📍18 Best Things To Do In Maryborough, Queensland. (Must-See Attractions 2024.)

LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MARYBOROUGH?

Maryborough is a lovely regional city situated on the banks of the picturesque Mary River and at the crossroads of one of the Bruce Highway’s major intersections, which leads to two of Australia’s most acclaimed destinations, Hervey Bay and Fraser Island. But that’s no reason to drive straight through because you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you did.

That’s because while Maryborough isn’t as renowned as the surrounding cities, I discovered during my 6-week trip exploring the Fraser Coast and Bundaberg regions, that this city has a unique charm and allure well worth stopping for.

It’s architecturally beautiful with exquisitely kept colonial buildings imbued with the delightful whimsy of Mary Poppins, whose writer was born here and dotted with gorgeously groomed gardens and poignant war memorials. If that’s not enough to convince you to stop by, here are the best things to do in Maryborough to persuade you otherwise.

1. Immerse Yourself In The World Of Mary Poppins.
Story Bank. – $.

When it comes to the best places to visit in Maryborough, it’s hard to go past the endearingly quirky Story Bank. Dedicated to one of Australia’s most renowned authors, P.L. Travers, and her globally beloved children’s novel, Mary Poppins, in the very building where she was born, this fantastical museum pays homage to her delightfully whimsical sense of imagination and uniquely fanciful storytelling approach.

Adorned with familiar characters, costumes and decor, it invokes the same sense of timeless wonder her works of fiction are famous for, creating the perfect atmosphere for the young and the young at heart to enjoy. I was initially hesitant about visiting this place, and initially walked away because I didn’t get it, and thought it catered towards a younger audience. While the top level was more inclined that way with activities for the kids, the bottom level was delightfully reminiscent of my youth and because of that, it ended up being one of my favourite things to do in Maryborough.

2. Go On A Scavenger Hunt To Discover Maryborough’s Stories.
Maryborough Story Trail.

Continuing the power and magic of storytelling is a series of quirky art installations dotted throughout the city. Each has its own unique story told through the purpose-built Maryborough Story Trail App.

Some are fun and fanciful, like the Mary Poppins Statue outside the Story Bank (there are even a few Mary Poppins pedestrian crossing lights throughout the CBD!), while others tell of real-life historical events, such as Duncan Chapman, a local hero who was the first person to come ashore at the infamous Gallipoli battlefield during World War I at the Gallipoli To Armistice Trail at Queens Park.

With over 30 instalments and stories to hear, this self-guided audio tour scavenger hunt is a wonderfully unique way to appreciate this beautiful city and its immaculately maintained heritage buildings whilst uncovering its fascinating history and delighting in many fictional ones as well.

3. Read Poignant War Stories.
Queens Park & Gallipoli To Armistice Military Trail.

A visit to Maryborough wouldn’t be complete without spending time at one of the city’s most beautiful attractions, Queens Park. This beautiful, well-maintained natural space is filled with shady trees, peaceful pathways, picturesque river views and wide open spaces, offering a serene space to enjoy a stroll or a picnic.

But what makes it a must-visit is it is home to one of the most beautiful outdoor war memorials I’ve come across, the Gallopoli to Armistic Military Trail. Accessible from the Sussex Street entrance to the park, this poignant memorial tells of the city’s unique wartime history from the moment local soldier Duncan Chapman and the Australian Allies Forces stepped foot onto Turkish soil at Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915, to when the Armistice was called on the 11th November, 2018, and World War I began to come to a close.

The trail also has a statue of him, scale models of the boats that brought him and his battalion to those forsaken shores, a cenotaph and memorial featuring the names of local war heroes, creating a beautiful place to reflect and pay respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

4. Explore The City’s Military & Colonial Heritage.
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum. – $.

For those who want to dive deeper into the city’s storied history, the best place to visit is the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum. Located on Wharf Street, this fascinating museum houses more than 10,000 items from the arrival of the first fleet until Australia’s Federation along with the many conflicts Australia was involved in as a nation, from the Boer War to the most recent War in Afghanistan.

Some of its most prized items include the Victoria Cross medal awarded to Lieutenant (who later became Major) Herbert James, which was one of only 39 bestowed upon the Gallipoli campaign for the noble acts of wartime bravery, and four of the most historically significant medal groups handed out to Australian soldiers during the Battle of Long Tan during the Vietnam War. It also has the most extensive collection of original Queensland Boer War medals on display in the country and is also home to a rare canoe front, turtleback buggy.

In addition to those historical relics, there is also a range of vehicles, uniforms, models, artworks and displays dedicated to Gallipoli, the H.M.A.S Maryborough and the Royal Australian Air Force, which provides a fascinating insight into the region’s storied past.

5. Go Back To Yesteryear.
Bond Store Museum.

Another unique place to see is the Bond Store Museum. Located opposite the Military and Colonial Museum in a heritage building dating back to 1864, this charming place from yesteryear features original floors, handmade bricks and barrel rails.

Originally built as a holding facility for taxable goods such as cigars, tobacco, rum, wine, spirits and opium, today, it operates simultaneously as a museum and store for showcasing the city’s portside history through fascinating displays, artefacts and documents while also selling regional produce.

