Fraser Coast Tourist Information
Fraser Coast Tourist Information
Maryborough
As the largest city in the Fraser Coast-Burnett region, Maryborough has combined its rich past with the comforts and amenities of modern life and its proximity to some of Queensland's natural wonders to provide an unbeatable mix for visitors and residents alike. Nestled in a curve of the broad Mary River, 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 architectural 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.
The original township site is on the heritage trails, 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 a drink in one of the pubs will bring back echoes of bygone days of sailing ships, greasy wool and bewildered migrants. The Port of Maryborough Bond Store Heritage Museum is part of the precinct and houses a visitor centre and museum for visitors and locals alike.
The Heritage Markets offer a range of goods as varied as the number of stalls, from art and craft to home-made baked goods and fresh produce, with a host of colourful characters, entertainment and fun for all the family. The Woocoo Historical Society Museum at Brooweena, 50km west of Maryborough, is a mosaic 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 city comes alive for the Maryborough Heritage City Festival held each year in the first week of September and the Maryborough Masters Games, held on the first weekend of each October, feature 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 fishing and a beautiful backdrop for a lovely city.
Today, Maryborough is a city of charm and serenity, proud of its colourful and fascinating history and keeping alive its history through its magnificent buildings, gracious old parks and monuments and the friendliness of its people.
