Subscribe      List an Event or Business      Invite a Writer      Write for WN      Writers      Other Locations
1 million Australian readers every month      list your event

Maryborough Story Trail

Home > Sunshine Coast > Free | Historic Houses | Parks | Walks
by Lucy (subscribe)
Welcome to Lucy's collection of ideas and adventures designed to inspire others to get off the couch and explore our local environment.
Published April 18th 2018
Meet Mary Poppins in one of Queensland's oldest towns
Maryborough Story Trail, Mary Poppins, Maryborough, walking tour, history, Portside Heritage Precinct,
Mary Poppins stop sign - image taken by author


Discover where the magic of Mary Poppins began, experience Queensland's colonial past and be inspired by the nineteen colorful murals portraying events from Maryborough's history.
The Maryborough Story Trail is a free self-guided walking tour which uses audio-visual story boxes, creative sculptures and interactive displays to bring the history of the region to life.

Maryborough Story Trail, Mary Poppins, Maryborough, walking tour, history, Portside Heritage Precinct,
Maryborough Heritage Building - image taken by author


The walking tour begins at City Hall, passes through Queens Park, one of Australia's first Botanic Gardens, and finishes at Maryborough's Military and Colonial Museum. A highlight of this educational walking tour is seeing the birthplace of one of the world's greatest storytellers, Pamela Lyndon Travers.

Maryborough Story Trail, Mary Poppins, Maryborough, walking tour, history, Portside Heritage Precinct,
Story Trail map - image taken by author


The site (Cnr. Richmond & Kent St) is marked by a life size statue of everyone's favorite nanny, Mary Poppins and even the street crossing lights feature Mary's umbrellas.

Maryborough Story Trail, Mary Poppins, Maryborough, walking tour, history, Portside Heritage Precinct,
Mary Poppins says walk - image taken by author


From the famous statue, wander along Cherry Tree Lane to appreciate six dialogue columns with text from PL Travers' novels which are brought to life with projections each night.

Maryborough Story Trail, Mary Poppins, Maryborough, walking tour, history, Portside Heritage Precinct,
Cherry Tree Lane - image taken by author


Over the road, children will enjoy twirling the "matchmaking machine" before visiting Customs House Museum to learn real life stories of thousands of British settlers who first landed in Australia on this very spot 150 years ago. Next stop is Customs House Residence in Portside Heritage Precinct where it is possible to enjoy morning tea at Spoonful of Sugar Cafe.

Maryborough Story Trail, Mary Poppins, Maryborough, walking tour, history, Portside Heritage Precinct,
Mary Poppins cappuccino - image taken by author


Housed in a classic Federation style building, the cafe verandah overlooks the Mary River. Next door, adults are welcome to sample a range of regional ports and liquers among rum barrels left over from the 1860s, at Bond Store.

Maryborough Story Trail, Mary Poppins, Maryborough, walking tour, history, Portside Heritage Precinct,
Riverside sculptures - image taken by author


Help us improve  Click here if you liked this article  42
Share: email  facebook  twitter
Why? Visit the spot where Mary Poppins came to life
When: Guided tours depart City Hall daily @ 9am
Where: Portside Heritage Precinct, Wharf St, Maryborough
Cost: Free
Your Comment
pedestrian crossing lights are brilliant.
by Bastion Harrison (score: 4|12640) 1879 days ago
we were in Maryborough last weekend and really enjoyed the architecture, history and art. and we loved the mary poppins museum!
by Sherr (score: 1|40) 1029 days ago
Oh my gosh, Lucy, this is something I didn't know about...
by Elaine (score: 3|9400) 1880 days ago
Lucy the new red and green lights to cross the street are great. I'm so proud of my home town that I find I'm a tourist every time I visit as there are always some great new events and venues to visit. Great article.
Regards Susan Bowes
by Susan J Bowes (score: 3|2839) 1875 days ago
Thank you for sharing.
I never knew this history.
Love love love the crossing lights.
Will have to schedule a week end away!
by kingb (score: 1|22) 1875 days ago
Articles from other cities
Featured
Top Events
Popular Articles
Categories
Lists
Questions