Founded in the late 1840s, Maryborough was an official port of entry in the new colony, and today, the town boasts historical tributes quite literally at every corner.
The Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial
Maryborough’s memorial pays homage to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
That includes men like Maryborough-born-and-bred Duncan Chapman, the first allied soldier ashore at Gallipoli. The rocks in front of him are from the beach at Gallipoli, and the footprints behind him contain sand from the beach at Gallipoli.
These are examples of the depth of thought and planning that has gone into this very powerful memorial, which was four years in the making.
Another statue worth mentioning is the woman quietly reading a letter on her own. She represents those women left at home, eagerly travelling into town daily to visit the post office for news from their loved ones.
Then there’s Private Harrison, a soldier wounded and back from the frontline, symbolizing the many haunted souls with a thousand-yard stare resulting from the trauma they’ve experienced and witnessed.
The Military and Colonial Museum
Home to over 7,000 military and colonial artefacts dating from the 1850s to the present day, the museum holds many a treasure, including the very rare Victoria Cross.
Upstairs, the Gallipoli Room represents more soldiers recognised for gallantry for the Gallipoli campaign than anywhere else in the world.
The Time Cannon
The famous Maryborough time cannon is a replica of the one that was fired in town at the same time daily, acting as the town clock.
The original, which is on display within the Bond Store, was discovered buried in the sand on Mobiag Island in 1877 and gifted to the people of Maryborough.
Today, the replica is fired every Thursday (which is market day) at 1pm, as well as on special occasions.
Mary Ann Steam Train
If you’re visiting, it won’t take long before you hear the famous steam train, the Mary Ann. The original Mary Ann was built back in 1873 to haul timber out of the forestry down Tin Can Bay way and carried pine for twenty years.
Now, the replica runs regular circuits in town, and visitors are welcome to hop on for a ride.
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins was born in Maryborough… well, sort of. Her creator, author Helen Lyndon Goff was.
You’ll find a statue of the famous nanny on the corner of Kent and Richmond Street. And the building behind her is one of historic importance, too, as it’s where Helen was born!
The town also holds an annual Mary Poppins Festival, paying homage to its ties to the much-loved character.
