Historic town with the Wharf Street precinct a feature. Gateway to Fraser
Island from the highway and offering many interesting attractions.
Plenty of varied accommodation.
Nestled in a curve of the broad Mary River, and named for the wife of Governor Fitzroy,
Maryborough was first settled in 1847 as a wool port and is one of Queensland's oldest
cities.
Much of the city's character has been preserved in its houses, mostly built of local
timber, in a range of sizes and designs, from humble workers cottages to large mansions.
The diversity and number of homes which survive along its broad tree-lined streets, have
given Maryborough its reputation as one of the most beautiful historic towns in Queensland.
Today, Maryborough's special charm is best discovered through the city's Heritage Walk,
which takes in 28 key historical buildings in the central business district.
For a longer look at the city's architectual jewels, a Driving Tour covers nearly 80
buildings, historical sites and points of interest, providing a fascinating picture of
the yesteryear of this delightful city.
Both tours have been designed to take under two hours and include some of the best
examples of Queensland's distinctive architectural styles.
ATTRACTIONS
Baddow House, one of Maryborough's historic homes, is progressively being restored
to its former splendour, fully furnished with authentic period pieces and is open daily for
tours and devonshire teas.
The Original Township Site is on the heritage trail, with information boards displaying
the scale and features of the first township (1847-55).
The Wharf Street Precinct retains many of Maryborough's early buildings and an atmosphere of
old world charm. A stroll around its historIc buildings or drink in one of the pubs will
bring back echoes of bygone days of sailing ships, greasy wool, and bewildered immigrants.
Stepping into Brennan and Geraghty's Store is like stepping into a time capsule, where the
atmosphere of early Queensland general stores still lives. Recently restored by the National
Trust, the store is open daily to visitors.
The Bond Store Port of Maryborough Heritage Museum is part of the Wharf Street Precinct, and
when fully completed it will house a visitor centre and museum for visitors and locals alike.
Heritage Market Day held every Thursday,, incorporates the firing of the "Time Cannon"
at 1pm, supervised by the Town Crier and 'Mary Heritage', the City's Ambassadors who epitomise
the grace and elegance of a time gone by.
The Heritage Markets offer a range of goods as varied as the number of stalls, from arts and
crafts to homemade baked goods and fresh produce with a host of colourful characters,
entertainment and fun for the whole family.
Also open on Market Day is the Olds Engine House, a collection of famous models by one
of Australia's foremost model engineers, William Olds (1890-1977). The engineering works and
foundry, still operating, has a reputation for variety and quality and its fascinating for
visitors of all ages.
Every Thursday, the test boiler provides steam to operate a
restored steam engine powering some of the plant.
The Maryborough Sugar Museum is housed beside the sugar mill site, on the banks of the Mary
River, and is open to visitors on weekday afternoons.
The Woocoo Historical Society Museum at Brooweena, 50km west of Maryborough, is a mosiac of
life in the area as it once was. Inside, past the massive Aboriginal rock carvings which
flank the front steps, daily life in peace and war, schooling, recreation, and working life
are all depicted. The museum is open Sunday afternoons or by appointment.
A visit to Maryborough often provides the inspiration to trace a family history, and the
Maryborough Family Heritage Institute actively helps visitors trace their ancestry.
It is also there to help trace the history buildings, war veterans or railway construction,
or help organise family or immigrant ship reunions.
Take time to stop and feed the black swans at Ululah Lagoon, near the site of the first
township, or smell the roses in Elizabeth Park. Queens Park was established more than a century
ago, and features a fernery, waterfall, lily pond, and lace trimmed band rotunda. On the last
Sunday of each month, the model railway, built by the Model Engineers and Live Steamers
Association, relives the steam age in Queens Park.
The city comes alive for the Maryborough Heritage City Festival, held each year in the
first week of September, and the Maryborough Master Games, held on the first weekend of
each October, featuring a multitude of sporting events.
Once the lifeblood of the town, the Mary River still has much to offer as a haven for
pleasure craft, a source of excellent freshwater fishing and is beautiful backdrop for a
lovely city.
Maryborough is a city of charm and serenity, proud of its colourful and fascinating
history, keeping alive its history through its magnificent buildings, gracious old parks
and monuments, and the friendliness of its people.
PLACES OF INTEREST:
- Brennan & Geraghty's Store Museum
- Elizabeth Park Rose Garden
- Fraser Island
- Historic Society Display
- Railway Museum
MAJOR EVENTS:
- Maryborough Heritage City Festival. First week of September
- Maryborough Masters Games. First weekend in October
ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES:
Select type, then click the button below
for Maryborough Accommodation
INFORMATION CENTRE:
Maryborough & Fraser Island Visitor Information Centre
City Hall - Kent Street, Maryborough QLD 4650
Ph: 07 4121 4111 or Toll Free: 1800 214 789
The Maryborough Fraser Island Visitor Information Centre is located at
City Hall on Kent Street in Maryborough.
It offers a one stop shop for travel information
including maps, brochures, and itineraries. Staffed by skilled and knowledgeable locals,
the Maryborough Fraser Island Visitor Information Centre can provide advice on the things
to see, things to do and where to eat. Discuss with the friendly staff your travel
plans or make a booking
OPEN: Monday, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 9am-5pm
Saturday, Sunday: 9am-3pm
Public Holidays: 9am-1pm. Closed: Good Friday, Christmas day
Email: tourismmb@frasercoast.qld.gov.au
WWW:Maryborough Visitor Centre Website
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take the Bruce Highway north from Brisbane or south from Maryborough.
There is an airport at Hervey Bay with daily domestic flights
by major airlines. The airport is approximately 24km east.
- Virgin Blue operates direct jet services from Sydney to the Fraser Coast Airport,
Hervey Bay daily, with convenient connections from most Australian capitals.
- Qantaslink has flights from Brisbane to Fraser Coast Airport, Hervey Bay daily.
- Airport Shuttle Hervey Bay provides transfer services from Fraser Coast Aiport
to Maryborough and return meeting all services.
Virgin Blue Ph: 136 789
Qantaslink Ph: 131 313
Driving Times:
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