Car rallys were all the go one time – when you had to use a paper map to navigate the course.
The Ampol Car Rally or (Car Trials) were a big event in Australia in the 1960s. Visit here for more details.

Car rallys were often organised in small communities and Gympie was one of them.

View the footage from a 1966 rally here. (YouTube)

This film was originally produced by WBQ 8 and was reproduced as 7 Extract from the Archives video. This project was supported by an innovation grant from the Library Board of Queensland.
© 2020 Seven Network and Gympie Regional Libraries

The timber awning on the right belonged to J. Smith and Sons, Blacksmiths. Stan Smith’s sawmill was behind the water tank in the top of the picture (Nelson Reserve and the Bruce Highway). Madills used car yard was on the left.

The Miss Australia quest was a popular event for young women back in the 60s and 70s. You can read all about it in the Gympie Times articles below.

View the footage from a 1966 rally here. (YouTube)

This film was originally produced by WBQ 8 and was reproduced as 7 Extract from the Archives video. This project was supported by an innovation grant from the Library Board of Queensland.
© 2020 Seven Network and Gympie Regional Libraries