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Nolan Meats is situated on the eastern side of Gympie, a leisurely 2 hours drive north of Brisbane. Gympie is located in the heart of the Cooloola Shire, and has become somewhat of a sea change location. Within a one hour radius of the expanding Gympie CBD there is a sleepy fishing village, a developing coastal township, prime farming land, relaxed country towns and a bustling coastline hot spot.

Gympie is a town full of history. Our many museums, galleries and memorials reflect this. In addition to the various heritage listed buildings, there are new housing developments, shopping centres and plenty of quality schools, both public and independent, to choose from. The cost of living is on par with Brisbane without the hassles of living in the state capital.

The Mary Valley is the agriculture hub of the area. This region of rolling hills is sprinkled with crops of pineapples, beans and macadamia nuts as well as beef and dairy farms. It is a picturesque rural setting, with locations such as Lake Borumba. It is probably best known for the 'Valley Rattler' train. This 1923 steam engine does regular scenic day trips. www.thevalleyrattler.com

The Cooloola Coast offers a unique coastal lifestyle in a region free of high-rises. The growing community of Rainbow Beach is the gateway to areas like Inskip Point and Fraser Island. Both are popular holiday destinations with their large camping grounds. The area is also the home of numerous State Forests and National Parks. Tin Can Bay is the regions main fishing district, an industry that contributes to the local economy.

Just 40 minutes down the road from Gympie is Noosa Heads, one of Australia’s most exclusive residential and resort areas. It is the pinnacle of water-side living, being close to a surf beach and river. Noosa offers a variety of international hotels that are ‘on the beach’ and is known for its’ gourmet dining and beachside cafes.

To the west is Kilkivan. Situated 50 km away from Gympie, it is a typical small country town. The town has numerous parks and heritage listed buildings and is surrounded by hilly grazing country. This is a rural area best known for the annual Kilkivan Great Horse Ride along Australia’s National Trail. www.kilkivangreathorseride.info

The region has strong roots in industry and agriculture. Gympie's Nestlé plant exports its instant coffee around the globe. The Mary Valley region is known for its dairy industry as well as pineapple and macadamia nut production. Companies like Suncoast Gold Macadamias are world leaders in their field, supplying much of Australia and the world with their high quality product. We also have a strong timber industry that supports major companies such as Laminex and Carter Holt Harvey who export fibreboard all over the world.

Gympie has a range of sporting opportunities with premium indoor and outdoor facilities. The region also hosts entertainment events such as theatre productions and art exhibits.

Music is well catered for, with a 'Wine, Jazz and Blues Festival' and the National Country Music Muster being held each year. The Muster is held in the Amamoor Creek State Forest Park. It attracts tens of thousands of campers and day-trippers to watch local, Australian and overseas talent. This event creates a real sense of community with hundreds of locals volunteering to work there. Organised by the local Apex Club, proceeds from the Muster go to charity. www.muster.com.au

The Heart of Gold International Film Festival was inaugurated in 2006. This innovative event features uplifting short films from Australia and around the world and receives great support from the community. www.heartofgold.com.au These non-commercial events reflect Gympie’s community spirit.

Although this area seems removed from large cities like Brisbane, it is all too easy to keep touch with the hustle and bustle. CityTrain services travel daily to and from Brisbane. Gympie has a real sense of community so the social contact and opportunities are right here.