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Maryborough Rotary Markets

Shopping and Markets

Maryborough Rotary Markets

Every Thursday morning, the wonderful Maryborough City Markets come to life. They are enjoyed by many locals and visitors in the central business district of the city of Maryborough, located on the beautiful Fraser Coast in Queensland. Maryborough's city centre undergoes an amazing transformation into a colourful outdoor heritage bazaar. Wander around a large range of stalls with an amazing array of farm-fresh produce and unique wares, original hand-made craft, homemade treats, artwork, jewellery, clothing, accessories, natural beauty products and gorgeous cut flowers. Meet the Town Crier and hear the firing of the historic Time Cannon in Town Hall Green! Soak up the atmosphere of music and entertainers while you enjoy hot food stalls and find wonderful condiments and gourmet pantry items to take home. Make a day of it in the city and join a free guided Heritage Walking Tour from City Hall or ride The Mary Ann, a replica steam engine through nearby Queen's Park. Maryborough has a unique link to the world's most famous nanny, being the birthplace of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers. After enjoying the Markets, discover the magic of Mary Poppins by visiting The Story Bank, an interactive museum dedicated to everything Mary Poppins, storytelling and the birthplace of P.L Travers.

Maryborough QLD

0.0 km away

St Pauls Anglican Church

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

St Pauls Anglican Church Maryborough

Maryborough Anglican Parish is one of the oldest parishes in Queensland with its beginnings traceable to 1847. St Paul’s Anglican Church in the heart of Maryborough CBD and has a very strong community presence. The Memorial Hall fronts the main street (Adelaide Street) and is used as the venue for inter-denominational soup kitchens and breakfasts, dance and sports groups, morning teas and hall markets (Thursdays) and numerous other activities. St Paul’s also boasts a free-standing bell tower which houses 9 bells which peal out over the city before the 9 am services. During school holidays the opportunity is given to tour the bell tower and ring the bells! The Tower and Bells were dedicated in 1888. The set of nine movable bells was cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in England and shipped to Maryborough; the Tower was constructed locally. The entire project was financed by prominent pioneer settler Edgar Aldridge, in memory of his wife Maria (who had died in 1886); Edgar himself died seven weeks after the dedication. Bells 6 and 7 are named Maria and Edgar in their memory. There are services on Wednesdays and Sundays. Check the website for service times as they may vary from time to time.

Maryborough QLD

0.1 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

0.2 km away

Maryborough Town Hall Green

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Maryborough Town Hall Green

For many decades Maryborough Town Hall Green has been a place for residents and visitors to meet and is a popular vantage point to sit and watch the passing parade. It was here at the site of the first Maryborough court house, police station and gaol, that in 1877, gallows and a hangman were brought from Brisbane and two felons were publicly hung. There are four large etchings adjacent to the Commonwealth Bank titled "Five O'clock Whistle" which represent aspects of Maryborough's history. Hundreds of workers from the various factories of lower Kent Street, Walkers Limited, the Sugar Factory, Hynes Timber Mill and the Shipyards would cycle home at 5pm, often four and five abreast up Kent Street. At the Adelaide Street intersection, the police would sometimes stop traffic so they could ride through. Five characters from the Mary Poppins books are etched on the brick plinths on the green closer to Kent Street and five more are in the footpath at the foot of the ramp. These may be reproduced by placing a sheet of paper on each and rubbing with a pencil.

Maryborough QLD

0.2 km away

The Maryborough Mural Trail

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Maryborough Mural Trail

Be inspired by Maryborough’s growing tourist attraction and walk the Mural Trail, telling the quirky and serious stories of the city’s colourful past from the time when it was Queensland’s major industrial city building naval ships, sugar mills and railway rolling stock. Launched in 2015, the trail now has 37 large scale murals and installations adorning buildings in the city’s Central Business District. Start your journey in Kent Street at the Maryborough Visitor Information Centre in City Hall and collect a trail map and while there learn about the baking of the historic Peace Cake and how the trail began. The map shows the location of each mural and installation and makes suggestions on how the two kilometres trail over 10 city blocks can be walked in separate sections if distance and mobility is a concern, or in one continuous journey of discovery. Staff at the visitor centre will point out the many coffee and speciality shops, parks and places to relax along the way, making this one of Maryborough’s unique experiences.

Maryborough QLD

0.2 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

0.2 km away

Ellena St sculpture — Image credit: Fraser Coast Tourism and Events

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ellena Street Pavement Art and Sculpture

Enjoy tributes to the heritage of Maryborough with the Ellena Street Pavement Artwork. Primary School students designed the pavers for the Ellena Street Pavement Art and Sculpture, with the theme being "I can find it in Maryborough". Maryborough-born artist Susie Hansen designed the large sculpture in the street as a tribute to Maryborough industry. The sculpture is a fly wheel cut in half which was originally fitted to a single cylinder kynoch suction gas engine in the powerhouse of Walkers Ltd.

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

Maryborough Railway Station — Image credit: Fraser Coast Tourism and Events

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Old Maryborough Railway Station

Built-in 1882, the heritage-listed Maryborough Railway Station features a Victorian design. The stationmaster’s residence has much of the character of larger Queensland houses of that era. The railway complex also houses the Whistlestop Museum, which documents Maryborough’s impressive rail history. The first sod for the railway line from Maryborough to Gympie was turned in 1878, with pick and shovel gangs completing the project in three years. In 1895, the district boasted 300 items of locally made rolling stock. Maryborough has long been a major supplier of steam, diesel-electric and electric trains and train carriages in a railway history that began in 1873. The railway station also has an air raid shelter built during the Second World War within viewing distance. Please note: this is not an active railway station.

Maryborough QLD

0.3 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

0.3 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

0.3 km away

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

0.4 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

0.4 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

0.4 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

0.4 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

0.4 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

0.4 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

0.4 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

0.4 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

0.4 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

0.5 km away

Band Rotunda and Fairy Fountain

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Band Rotunda and Fairy Fountain

Miss Janet Melville bequeathed the Fairy Fountain and Band Rotunda in memory of her brother Andrew who was Mayor of Maryborough in 1863. The entire structure was imported from Scotland in 1890 after the Hon. A.H. Wilson MLA saw it at the Glasgow Exhibition and acquired it as a suitable memorial. In 1905, the fountain was moved from under the ornate roof of the rotunda to its present site to allow the use of the rotunda as a performance area. Last Sunday of the Month, activities in the park feature live brass bands performing in the rotunda and miniature steam trains.

Maryborough QLD

0.5 km away

Bauer and Wiles Memorial Fountain — Image credit: Fraser Coast Tourism and Events

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bauer and Wiles Memorial Fountain

Australia's only outbreak of the pneumonic plague was in Maryborough in 1905. This fountain, situated to the Lennox Street side of City Hall, is a memorial to the two Nurses Cecilia Bauer and Rose Wiles who courageously volunteered to nurse victims of the plague. Whilst looking after their patients both nurses fell ill and died from the deadly disease.

Maryborough QLD

0.5 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

0.5 km away

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