Maryborough, Qld

There is so much to see in Maryborough. The showgrounds are large with spacious sites. Entry is from the Bruce Highway but camp sites are far enough away to be peaceful. You will need the car to explore the town. There are some great examples of Queenslander style homes. Both ‘Marybra’ and Bundaberg ‘Bundy’ are both good towns to see these unique houses. There is a small, tight camping space on the Mary River wharf, though it’s not suitable for bigger rigs. You’d need to get in early to grab a spot here.

Maryborough was once an extremely busy port with Customs facilities. There is an historic wharf area to explore. The Story Bank is the childhood home of Pam Travers the author of Mary Poppins, her father was the bank manager. In nearby Queens Park you’ll find the sensitively curated War Memorial walk. You can’t miss the enormous Banyan Tree and bandstand overlooking the Mary River. Maryborough has a street market near the town hall on Thursday mornings.

And while we’re at the town hall, the newest and best attraction here is the Cistern Chapel. When the good folk of Maryborough wanted to give their public dunnies a facelift they hired artists to do the job properly. Gold toilets and wall to ceiling artworks have produced a wonderland of beauty. Guides take visitors through the establishment whenever it is empty of occupants, so it’s probably wise not to visit on Market Day. Anyway, you’ll kick yourself if you miss it.