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Bond Store

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Portside Heritage Gateway

Portside Heritage Gateway - your first port of call. Settled way back in 1847, Maryborough was where more than 22,000 free settlers took their first steps on Australian soil. Relive those early years with a visit to the City's historic port area. The Customs House Interpretive Centre (circa 1900) reflects the history of Maryborough as a thriving river port in the early days of Queensland. Discover the history of the state's pioneering industries and explore the incredible "cabinet of curiosities" Just a few doors away is the Bond Store Museum (circa1864) including collections celebrating the early history of Maryborough and one of the city's oldest buildings. It was part of the Customs complex to provide storage for goods that attracted a tax for Her Majesty's Customs Service. Walk through the Bond Store, and you're stepping on history. The earthen floor and ancient handmade bricks in the original 1864 building downstairs still exist, as do many of the liquor barrels left over from that time. The Portside Heritage Gateway Pass to give you entry to all three museums located in the Portside Precinct - Customs House Interpretive Centre, Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum and the Bond Store Museum.

Maryborough QLD

0.0 km away

Maryborough Family Heritage Institute

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Maryborough Family Heritage Research Institute

Housed in a beautiful old building, Maryborough Family Heritage Institute holds one of the largest collections of genealogy records in Queensland. The institute has an extensive amount of research material available. More than 20,000 immigrants came into Queensland through Maryborough and the passenger lists are available for researchers. There is also hold passenger lists of immigrants for the other States of Australia. Also held is Australian Birth, Death and Marriage Indexes and the Pioneer Indexes for most states of Australia, St. Catherine's BDM Indexes for England and Wales, the LDS worldwide records and extensive cemetery records.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

Achievers Walk at Portside

Natural Attractions

Achievers Walk

Discover how ordinary Australians can achieve extraordinary things on this unique walking trail. Located in Maryborough's Portside Heritage Precinct, the Achievers Walk takes you past a series of plaques mounted on the pavement in Richmond and Wharf streets which pay tribute to more than 80 Australians and former Maryborough residents. From pioneers to scholars and Olympians, learn about the remarkable achievements of former residents like P.L Travers - author of Mary Poppins; Duncan Chapman - the first ANZAC to land at Gallipoli; and Hayden Kenny - the original Ironman.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

Maryboroughs Bollards

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Maryboroughs Bollards

Maryboroughs Bollards are seven colourful bollards overlooking the Mary River. They represent a sea captain welcoming a family of immigrants landing at the Port of Maryborough in the 1860s. In 1855 approximately 18,000 square metres of decking and warehouses were constructed creating the new wharves that would later become the Port of Maryborough.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

Maryboroughs Guns

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Maryboroughs Guns

The Maryborough's Guns represent the rich history of the Fraser Coast region. The beginning of the First World War saw the Royal Australian Navy begin the process of updating its armoury. They presented the three guns, located in Queens Park overlooking the Mary River, as a gift to the City of Maryborough. The three guns were relocated to this position in 1914.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

Melsa - Miniatures Trains Maryborough

Entertainment Venues

Melsa - Miniatures Trains Maryborough

Children and adults can climb onboard one of the many miniature steam engines at Melsa, which run on a circuit around Queens Park. The sight of little legs – and not so little legs – dangling from tiny carriages as the trains weave around the track is guaranteed to delight. It's a tradition begun by the city's Model Engineers and Live Steamers Association (Melsa) 30 years ago – and one that uniquely capture Maryborough's carefree, family-friendly lifestyle. The miniature tracks and the station shelter can be found in Queens Park, Maryborough. The trains run on the last Sunday of the month as part of the Sunday in the Park celebrations including Brass Bands, food stalls and children's activities.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

The Story Bank - Cherry Tree Lane — Image credit: Fraser Coast Regional Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Story Bank

Once upon a time, a baby girl was born in the upstairs bedroom at the Australian Joint Stock Bank, Kent Street in Maryborough, Queensland. Her name was Helen Lyndon Goff, but she became known to the world as P.L. Travers, author of the Mary Poppins stories. Transformed, The Story Bank - a bank that trades in stories. As you cross the threshold, you enter a world where fantasy and fact intertwine. Tales and yarns, myths and legends, memories and stories - share in their retelling and their creation. Discover Maryborough's unique connection with P.L. Travers - the story of her life, her family, the influences on her writings and the retelling of her stories. Inside there are stories from our earliest storytellers, the Butchulla people, in the Yarning Circle. ‘The Legends of Moonie Jarl’ was first published in 1964 and is the first Australian children’s book of Aboriginal stories to be written and illustrated by Aboriginal people: Butchulla siblings Moonie Jarl (Wilf Reeves) and Wandi (Olga Miller).

