the prosperity of the gold town of Gympie following the 1867 discovery of substantial gold deposits. The classic revival style brick and stone courthouse was designed by the Colonial Architect’s Office in 1874. It was the first substantial public building in town, completed in 1876. However, the size soon proved to be inadequate and a number of extensions were made, including a jury room in 1881 and a strong room in 1882. In 1892, an office for the Lands Commissioner and Lands Office were added. It was clear that a more substantial building was required, and land on the high corner of King and Channon Streets was purchased in 1899. The new courthouse was completed in 1902. The early courthouse remained occupied by various government offices. An air raid shelter was built at the rear in 1942. The property was transferred to the local council in 2002, and today houses the Australian Institute of Country Music.