Beefy's Gympie

Beefy's Gympie is a pie shop in Gympie, Queensland, and pies are plainly what the place is about. A beef pie, a steak and pepper pie, a Ned Kelly with bacon, cheese and egg, a meat lover's loaded with different cuts: the range means there's a pie to suit different tastes. One local scored the Ned Kelly top marks for its pastry, gravy and the way it held together to the last bite.

Gluten-free is a real strength here. Coeliacs in particular speak warmly of the gluten-free pies and sausage rolls, and one person said they were every bit as good as the regular ones, which isn't something you hear often. Sausage rolls get plenty of love too, though opinion isn't unanimous. We've heard one grumble that a sausage roll was heavy on pastry and light on filling, and another that a pie came out a bit too well done. The chips and chicken salt get a mention as a good match for the pies.

It's the kind of stop that suits a long drive. Pies are generous and the prices are seen as fair, with value meals and loaded options for a proper feed, plus apple turnovers and other sweet things to finish. The coffee is good too, and breakfast is on the menu. You can take your food away, or eat in at the bench with stools inside or the tables outside. Seating is limited, so a sit-down at busy times isn't a given.

Staff are described as friendly and efficient, and a young man who made one visitor's coffee and another who served them with a smile both earned a kind word. If a favourite pie has sold out, it may be worth asking when the next batch is due. Late in the day, stock can run lower, so it pays to call in earlier if you have your heart set on something specific.

Access is easy, with a free car park and street parking nearby, a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, and card and tap payments accepted. Hours run across the week including weekends, but check them before you set out.