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

Bond Store Exterior

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Bond Store

Explore the Bond Store and let this beautiful, heritage-listed building share its stories with you as you wander through the space. See the earthen floors of this former store for her Majesty's Customs Service and learn about Maryborough's fascinating past. The core of the building dates back to 1864 and still retains the original floors, handmade bricks and barrel rails. It provided secure storage for goods that attracted a tax including cigars, tobacco, rum, wine, spirits, and opium. Add to your experience with tantalising tales and fantastic flavours. Enjoy a selection of premium quality liqueurs as storytellers share tales inspired by objects from the collection. Take home a taste of the region with delicious delicacies or curious keepsakes.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

Excelsior Band Hall — Image credit: Fraser Coast Tourism and Events

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Excelsior Band Hall

Maryborough’s modern Excelsior Band Hall replaces the earlier hall destroyed by fire in 1987. It was designed in Victorian Style to compliment the precinct. The design choice also commemorates the length of time to which bands have added to the spirit and vitality of public occasions. Directly in front of the Band Hall is the George Ambrose White Car park, which was the site of the city’s first in-ground public baths opened in 1906. On the last Sunday morning of every month, enjoy live brass band performances alongside the building in the Rotunda in Queens Park.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

Cenotaph and Memorial Gates — Image credit: Fraser Coast Tourism and Events

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cenotaph and Memorial Gates

The Maryborough Cenotaph was erected in 1922 with funds obtained by public subscription as a memorial to the fallen of the First World War. The memorial includes five Italian Carrara marble statues which portray the Army, Navy, Airforce and Nursing profession and Nike, the Winged Figure of Victory standing above them. The local Croydon Foundry cast the memorial gates and plaques.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

Mary Poppins Statue

Landmarks and Buildings

Mary Poppins Statue

Located on the corner of Kent and Richmond streets, a statue of Mary Poppins stands proudly in recognition of Maryborough's link with the famous nanny. PL Travers was born Helen Lyndon Goff in Maryborough in 1899. Mary Poppins has universal appeal. The novels have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and Supercalifragilistic is a word known to millions. Maryborough's statue of Mary Poppins and the Proud Marys display located in the Maryborough City Hall Visitor Information Centre is Australia's only significant tribute to the literary skills of P.L.Travers and the amazing worldwide success of the series of Mary Poppins novels. This bronze statue of the much-loved nanny of the Mary Poppins series of books was erected through community involvement and donations in September 2005. Celebrations of the City's links to PL Travers happen each year at the Mary Poppins Festival in the Park. This year's Mary Poppins Festival will be held on Sunday June 30, 2024 at the Portside Precinct & Queens Park.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

Maryborough Military Museum — Image credit: Maryborough Military Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum

The unusual, the quirky and eclectic are amongst 7000 items of military and colonial memorabilia, which form displays of exceptional quality at the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum. The museum houses a VC awarded to Lieutenant (later Major) Herbert James, 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment for gallantry at Gully Ravine, Cape Helles, Gallipoli on June 28 and July 3, 1915. It is one of only 39 VC's for the Gallipoli campaign and the only one in Australia outside the Australian War Memorial. The museum has two of the most historically significant medal groups to Australian soldiers for the Vietnam War – 1964 to 1973. The Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum provides a testament to not only those heroes who fought in distant lands to ensure their way of life and prosperity, but also those courageous and determined people who pioneered and progressed the Maryborough area for almost two centuries.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