6. Enjoy A Fun Train Ride With The Family.
Whistle Stop Museum & Mary Ann Steam Train. $.

If you love historic trains, dropping by the City Whistle Stop Museum is a must. Although it’s only, this small attraction on Lennox Street contains a fascinating collection of railway memorabilia.

But that’s not all. Every Thursday and the last Sunday of every month, the museum offers people the unique opportunity to ride in open-air carriages pulled by a full-scale, replica of the majestic Mary Ann steam locomotive. It’s a scenic 10-minute ride through the picturesque heritage town, including Queens Park, and makes for one of Maryborough’s most delightful family-friendly activities.

7. Discover Your Lineage.
Maryborough Family Heritage Institute.

If you have family ties to anyone in Queensland who may have immigrated through Maryborough, another fantastic place to add to your itinerary is the Family Heritage Institute.

This institute holds one of the largest collections of genealogy records in Queensland, including passenger immigrants. It also has many birth, marriage, death and burial records for many areas across the state, making it an excellent place to visit place for anyone interested in tracing their family tree and discovering unknown facts about their ancestry.

8. Spend Some Time Out On The Water.
Lake Lenthall.

If you’re wondering what to do in Maryborough that’s more nature-based, head out of the city to Lake Lenthall. Situated just off the Bruce Highway en route to Childers, this picturesque impounded waterway is one of the Fraser Coast’s most beautiful locations.

There’s a lovely viewpoint overlooking the lake just inside the gate, along with a handful of BBQs, and plenty of picnic tables for those who enjoy dining outdoors. But to fully appreciate this wonderfully scenic place, there’s no better way to do that than with a boat or kayak, as there are many peaceful areas to enjoy and become immersed in the beauty and tranquillity of it.

If one day isn’t enough and sleeping under the stars beside a picturesque lake sounds like a good idea, there is also a camping area right by the water for tents and self-contained camper vehicles, but bookings are essential.

Note: Beware that the road is rough! It was heavily corrugated and occasionally dotted with reasonably large holes when I went there in a conventional vehicle, so 4WDs are recommended.

9. Discover A Hidden Lookout.
Pt Lookout.

Hidden around the corner from Queens Park lies Pt Lookout, a secret spot few people know about. But with uninterrupted views overlooking the picturesque Mary River, it is well worth seeking out as it is one of the most beautiful spots in town.

The best time to visit is at sunset or sunrise when the sky lights with pink and orange hues or when there’s a storm coming through, as it’s a great spot to see lightning illuminate the night sky.

10. Learn About The City’s Early Hospital Practices.
Wide Bay Hospital Museum.

Another fascinating museum that falls under the tourist radar is the Wide Bay Hospital Museum. The little-known attraction is home to an interesting collection of items from Maryborough’s earliest public hospitals, such as historical photos, original building plans, the birth and death records along with a plethora of archaic medical instruments, equipment and more. For anyone interested in the history of medicine or simply, this is an intriguing place to visit.

11. Take The Kids Birdwatching.
Fay Smith Wetlands.

If you’re wondering what to do in Maryborough with kids, one of the best places to take them or anyone who enjoys birdwatching is the Fay Smith Wetlands. The biologically diverse 10-hectare wetland reserve, tucked away on the corner of Neptune and Victory Streets, is home to a variety of birds, frogs and insects, such as the Australian admiral butterfly, the slub herb and the chestnut-breasted manakin, that children and animal lovers will enjoy searching for.

12. Go Wild Swimming At Maryborough’s Best Kept Secret.
Wongi Waterholes.

Another must-visit place when travelling around Maryborough and the Fraser Coast region is the Wongi Waterholes. Nestled deep within the Wongi State Forest, this spectacular hidden gem features two small, naturally occurring lagoons.

While there is plenty of space around the banks to enjoy a picnic, the best way to enjoy this tranquil place is by taking a dip in its refreshing waters. It was especially magical when no one else was around which is what made it one of my favourite places to visit around the Fraser Coast, but it’s also fantastic for taking the family or hanging out with friends.

For those who can’t get enough of this beautiful place or are travelling around Maryborough on a budget, it’s well worth staying overnight at the campground. You’ll have to book your site online, but with the gentle sounds of the water lapping against the shoreline and the stars glistening above, it’s not a bad way to spend the night. You may even see some adorable possums in the trees too!

13. Enjoy A Picnic By The Weir.
Teddington Weir & Tinana Creek Park.

The Teddington Weir and adjacent Tinana Creek Park are the perfect spots for a relaxing day outdoors. Enjoy a bite to eat in the peaceful surroundings by utilising the park’s sheltered picnic tables or electric BBQs. There’s also a small playground and plenty of open space to let the kids run around and burn off energy playing, exploring and perhaps encountering some local wildlife.

14. Spend A Day Exploring The Mary River.
Petrie Park.

For those wanting to get out on the water and explore the peaceful waters of the Mary River, Petrie Park is an excellent place to do so. Tucked away south of the city in the highway-side township of Tiaro, this wonderful, little-known gem picnic tables and electric BBQs for people looking to enjoy having lunch in a peaceful riverside setting and a ramp allowing boats to be launched into the river.

