Allora – on Queensland’s Southern Downs – is a little town with big literary and Hollywood connections.
The author of Mary Poppins, P.L. Travers, grew up in Allora – and it’s where you’ll find her childhood home, Mary Poppins House. Travers’ much-loved book about a magical nanny went on to become one of Hollywood’s most enduring films.
These days, Mary Poppins House is owned by Les and Lorraine Struthers who welcome visitors, by appointment. The couple – who restored the house to the magnificence of its Victorian hey-day – offer guided tours, by appointment.
Les, an architect by profession, might even share the story of his own brush with Hollywood.
During pre-production of the 2013 movie, Saving Mr Banks – which told the story of P. L. Travers’ troubled childhood – the film’s director and producer visited Allora. They enlisted Les to draw up house plans which enabled the author’s home to be rebuilt in California, as a movie set.
Stars of the movie – including Colin Farrell and Tom Hanks – also contributed to a fund restoring the Allora gravesite of P.L. Travers’ beloved father.
Mary Poppins House
0428 746 458
www.southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au/attractions/historical-sites-and-heritage-locations/the-mary-poppins-house/
