Maryborough Qld 4650 (Pop 28 000)

Maryborough is an attractive and gracious FraserCoast city 264 km north of Brisbane. It sits on the MaryRiver and is serviced by the Bruce Hwy. Maryborough promotes itself as one of Qld’s premier ‘Heritage Cities’ and was established as a village and port in 1840s boasting many splendid historic buildings that predate both Rockhampton & Charters Towers. Today Maryborough's main economic role is as a service centre for the surrounding sugar, grazing and timber industries as well as tourism. Heritage markets each Thurs. Technology Challenge (Sept), Masters Games (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Maryborough includes Royal Hotel (1856), Maryborough Post Office (1869), Brannan & Geraghty’s Store (1871), Court House (1875), St Paul’s Church (1879). Maryborough Parks are amongst others Queens, Elizabeth & Anzac. The Bond Store Museum, Wharf St a fine heritage museum documenting the area’s interesting past. Open weekdays (10.45-12pm) and (1-4pm). Customs House Museum, Wharf St specializes in the area’s industries, early immigration and Kanaka history.

Nearby:
Old Maryborough (between Bruce Hwy & Mary River) presents an interesting walk with information plaques along the way of how the old township was laid out with some early graves and the gracious Baddow House (1833). Teddington Weir (15 km south) variety of watersports. Tiaro (24 km s-w) pleasant little town known for its excellent cod fishing, historic Dickabram Bridge and proximity to Mount Bauple NP. Tuan Forest (24 km s-e) popular with bushwalkers. Fraser Island (73 km n-e)  world’s largest sand island and World Heritage-listed with over 40 freshwater lakes, sensational beaches, rainforests, coloured sand cliffs and a great variety of wildlife and birdlife.

Accommodation:
Maryborough has 7 motels, 15 hotels, a resort, B&B and 5 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Bruce Hwy. Tel (07) 4121 4111.