The story behind Queensland’s Big Golden Gumboot

Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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The Golden Gumboot is a sight to behold, but the story of how it came to be is a case study of good, old-fashioned Aussie town rivalry.

There is a long-standing rivalry between the Tropical North Queensland towns of Tully, Babinda and Innisfail as to which can claim to be the wettest. According to legend it became a two-horse race when Innisfail’s rainfall dropped markedly when the rain gauge was moved from next to the public toilets.

However, the rivalry took a new twist when Tully erected the Golden Gumboot, which has attracted a flood of visitors since its opening in May 2003. The inspiration came from the gumboot trophy awarded annually since 1970 to the town with the highest rainfall. The community go-ahead was given in January 2002 after a huge effort spearheaded by local councillor Ron Hunt and supported by over 30 local businesses.

The Golden Gumboot or a UFO?

However, not everyone was happy. The North Queensland UFO Society wanted a big UFO instead. And when Tully’s Rotary Club decided to claim the gumboot permanently, Babinda, which has had more rainfall in recent years, responded with plans to build a giant umbrella. This has not yet happened.

How big is The Golden Gumboot?

The gumboot is 6.1 metres long and 8 metres high – just a fraction higher than the 7.93 metres of rainfall recorded by Tully in 1950, the highest annual rainfall ever recorded by an Aussie town. Climbing up the gumboot is a white-lipped green tree frog carved by Roger Chandler. A mechanical rain gauge runs from the heel to the calf of the boot. An internal spiral staircase winds its way up to a viewing platform overlooking the town.

Who made The Golden Gumboot?

The Gumboot was built in bronzed fibreglass by sculptor Bryan Newell in nearby Millaa Millaa (the name means “rain, rain"). It was modelled on Bryan’s own gumboot and trucked to Tully under police escort. The whole thing cost $30,000, which included a grant from the Queensland Government and $3000 from the Bata Shoe Company for branding on the boot.

Fittingly, the finish date was delayed more than a month by heavy rain. It was finally unveiled on May 10, 2003, a day marked by torrential showers. The heavy rain drenched visiting politicians – locals instantly deemed it $30,000 well spent.

Where to find The Golden Gumboot

While there’s no official souvenir shop at the Golden Gumboot, you can pick up trinkets – keyrings, postcards magnets and the like – at the Tully Visitor’s Centre, which also has a record of annual rainfalls for all three towns.

Address: Banyan Park, Tully, Queensland
Contact Phone: (07) 4068 4888

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This coastal town just beat Byron Bay as Australia’s favourite

    Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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    The votes are in –there’s a new favourite town on top.

    For Australian Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, we asked you to vote for your Aussie favourites, from the country’s top road trip to our most-loved wine region. But one of the most contested categories? The best town in Australia. And this year, an exciting newcomer has stolen hearts nationwide, beating another oft-lauded coastal town for the title.

    Australia’s best town is…

    Noosa, Queensland
    Noosa is officially the best town to visit in Australia, as voted by you. (Image: David Wilcock)

    Aussies, you’ve made your choice loud and clear. Leaving perennial favourites like Byron Bay and Margaret River in its wake, the sun-soaked haven of Noosa has officially taken the crown for best town in Australia this year – and it’s not hard to see why. Situated on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, around a two-hour drive from Brisbane, Noosa has it all.

    Keen for a seaside summer escape? Its golden stretch of coastline boasts some of the best beaches in the world. After something slower? Noosa’s hinterland offers lush forests, wild swimming holes and cosy off-grid stays for lazy, unhurried days. Whatever part you choose to explore, you’ll find endless ways to relax, reset and recharge.

    Your guide to the best of Noosa

    Noosa, Queensland
    The Sunshine Coast gem is a haven for holidaymakers. (Image: Jesse Lindemann)

    Whether you’re a long-time fan or its new title has finally convinced you to go, there’s no denying Noosa deserves a spot on your holiday list. The coastal town is practically brimming with things to see and do, but if you’re limited on time, there are a few experiences you won’t want to miss. Lucky for you, we’ve got the itinerary sorted.

    Start with a trip to the Noosa Everglades, about 30 minutes north of town. Alongside the USA’s Florida Everglades, it’s one of just two everglade systems in the world and among the oldest waterways on the planet. It also spans two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, the Noosa and Great Sandy.

    Canoeing through the Noosa Everglades in Queensland
    Join a canoe tour to see the Noosa Everglades up close. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    A tour with Everglades Eco Safaris will take you deep into the heart of this natural wonder, where expert guides navigate the waterways and share fascinating insights into the flora and fauna that call it home.

    Guests can choose between a tranquil river cruise and an immersive canoe adventure, both running for 4.5 hours. There are plenty of other outdoor nature experiences on offer, too – think whale-watching, hiking, surf lessons and even skydiving.

    Noosaville Brewery in Noosa, Queensland
    The coastal town is dotted with local breweries serving craft beer. (Image: Tourism Noosa/Amy Higg Photo)

    Rather just sit back and relax? Noosa’s got you covered. Home to dreamy day spas designed to soothe even the most stressed-out souls, relaxation here is a non-negotiable. With the knots in your back a distant memory, you’re free to wander local markets touting handmade wares, dine at restaurants heroing fresh seafood and sip your way through Noosa’s hitlist of breweries and distilleries.

    Seahaven Noosa in Noosa, Queensland
    Soak up the sunshine during a stay at Seahaven Noosa.

    You’ll find a range of accommodation options, too. Noosa welcomes everyone – families with little ones, couples on honeymoon and travellers going solo are all catered to.

    If you’re travelling on a budget, book into one of Noosa’s comfy caravan parks. Nestled among the paperbarks, Habitat Noosa is a great option, offering both camping and glamping sites. Got holiday cash to splash? Seahaven Noosa is among the town’s hottest stays with its spacious suites, beachfront pool and proximity to Hastings Street.

    The runners-up for Australia’s best town

    Noosa, Queensland
    Noosa beat towns like Byron Bay, Mudgee and Margaret River. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    While Noosa took out the top spot in 2025, it faced some fierce competition along the way. Consistent favourite, Byron Bay missed out on the top spot but still made it into the list as a runner-up, as well as claiming the title of best wellness destination in Australia.

    Other contenders included Port Douglas in Queensland and WA’s Margaret River. Mudgee in NSW was also close behind, instead taking out best country escape thanks to its world-class wineries, destination diners and charming regional stays.