Maryborough, Queensland - Heritage Streets, Mary Poppins Magic & Riverside History

Wander * Explore * Discover
Nov 8, 2023
4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Maryborough, Queensland - Heritage Streets, Mary Poppins Magic & Riverside History

The heritage city of Maryborough is one of Queensland’s most character-filled towns, located around 254 kilometres north of Brisbane on the banks of the Mary River. Once one of Australia’s busiest ports, Maryborough boomed through the wool, gold, timber and coal industries and became a major gateway for immigration in the 19th century. From 1859, more than 22,000 immigrants arrived here, each hoping to build a new life in Australia.

Today, Maryborough is a city where history, creativity and a touch of whimsy meet — from grand heritage buildings and powerful military memorials to colourful street art, Mary Poppins connections and even some of the quirkiest public toilets in Queensland.

A Walk Through Maryborough

On our recent visit, we spent time wandering through Maryborough’s historic centre, discovering its many layers of history and creativity. Highlights included exploring the famous Cistern Chapel, visiting The Story Bank, admiring vibrant street art and learning about the city’s military history along the Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial and at the Maryborough Military Museum.

We also enjoyed time in the Portside Precinct, stopping for coffee and cake at the Portside Café, before heading to the Thursday morning markets and finishing the day in Queens Park, where we watched the historic Mary Ann steam train roll through the gardens.

The Cistern Chapel: Maryborough’s Most Quirky Attraction

One of Maryborough’s newest — and most unexpected — attractions is the Cistern Chapel, a set of beautifully decorated public toilets located near City Hall. Inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, artists Arkos Juhasz and Gary Madden transformed these restrooms into an unforgettable artistic experience.

The men’s toilets feature themes of trains and steam, reflecting Maryborough’s industrial heritage, while the cubicles take on an under-the-sea theme. The ladies’ toilets are decorated in ornate Victorian style, complete with chandeliers, gilded mirrors, piped music and even a gold toilet. You’ll also spot the crimson bottlebrush, Maryborough’s floral emblem, woven into the designs.

The Parents Room is equally delightful, featuring countryside scenes, rainbows, farm animals, Mary Poppins and a miniature hot air balloon suspended from the ceiling. It’s a quirky stop — and one that perfectly captures Maryborough’s creative spirit.

Mary Poppins & The Story Bank

Maryborough is the birthplace of Pamela Lyndon Travers, the author of Mary Poppins. You can learn more about her life and legacy at The Story Bank, an interactive museum dedicated to storytelling and imagination.

Travers, born Helen Lyndon Goff, was born in the upstairs bedroom of the former Australian Joint Stock Bank building, where her father worked as manager. The Story Bank brings her story to life through colourful, interactive displays that explore her childhood, inspirations and literary achievements.

Keep an eye out for the playful Mary Poppins pedestrian crossings around the CBD — when the lights are red, Mary Poppins stands with her umbrella down; when they turn green, her umbrella lifts.

Street Art & the Maryborough Mural Trail

Pick up a Maryborough Mural Map from the Visitor Information Centre and follow the 2-kilometre mural trail through the CBD. The trail showcases striking artworks that celebrate the city’s culture, history and creativity.

Each mural is accompanied by an informative plaque, sharing details about the artist and the story behind the artwork, making the walk both visually engaging and educational.

Honouring History: Military Memorials & Museums

Maryborough has a deep military heritage, highlighted at the Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial on the edge of Queens Park. This moving memorial honours Duncan Chapman, a Maryborough local and the first Allied soldier to step ashore at Gallipoli, along with the many Australians who followed.

Nearby, the Maryborough Military Museum houses more than 10,000 military artefacts within an 1879 heritage building on Wharf Street. It’s the largest collection of military memorabilia outside the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and offers an impressive insight into Australia’s military history.

Portside Precinct & Riverside Heritage

Maryborough’s Portside Precinct is a beautifully preserved reminder of the city’s past as a major port. Lined with grand heritage buildings, riverside views, cafés and shady parklands, it’s one of the most picturesque areas in town.

Notable buildings include Customs House, built in 1899 and known for its delicate cast-iron lacework — and for its appearance in the Kylie Minogue film The Delinquents. The Portside Café and Restaurant, located in the former Customs House residence, is a lovely place to stop for coffee overlooking the river.

You’ll also spot the Maryborough Post Office, built in 1866 and the oldest post office of its kind in Queensland, along with the Maryborough Courthouse, built in 1878 and still in continuous use — the oldest courthouse operating in the state.

Markets, Gardens & Steam Trains

The Maryborough Markets are held every Thursday morning in Adelaide Street and are well worth a visit. Stalls offer farm-fresh produce, handmade crafts, jewellery, flowers, clothing, coffee and food vans, creating a lively local atmosphere.

Just a short walk away, Queens Park is one of Australia’s oldest botanic gardens, established in the 1860s. Covering 5.2 hectares, the park features lush gardens, a waterfall, a beautiful historic rotunda, military memorials and even musical instruments you can play.

On Thursdays, you can also ride the Mary Ann, a full-size replica steam locomotive built to honour the first steam engine made in Queensland by Walkers Limited in Maryborough in 1873 — a charming and memorable experience.

Why Visit Maryborough?

Maryborough is a city that surprises and delights at every turn. Its rich heritage, creative spirit, strong sense of history and playful touches make it far more than a stopover — it’s a destination in its own right.

Whether you’re wandering heritage streets, discovering Mary Poppins magic, learning about Australia’s military past or enjoying riverside cafés and gardens, Maryborough offers a fascinating and rewarding travel experience on Queensland’s Fraser Coast.