J E Brown Warehouse

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

J E Brown Warehouse

J E Brown commenced business as a provisions and victuals merchant in 1857 in Richmond Street. In 1879 J E Brown had this two-storey brick warehouse built and was designed by a local architect James Buchanan. In later years, the premises were used for dances, balls, boxing tournaments, and a restaurant, and currently houses the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum. This museum provides a testament to not only those heroes who fought in distant lands but also those courageous and determined people who pioneered and progressed the Maryborough area for nearly two centuries.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 km away

Gatakers Artspace

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Gatakers Artspace

A creative hub in two restored heritage warehouses dating back to the 1800s, the Artspace blends the charm of history with contemporary creativity. Since opening in 2010, it has become a central hub for the Fraser Coast's thriving arts community. The buildings feature dedicated gallery spaces for exhibitions, workshop areas, and an artisan retail store. A standout feature in the Print Studio is the installation of the historic 1869 No.5 iron platen hand press, which provides a unique hands-on printmaking experience. More than just a gallery, Gatakers Artspace is a living, evolving space where art, history, and community come together.

Maryborough QLD

0.2 km away

Duncan Chapman statue

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial

The Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial traces the birth of the Anzac legend. Drawn from the personal perspectives in letters written home to loved ones by Wide Bay district men who fought on the front line, including Lieutenant Duncan Chapman, the first Anzac ashore at Gallipoli. Soaring eight meters into the sky is a steel representation of the cliffs of Gallipoli, leading to panels telling the story of the battles. From there, visitors follow inscribed pavers to the Western Front battlegrounds, past sculptures and whispering voices to an arbour dedicated to the pitiless Battle of Pozieres The all-abilities Gallipoli to Armistice memorial is free to visit. Its path wends through pretty, peaceful Queen's Park in stark contrast to the relentless shelling, mud, and bloody carnage of World War I.

Maryborough QLD

0.2 km away

Queens Park In Maryborough

Parks and Gardens

Queens Park In Maryborough

Queens Park was established in 1860 and many of its beautiful huge trees were planted before 1900. Features of the Park are the fernery, waterfall and lily pond, lace-trimmed band rotunda built in 1890 and listed by the National Trust and the 13 centimetre Gauge Model Railway built by the Model Engineers and Live Steamers Association. On the last Sunday each month the Association meet in Queens Park to relive the steam age in the chug of engines, the glow of brass and coal fires and the cheery sound of the whistle. Also to be heard and seen are Maryborough's Brass Bands playing in the rotunda. The Park is a cool retreat with a waterfall, flowers, shrubs and trees. It is situated within an easy stroll of the City Hall and overlooks the Mary River.

Maryborough QLD

0.2 km away

School of Arts

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

School of Arts

This School of Arts building was constructed in the classic revival style in 1887 and contained a library, museum, reading room, technical college and a billiard room. It replaced the first School of Arts built in 1861. In 1958, it housed the first Ringrose Library in Queensland where books were available to external students of the University of Queensland. The library features a timber mezzanine gallery and is now home to the Maryborough and Wide Bay Burnett Historical Society. The keystone above the doorway features Minerva the goddess of wisdom. The classically inspired symmetrical facade of this two story masonry building has a commanding street presence in Maryborough.

Maryborough QLD

0.2 km away

Colonial Naval Guns

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Colonial Naval Guns

Visit Queen’s Park and marvel at the nineteenth century gun technology, including an early version of a machine gun. You may have noticed there is an empty concrete plinth next to the naval guns. What was it for? To tell the story they need to go all the way back to 1866 and Maryborough’s first timepiece. It was not a clock, but rather a large, heavy ball that was dropped once a day at noon. Dissatisfied with the time ball, Maryborough residents wanted a cannon instead. The Queensland Government obliged, presenting a cannon to Maryborough in 1877. The cannon had been discovered in sand on an island in the Torres Strait, north of Queensland. It is believed to have come from an unknown Dutch East Indies ship! The cannon was restored and fired for the first time in 1878. The cannon ceased to be used to tell the time in the early 1890s and it was moved to Queen’s Park. By the 1950s Council feared it would be stolen and it was eventually removed. A replica was made and it is now fired every Thursday on Market Day in Maryborough.

