Step into a story on Imbil’s rail trail these school holidays
Published on 23 September 2026
Gympie Regional Council will launch a free Story Walk along the Mary Valley Rail Trail in Imbil on Thursday 24 September, giving families a new way to read and explore together these school holidays.
Pages from The Little Queenslanders’ Alphabet Book will be displayed on a series of panels along a 200-metre section of the Imbil to Brooloo stretch of the trail, starting at 14 Selwyn Street, Imbil. Families can follow the panels in sequence to read the complete story as they walk.
The Story Walk is being delivered through First 5 Forever, a State Library of Queensland initiative that supports strong language and early literacy development during a child’s first five years.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the Imbil installation would bring the Story Walk experience to the Mary Valley for the first time.
“Our previous Story Walks at Lake Alford and Lawrie Hanson Park at Rainbow Beach proved very popular with families, and we’re pleased to now bring the experience to the Mary Valley,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“The Mary Valley Rail Trail is a great setting for families to follow a story, enjoy a walk and spend time together outdoors.
“The book’s alphabet format gives children plenty to spot, name and talk about as they move along the trail, making it a great choice for encouraging early literacy in a fun and engaging way.”
Division 8 Councillor Gordon Maudsley said the Story Walk gave residents and visitors another reason to spend time in Imbil and explore the Mary Valley.
“There is so much for families to enjoy across the Mary Valley, from great local food and welcoming country towns to bushwalks, parks and trails,” Cr Maudsley said.
Mayor Hartwig said the Story Walk was part of a wide range of free activities being offered by Gympie Regional Libraries during the September school holidays.
“Our libraries are a great destination for families looking for affordable and engaging school holiday activities,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“With everything from storytelling and craft activities for younger children to clay creations, cartooning and nature-based activities, the school holiday program offers something for children of all ages and interests.
“If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays, take a look at the latest What’s On program and register early, as places are limited and often fill quickly.”
The Imbil Story Walk will be officially launched at 10am on Thursday 24 September and will remain in place beyond the school holidays.
Gympie Regional Libraries membership is free and provides access to all six library branches across the Gympie Region.
- Gympie Library – 8–14 Mellor Street, Gympie | Phone: 5481 0859
- Goomeri Library – 5 Moore Street, Goomeri | Phone: 4168 4340
- Imbil Library – 123–125 Yabba Road, Imbil | Phone: 5484 5488
- Kilkivan Library – 31 Bligh Street, Kilkivan | Phone: 5484 1209
- Rainbow Beach Library – Rainbow Beach Community Hall, Rainbow Beach Road, Rainbow Beach | Phone: 5486 3705
- Tin Can Bay Library – 47 Tin Can Bay Road, Tin Can Bay | Phone: 5486 4355
For the full school holiday program and booking information, visit Home | Gympie Library
Event details
What: Imbil Story Walk launch
When: Thursday 24 September, 10am
Where: Mary Valley Rail Trail, 14 Selwyn Street, Imbil
Cost: Free
About the story walk book: Written by Sally Scudamore and illustrated by Sophie Beer, The Little Queenslanders’ Alphabet Book introduces young readers to Queensland’s animals and places through the alphabet and bright, engaging illustrations.
ENDS