Something important to note is that while Maryborough isn’t known for crocodiles, the dangerous amphibious reptiles have been known to come this far down the coast, albeit very rarely. The furthest south they usually hang around is Gladstone, but upon seeing the crocodile warning sign, I decided not to go kayaking as I originally planned, as they apparently have been sighted every now and again. However, a man was more than happy to let his dog play in the shallows while he was parked on the boat ramp next to the sign.

If you’re looking for somewhere else to visit while travelling around Maryborough, there are plenty of great options available. From pristine beaches, whales, islands, gold and rum, there’s no shortage of outstanding places to take a day trip from Maryborough.

15. Hervey Bay.

Visiting Hervey Bay and Maryborough often go hand-in-hand. After all, Harvey Bay is the most famous destination, and to reach it requires passing through Maryborough. But if the beautiful seaside city wasn’t originally on your itinerary, but you have a day to spare, it is well worth the detour off the Bruce Highway.

One of the reasons it is such a great place to visit for a day trip is that it is the whale-watching capital of Australia. Every year, between July and October, hundreds of humpback whales make their way past the shores of Hervey Bay. The city capitalises on this by offering magical half-day whale-watching tours that allow the curious marine giants to come right next to the boat, giving passengers an unforgettable up-close encounter with them.

Additionally, it is home to many gorgeous swimming beaches and the Urangan Pier, Queensland’s longest jetty. It is also the gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island), the world’s biggest sand island and the ultimate outdoor adventure playground. With so many incredible things to do at Hervey Bay, one day is enough to give people a taste of the seaside city’s unique charm, but for the more encompassing experience, it needs at least a few days to explore.

16. Gympie.

Another fantastic place for a day trip is Gympie. Also located along the Bruce Highway and Mary River, this picturesque regional city south of Maryborough has a fascinating gold-mining past. It was home to some of Australia’s earliest gold rush settlements, and today, visitors can explore that heritage at the Gympie Gold Mining Museum or try their hand at gold panning (license required).

Gympie is also home to the famous Mary Rattler, a historic steam train that now provides the city with its most iconic experience taking people up and down the picturesque Mary Valley. But If you have kids or are craving a peaceful place to take a break from the long drive between destinations, one of the best things to do in Gympie is to visit the beautiful Lake Alford. That is thanks to the numerous picnic tables and BBQs that are free for the public to use and the abundance of adorable ducks, geese, swans and other waterbirds that call it home.

17. Bundaberg.

Bundaberg is also a fantastic day trip destination to take from Maryborough. It’s foremostly known as the Rum Capital of Australia thanks to the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery that makes the hard liquor beloved worldwide. Tourists can tour the facility and learn all about the process of turning sugarcane into spirits.

It is also renowned for its beaches. That is because it is home to the largest turtle nesting site in mainland Australia, an extraordinary birthing and nesting event you can witness between October and March on a night tour from the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.

Another fantastic thing about the regional city is that it is the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, meaning one of the best things you can do while visiting Bundaberg is take a day trip to Lady Elliot Island or Lady Musgrave Island and swim with the sea turtles, reef sharks, and a myriad of marine animals which call the breathtaking coral reefs surrounding the coral cays home. These two islands are responsible for some of my favourite memories ever, and I would return there in a heartbeat, especially the latter, where I one-upped the day trip and camped on the pristine island for a week.

18. Woodgate & Burrum Coast National Park.

Also out near Bundaberg is the tiny coastal town of Woodgate. What makes this place such a fantastic day trip from Maryborough is that it is surrounded by Burrum Coast National Park, and is home to pristine beaches and one of the best sheltered wild swimming beaches in the Wide Bay Burnett region in Theodolite Creek.

There are also walking trails, 4WD beach driving boating and camping opportunities, so if you’re looking for somewhere to reconnect with nature next to the ocean, this is an unbeatable place to do so.

Accommodation: Where To Stay In Maryborough.

• Best Budget: Cara Motel
• Best Mid Range: Best Western Kimba Lodge.
• Best Camping: Lake Lenthall & Wongi Waterholes.

While it may be surrounded by several bigger tourist destinations, with a range of unique attractions, historic sites and scenic places to explore, there are many excellent things to see in Maryborough that show it’s much more than a city to pass through, from the endlessly endearing Story Bank to the poignant Gallipoli-to-Armistice Military Trail and the stunning Lake Lenthal and wild swimming haven, the Wongi Waterholes.

If you plan to visit Maryborough, consider looking at these other posts.

Lady Elliot Island Day Tour Review.

📍14 Best Things To Do In Woodgate Beach & Burrum Coast National Park. (2024.)

📍19 Best Things To Do In Bargara, Burnett Heads & Surrounds. (2024.)

📍22 Best Fun Things To Do In Hervey Bay, Queensland. (Tours & Attractions 2024.)

📍12 Best Things To Do In Childers, QLD. (Attractions & Activities, 2024.)

What To Wear Whale Watching For The Most Comfortable Experience.