Maryborough QLD

0.3 km away

264 Kent St — Image credit: Fraser Coast Tourism and Events

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

264 Kent Street

264 Kent Street is another great addition to the variety of historically significant buildings to be found in Maryborough on the Fraser Coast. This building at 264 Kent Street was erected in 1875 and was occupied by J H Bliss, a watchmaker and jeweller. They specialised in supplying and repairing maritime chronometers, barometers, sextants and navigational instruments. This business served the busy port of Maryborough during the 1880s. Visitors to the port may even have availed of Bliss' skills as a maker of artificial teeth.

Maryborough QLD

0.3 km away

Mary Ann Steam Engine

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Mary Ann Steam Engine

The Mary Ann is a replica of the first steam engine built in Queensland in 1873 at John Walker and Co's Union Foundry. It steams through the park along the rail tracks which were laid to service the wharves and Walker's Foundry. The Mary Ann now operates from 9:30am - 12pm every Saturday. It also runs during those hours on the second Thursday of the month, and the last Sunday of the month. The Whistle Stop Railway Museum is open Monday to Thursday from 9am - 12:30pm.

Maryborough QLD

0.3 km away

Port of Maryborough

Agritourism

Port of Maryborough

The marina, also known as the Port of Maryborough, is home to the last remnants of original wharves and is a must-see for those visiting. A deeper site was selected to replace the first shallow port of Maryborough, which was located upriver at the original township. Wool, tallow, hides and timber were exported through the busy port, and many coastal vessels brought supplies for the settlers. At one time the wharves stretched from the far end of Queens Park to beyond the Granville Bridge. Between 1859 when Maryborough was declared an official Port of Entry, and 1901, more than 22000 immigrants from Great Britain and Europe entered Australia through the port. Ships also brought Kanaka labour from the South Sea Islands to work on local sugar plantations. Shipbuilding and repair industries added to the liveliness of the port. The derelict sheds behind the marina are remnants from the site of the Walker Shipyards, which closed in 1974.

Maryborough QLD

0.3 km away

City Hall where the tours leave form

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Maryborough Heritage Walking Tours

Step back in time with a knowledgeable guide on this free walking tour of the historic centre of Maryborough. You will hear fascinating stories of Maryborough's early days, learn about the origins of the town and the unique architectural styles of the buildings in the CBD, walking the streets to explore this early Queensland town and its quirky attractions. Spot the Mary Poppins statue outside the building where the beloved author, P L Travers, was born. Wear shoes suitable for walking, a hat and bring water.

Maryborough QLD

0.3 km away

Mary River

Natural Attractions

Mary River

The Mary River has been known by many names, with the Traditional Owners calling the river Booie, Moonaboola, Numabulla or Mooraboocoola. It was named the Wide Bay River until September 1848, when Governor Fitzroy renamed the river in honour of his wife, Lady Mary Fitzroy. The Mary River is unique in that it flows from south to north with its headwaters near the Sunshine Coast hinterland and its mouth at River Heads just south of Hervey Bay. Maryborough is also home to the stunning Mary River Parklands which is built on the site of the original Port of Maryborough and forms part of the Portside Precinct. Parkland surrounding the river offers natural terracing, community forecourt, public art works, winding pathways and gardens.

Maryborough QLD

0.3 km away

Maryborough City Hall

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Maryborough City Hall

Designed by Brisbane architects Hall and Dods in American colonial style, Maryborough City Hall was erected in 1908 to replace the original timber Town Hall which stood on the opposite side of Kent Street. The exterior was built with locally made Meredith bricks and red cedar was used extensively throughout the interior. In 1935 the clock tower, curtain tower and stage were added. The auditorium features a semi-circular barrel-vault ceiling. Elaborate classical detail adorns the stage, columns and the proscenium and features Maryborough's city emblem - the Crimson Bottlebrush. The Hall was restored and refurbished in early 1990. Call into the Maryborough Visitor Information Centre within City Hall to learn more about all the historical sites and attractions to visit around Maryborough, and for help planning and booking things to do during your visit to the Fraser Coast region.

Maryborough QLD

0.3 km away

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