Maryborough, Queensland

Maryborough is one of Queensland's oldest cities, situated on the banks of the Mary River. It is well known for its fine examples of old Queenslander homes and heritage buildings. Maryborough has become something of a living museum with its remnants of opium dens and Wharf street district heritage. 

No wonder it has the title of 'Queensland's Heritage City'! 

Today, Maryborough with a population of 26,000 is a dynamic regional hub and is only a 3 hour drive from Brisbane. The area with its golden past, modern facilities, 19th century charm and friendly people is a great place to live and raise a family, or just retire. 

In 1842 Andrew Petrie and his party explored the Wide Bay River with the guided help of two escaped convicts, one of whom had lived with the area's Aborigine Butchulla people. 

On the 7th September 1847, New South Wales Governor Sir Charles Fitzroy officially named the river 'Mary' in honour of his wife, Lady Mary Fitzroy. 

The first European resident was George Furber. He built a wharf, wool store and shanty on the river bank opposite today's Baddow House. Maryborough became the port for wool, timber and sugar industries and the supply centre for the Gympie goldfields. 

The original name of the settlement 'Wide Bay Village' was held until January 1849, when the name of "Maryborough" was officially proclaimed. As Maryborough grew, it became evident it could no longer serve the needs of 400 odd settlers. 

Ships found it too shallow and increasingly difficult to negotiate the bends in the river. By the mid 1850's the site was abandoned for Maryborough's current location. 

Upon Queensland's separation from New South Wales in 1859, Maryborough became a Port of Entry through which almost 22,000 free settlers entered Australia. 

There are plenty of things for you to do whilst visiting this interesting region. One of the best ways to discover Maryborough’s many attractions is to take a City Walk or Drive Tour. Listed below are some of the many attractions in Maryborough. 

Wharf Street Precinct - Take a stroll down Wharf Street and visit 13 heritage-listed buildings that are open to the public as museums, restaurants and galleries. 

Brennan & Geraghty's Store Museum - The shop was built in 1871 and when it closed in 1972 all the stock was left intact, including curry powder from the 1890's and toilet paper from the fifties. The National Trust bought the store in 1975 and opened it as a museum in 1990. It is a virtual time capsule of more than 100 years of merchandising. 

Two generations kept the store in the family for 101 years. When founder Martin Geraghty's son, George, ceased to trade in 1972 at the age of 88, he shut up shop leaving it as it is seen today. 

Ghostly Tours and Tales of the Port of Maryborough - The adventure takes in historic homes, museums and the old Maryborough Cemetery for a guided torchlight tour to hear mysterious and interesting tales of the city’s pioneering past. 

Heritage Markets - The Maryborough Heritage City comes alive on market day, every Thursday in the Central Business District of Maryborough on Adelaide and Ellena Streets. 

River Cruise - Cruise on "The Mary" on the scenic Mary River, relax as we sail past historic homes and the Heritage Port of Maryborough. 

Steam Train Ride - Maryborough’s Mary Ann, a full sized replica of the first steam locomotive built in Queensland in 1873. Passengers can ride through picturesque Queens Park, along the majestic Mary River to the marina and back. 

Cara Motel can help you with tours to any of the wonderful attractions Maryborough has to offer. See Rita at reception for more information.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Maryborough

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