Heritage and CultureThe Fraser Coast is rapidly expanding as a vibrant, cosmopolitan region, but it hasn’t forgotten it is heritage. In fact, the region embraces its colorful, bustling past with reminders spread throughout the area. P.L. Travers, author of Mary Poppins, was born in Maryborough and the city embraces this unique connection in a number of ways — including a colourful Mary Poppins Market Day held each September and a Mary Poppins statue on display in Richmond Street. Relive the colourful and seedy history of the city’s historic port area — while enjoying old-fashioned fare in a beautifully restored heritage listed restaurant — on a guided tour of the area with costumed ambassadors. For a spine-chilling night of entertainment, sign up for a Ghostly Tours and Tales of the Port of Maryborough — an evening which combines a delightfully eerie experience, a touch of theatre, a glance into history with spooky tales, and a progressive dinner. Much of Maryborough’s heritage interest is focussed on the Wharf Street in the inner city near the river. It is here the heritage-listed buildings and the streets appear as they did over 150 years ago and there is a precious feeling of time suspended. Today you can dine riverside at one of the restaurants and cafes near where thousands of immigrants first stepped on to Australian soil. A $3 million project has transformed this area with a wharf, landscaped gardens, parkland and walkways. Delve into Maryborough’s fascinating early history as one of Australia’s main immigration ports at the Bond Store Museum. It’s part of Maryborough’s Heritage Gateway, which also includes an interpretive centre in the old Customs House, where modern technology transports you back to experience an era long ago. At Maryborough’s Heritage Centre, you can trace your family history through ship logs and colonial and convict records. Its vast resources also include births, deaths and marriages for Australia, New Zealand, England and Wales. A museum with a difference is the old grocery store of Brennan and Geraghty, found in Lennox Street. It opened in 1871 and when it stopped trading one hundred years later much of the stock remained, including curry powder dating to the 1890s. Visit one of the historic homes with their collection of memorabilia and reminders of another era. Ride the Mary Ann — an exact working copy of the first Queensland-built locomotive, which was made in Maryborough 132 years ago. Children and adults can also climb onboard one of the many mini steam engines, which operate as part of Maryborough’s monthly Sundays in the Park celebrations. Little legs dangle from tiny carriages as children are drawn around the track past a graceful old band rotunda in Queens Park. With a brass band playing and the Mary River flowing steadily by, it would seem like you’re in an earlier time. |
