Maryborough

Maryborough is a city located on the Mary River in South East Queensland, Australia, approximately 255 kilometres north of the state capital, Brisbane.

Maryborough was founded in 1847, was proclaimed a municipality in 1861, and became a city in 1905. During the 1800s, the city was a major port of entry to immigrants arriving in Queensland from all parts of the world.

Over time the town has been a service town for many industries including gold mining, wool, timber, and sugar.

Maryborough used to be a busy immigration port into Australia. It is situated alongside the pretty Mary River and was originally settled in 1847, although moved in 1855. It is an attractive area, featuring a blend of old and modern buildings.

Maryborough is along the Fraser Coast Tourist Drive and can be reached from the Bruce Highway (if driving north or south), as well as from Hervey Bay (if driving along the Fraser Coast Tourist Drive). The interesting Tourist Drive through Maryborough allows you to see some fabulous buildings and highlights along the way.

Maryborough is well known for its attractive buildings, including Victorian and Georgian style architecture and classic Australian Queenslanders.

There are plenty of interesting and attractive buildings which you should visit, many of which can be seen along the Tourist Drive. Two which you must see include Maryborough City Hall (1908) and Woodstock House (1914-15).

If you are interested in architecture and buildings then there are several streets which you shouldn't miss. Ann Street hosts a number of fabulous Queenslanders from the 19th century. More fine buildings along Lennox Street, previously known as 'Silver Tail Alley'.

Many fabulous buildings can be found along Wharf Street Precinct. It is definitely worth wandering along the pretty street, as it takes you on a journey through history.

Several of the buildings which can be found along Wharf Street Precinct include the Bond Store (1864), Customs House (1901), Maryborough Courthouse (1877), Maryborough Heritage Centre (1878) and the Maryborough Post Office (1866).

There are plenty of attractions around Maryborough, including several museums and art and craft galleries. Brennan and Geraghty's Store was built in 1871 and is now an interesting museum. Gatakers Lane Craft Centre and Old Warehouse Gallery are two art galleries which are worth visiting. You can also view exhibitions in the foyer of the wonderful School of Arts, built in 1887. You can also head to the modern Brolga Theatre, built in 2000 or visit the Barambah Ridge Vineyard to try some of the delicious wines.

There are a number of places you can visit to find out about the rich industrial history of Maryborough. Several of these include Hyne and Sone Sawmill (Timber), Maryborough Sugar Factory (Sugar), Olds Engine House (Engineering) and Walkers Limited (Sugar & Mining).

Other places of interest include the late 19th century St. Marys Roman Catholic Church and St. Pauls Anglican Church, and the Maryborough Cemetery.

There are a number of shops within Maryborough, located within the Maryborough Plaza Shopping Centre and the large Station Square Shopping Centre. There are also plenty of stalls at the Heritage Markets, which are held in Maryborough every Thursday.

There are several parks around Maryborough, with many offering picnic areas and facilities. The closet park to Maryborough is Queens Park, which is situated alongside the Mary River, on Sussex Street. Within the park you will see the Band Rotunda, Fairy Fountain and a 100 year old Ban Yan Fig.

Just outside of Maryborough is Kings Oval and Elizabeth Park. West of Maryborough you will come across the large Maryborough Golf Course, which is next to the Ululah Lagoon. There is a picnic and BBQ area here, from where you can view plenty of birds within the nearby waterbird sanctuary.

South of Maryborough is the Pioneer Country Park, the Tinana Recreation Reserve and an Aquatic Park. Within the Pioneer Park you can enjoy the Pioneer Country Park Walk.

You can also see the unique Pioneer Monument, which was erected in 1973. The monument honours the pioneers of Maryborough, and displays three men, one of the farming industry, one of heavy industry and the other of the timber industry.

Another interesting walk is the Original Maryborough Site Walk. The original site was situated along Aldridge Street, which is located north of Maryborough as we know it today.

There is also a selection of accommodation within and around Maryborough, including a number of hostels. Maryborough also holds a number of festivals throughout the year.

Maryborough Accommodation