With a prime spot on Mary River, the town of Maryborough radiates colonial-era charm in its carefully preserved avenues, architecture and historic port. The Wharf District bubbles over with lively pubs, vintage eateries, museums and arts venues.

Things to do

The creator of Mary Poppins, PL Travers, was born in Maryborough, giving rise to a plethora of Poppins-related trivia, statues and public art depicting themes in the author’s novels. You can even dress up in period attire and traipse the Mary Poppins Trail. For a deeper look at the town’s history, visit the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum to view military artefacts, a three-wheeler Girling automobile and a Cobb & Co replica coach.

The renowned Maryborough Heritage City Markets transform the city centre every Thursday with loads of art, produce, crafts and street performers. Stay through the weekend for Sunday in the Park, with rides on the Mary Ann steam train, brass-band performances, river cruises and the weekly firing of Time Cannon. Top off your evening at Lounge 1868, a classic watering hole inside the historic Customs House on Wharf Street.

Art abounds in Maryborough in the Alpha31 Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden. Enjoy browsing mixed-media and glass art creations, as well as over 100 sculptures fashioned out of limestone, timber and pottery. Keep an eye out for the Ellena Street Pavement Artwork depicting the heritage of Maryborough.

Join the free Maryborough Heritage Walk Tour departing from City Hall and led by guides in period costume. You can also visit Portside to tour the 13 Heritage-listed structures. Browse through Brenna & Geraghty’s Store, now a National Trust-classified museum, to see country store artefacts from the 1800s.

Getting around

Maryborough is about a three-hour drive from Brisbane and one hour from Gympie. Both locations offer access to rental cars, while buses and taxis can also be found in town.