Immerse yourself in Eumundi’s Rich History, Culture & Heritage
You really have to know Eumundi’s culture and heritage to understand why it’s the Cultural Heart of the Sunshine Coast.
Eumundi is a magical place, surrounded by rolling green hills and organic farms in an idyllic hinterland setting. The whole village oozes international culture and heritage and there’s a unique vibe here that resonates from the bountiful live music, creativity, and diversity. You have to immerse yourself in Eumundi’s rich culture and heritage to understand why it’s known as the Cultural Heart of the Sunshine Coast.
WUNYA NGULUM – Welcome Everyone to Kabi Kabi Country!
“Experience Eumundi” acknowledges the ongoing connection to country of the traditional custodians of this beautiful region, the Kabi Kabi people. Visitors to Eumundi can enhance their experience by learning of the region’s connection to the people and stories of the Kabi Kabi. We pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.”
Naming of Eumundi
Eumundi is thought to be named after local Kabi Kabi elder and warrior ‘Ngumundi’ who is said to have generously adopted an escaped convict into his family. To this day, the open hearted spirit of ‘Ngumundi’ seems to live on in the diverse and inclusive culture of our community.
Eumundi’s Aboriginal Culture & Heritage
The indigenous culture of Australia dates back at least 50,000 and is the oldest living culture on the planet. Indigenous people throughout Australia have a strong connection to and respect for the natural environment, its landscapes and past and future generations.
This too is true of Eumundi’s first people, the Kabi Kabi (or Gubbi Gubbi) who were the first to contribute to the region’s rich cultural heritage. The Kabi Kabi’s land includes an area roughly 100km south and 150km north of Noosa.
Aboriginal artefacts can be discovered at the recently renovated Eumundi Museum and Apma Creations on the main street is a treasure trove of original aboriginal art designed by Eumundi resident Merryn Apma Daley. Aboriginal artwork can also be found throughout the markets.
European Settlers in Eumundi
In the late 1800s, a train line was laid to move timber from Gympie to Brisbane and a station was built along the route for a newly emerging settlement named Eumundi. By this time there were several general stores, butcher shops, bakery, saddler, blacksmith and auctioneers. The town’s first industry was timber and two saw mills operated amicably, one specialising in hardwood and the other softwood.
The surrounding country consisted of dense shrubland with pine, beech and cedar and ridges of tallowood and blackbutt. Much of this land was cleared of trees and gave way to dairy and fruit farms. By 1920 two butter factories had been built – at Eumundi and Cooroy. The Eumundi factory burnt down in 2005 but the Cooroy factory still exists.
Eumundi’s Memorial Drive
In 1917, twenty memorial fig trees were planted along Eumundi’s main street commemorating the twenty soldiers from the area that had fallen in WW1. Thus the naming of the main street ‘Memorial Drive’ which it remains called to this day. The figs still stand tall and create a stunning backdrop to the street as well as creating a beautiful canopy that shades the paths and a focus for annual remembrance ceremonies.
Experience the Architectural Heritage of Eumundi
Today, Eumundi is full of fascinating and thought provoking heritage buildings, from its old post office to the service station that is one of the only remaining full service fuel stations in Queensland.
Eumundi Museum is housed in the site of the old Methodist church and Salon Eumundi is secretly housed in the old bakery – don’t forget to look up!
The Imperial Hotel Eumundi was opened in 1911 and has maintained its original facade and iconic status at the heart of town ever since.
Eumundi & Co now inhabit the old Bank of England and there are plenty more historic gems around if you take the time to explore. Each building has been carefully restored and adds volumes to the historical charm and appeal of the town today.
History of Eumundi Market
Farming diminished in the sixties and in 1979 the Original Eumundi Market was established with just three open air stalls organised by the local community and selling fresh produce and hand-made goods. The market grew steadily and gained an excellent reputation through the 1980s and 1990s. Today Eumundi Markets are celebrated as the largest artisan markets in Australia and the southern hemisphere!
The Original Eumundi Market has always stayed true to its’ “make it. bake it. sew it. grow it.” ethos, an attribute that no doubt continues to contribute to its appeal today.
Eumundi Today
Today Eumundi is famed the world over for its diverse, open minded culture, markets, live music, festivals and vibe and attracts visitors from every corner of the globe. The markets now comprise more than 600 stalls and are visited by more than 1.6 million people each year!
Look beyond the vibrant stalls and you’ll discover plenty more to Eumundi than the markets today. The streets and building are awash with history and colourful artwork and the original boutique shops and artisan galleries are a delight to explore. The range of cuisine is simply mindblowing, from fine dining to street food, and there are plenty of cool bars and breweries and even a gin distillery to keep you refreshed.
Eumundi is a small hinterland village which is always evolving, depending on the day of the week and time of the year. There are many ways to Experience Eumundi, that’s why we recommend that you come back and visit again and again…
