Maryborough was settled back in 1847 and is one of Queensland’s oldest cities. It was the second most important port in its early days, after Sydney, and was the place where thousands of immigrants landed on Australian soil after months at sea. Maryborough has a rich and fascinating history, and much of that heritage remains.
Be sure to see the following attractions while visiting Maryborough…
Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary, 8 klms west of Maryborough, is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm. Feeding time for the kangaroos, wallabies and emus is at 2pm.
The sanctuary is involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of native fauna and many of our volunteers are licensed to care for orphaned and injured animals and birds.
Markets are held at the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary on the third Sunday of every month from 7am to midday.
Wildlife Sanctuary website
Maryborough Portside
Fun events for the whole family located in the heart of the historic Wharf Street Precinct. Sunday in the Park, Gatakers by Night, Ghostly Tours and Tales of Maryborough and Sunday Riverside.
Maryborough Portside website
Mary River Parklands
The parklands form part of the historic Portside Precinct in Wharf Street. The 500 square metres of landscaped parkland offers natural terracing, community forecourt, winding pathways, gardens, magnificent royal palms and shade trees of the same species found in nearby Queens Park.
Maryborough Town Hall Green
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.
For many decades Maryborough Town Hall Green has been a place for residents and visitors to meet. (Corner of Kent and Adelaide Streets)
There are five characters inspired by Mary Poppins books that are etched on the brick plinths on the green 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.
Mary Poppins Statue
Located on the corner of Kent and Richmond streets is a statue of Mary Poppins. Join others from around the world and have your photo taken with the life-sized bronze statue which is outside the author’s heritage listed birthplace.
The statue of Mary Poppins has generated worldwide interest and has attracted national and international media coverage since it was unveiled.
Mary Ann Steam Train
Maryborough’s ‘Mary Ann’ is a full sized replica of the first steam locomotive built by John Wallker & Co., now EDI Rail, in Queensland in 1873.
The ‘Mary Ann’ operates every Thursday (9.00am-1.00pm) and the last Sunday of the month (9.00am-1.00pm) in Queens Park.
Sunday in the Park
A morning of fun, food, brass bands and steam train rides.
Take a ‘Stroll of Queens Park’ with a costumed guide and explore this beautiful historic park. ‘Strolls’ depart at 9.30am and 10.30am from the white picket fence near the band hall.
Children and adults can also climb onboard one of the many miniature steam engines, which run on a circuit around Queens Park.
Teddington Weir Picnic Reserve
Only an 11.5 kilometre drive from Maryborough, Teddington Weir is a lovely secluded spot for a picnic. Enjoy the wonders of nature on the Teddington Weir Vineforest Trail taking you through some of the interesting features in a patch of remnant vineforest scrub. Points of interest are highlighted with numbered posts.
Facilities include picnic tables, BBQ with wood supplied, a playground and public toilets.