The Australian Bucket List

Queensland

MaryboroughThe birthplace of Mary Poppins author P.L.Travers, the historic streets of Maryborough will take you on a journey back in time...

Maryborough tells the tales of a captivating colonial past. Stories of loss, triumph and spirit spread throughout the town in its heritage buildings, striking public art, statues and memorials. A short stroll through heritage-listed Queens Park leads to Cheery Tree Lane and a statue of Mary Poppins perched beside the 135-year-old bank building where her creator, Pamela Lyndon Travers, was born in 1889. The world's most famous nanny typifies the heritage charm and creative talents that rock the cradle of modern life in Maryborough. In the historic Wharf St Precinct is Australia's finest military museum outside of Canberra. Across the street a tippler tells tales of tasting the liquor content of kegs at the old Bond Store; the Customs House museum faces the street where 22,000 immigrants trudged from berthed sailing ships, taking their first steps on the new land they would call home. Once you've had your fill of history and art for the day, why not say hello to some cute and cuddly friends at the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary? Located in West Maryborough this is the perfect spot to finish a family day out!

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Things to do

Mary Poppins Statue

Located on the corner of Kent and Richmond streets a statue of Mary Poppins stands proudly as recognition of Maryborough’s link with the famous nanny. PL Travers was born Helen Lyndon Goff in Maryborough in 1899. Mary Poppins has universal appeal. The novels have been translated into more than a dozen languages and Supercalifragilistic is a word known to millions. Maryborough's statue of Mary Poppins and the Proud Marys display located in the Maryborough City Hall Visitor Information Centre is Australia's only significant tribute to the literary skills of P.L.Travers and the amazing worldwide success of the series of Mary Poppins novels. This bronze statue of the much-loved nanny of the Mary Poppins series of books was erected through community involvement and donations in September 2005. Celebrations of the City's links to PL Travers happen each year in September at the Mary Poppins Festival in the Park.

Take a tour of Maryborough City Hall

Designed by Brisbane architects Hall and Dods in American colonial style, Maryborough City Hall was erected in 1908 to replace the original timber Town Hall which stood on the opposite side of Kent Street. The exterior was built with locally made Meredith bricks and red cedar was used extensively throughout the interior. In 1935 the clock tower, curtain tower and stage were added. The auditorium features a semi-circular barrel-vault ceiling. Elaborate classical detail adorns the stage, columns and the proscenium and features Maryborough's city emblem - the Crimson Bottlebrush. The Hall was restored and refurbished in early 1990. Call into the Visitor Information Centre at City Hall, enjoy a free daily guided heritage walking tour or see the firing of the time cannon each Thursday on the City Hall Green.

Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum

The unusual, quirky and eclectic are amongst 7000 items of military and colonial memorabilia, which form displays of exceptional quality at the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum. The museum houses a VC awarded to Lieutenant (later Major) Herbert James, 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment for gallantry at Gully Ravine, Cape Helles, Gallipoli on June 28 and July 3, 1915. It is one of only 39 VC's for the Gallipoli campaign and the only one in Australia outside the Australian War Memorial. The museum has two of the most historically significant medal groups to Australian soldiers for the Vietnam War – 1964 to 1973. The Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum provides a testament to not only those heroes who fought in distant lands to ensure our way of life and prosperity, but also those courageous and determined people who pioneered and progressed the Maryborough area for almost two centuries.

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