Explore Maryborough in Queensland Australia
A seventeenth century cannon, is one of the cities more unusual finds. The original found on the Torres Strait island of Mobaig, was used by the Dutch East India Company. Now it is used by the town crier every Thursday, when it is fired at 1pm. The cannon was presented to the city, to help with time keeping, when it was found the then town, had no clocks. This only one of the more unusual events, to be encountered when visiting this city on the banks of the Mary River.In 1899, P. L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins, was born. A street festival occurs every year, based on this famous literary character, to celebrate this event. It is a day for the whole family, with music and street theatre. If visiting the city, during July, check to when the festival occurs.
Maryborough is an architectural delight, with fine examples Georgian, Victorian and American Colonial buildings, scattered around the town. The Wharf Street precinct, has many of these buildings, if architecture in an interest, be sure to visit. Lennox Street also has a range of exquisite buildings, and some beautiful Queenslander buildings, with their wide verandahs, can be found on Ann Street.
As one of Queensland"s oldest provincial cities, it had an active port. Some of the old port buildings now form a museum of that part of the towns early history. The town was settled in 1847, as a port. Wharf Street is home to the customs house, built in 1901, and also the Maryborough Heritage Centre, which was built in 1878. There are also other majestic buildings, and peaceful gardens nearby.
A must see on any trip, is the replica eighteen hundreds store, complete with unsold stock from the 1890"s. The shop was originally owned by the same family for 101 years, and is now a museum. The Brennan and Geraghty"s Store even has advertising up to the 1920"s. This all-purpose store is a pleasure to look around, and will delight people of all ages.
Tours are available on Thursday"s or by arrangement, to visit another of the cities wonderful historic locations. Steam and hot air are used to power this working engineering workshop and foundry. Whilst visiting Old"s Engine House, watch people working on steam powered lathes, and see a range of model engines. For those interested in engineering, this tour will be fascinating.
A stay of several days, would allow time to visit all the attractions, within the wonderful city. There is a variety of accommodation available whatever the budget. Whether staying in a motel, B&B, hostel or caravan park, there is plenty of choice. When a break from history is required, there are several shopping precincts, and two large shopping centres. If visiting on a Thursday, the Heritage markets have lots of stalls to browse.
Tinana Recreation Reserve and Aquatic park and the Maryborough Pioneer Country Park are worth a visit. For quiet reflection, St Mary"s Roman Catholic Church and St Paul"s Anglican Church, completed in 1879, are available. There are several other parks for outdoor activities, or a rest.
Having a camera is a must, for any trip to Maryborough. There are places of interest, historical and architectural significance all over the city. To ensure happy memories, of this wonderful city, capture your trip with photography.