Full Itinerary

Literature lovers will know that while Mary Poppins is a fictional British character, Maryborough is her birthplace. Take a walk around the city that inspired PL Travers to pen the infamous nanny’s story.

There are a number of themed cafes, murals and regular walking tours, but it’s the town’s architecture—City Hall’s bell tower and the miniature railway that cuts through Queens Park in particular—that brings PL Travers’ magic to life.

The new Storybank housed the former Australian Joint Stock Bank building on the corner of Kent and Richmond Streets in Maryborough, is themed on Mary Poppins and is a delightful experience for all. “As you cross the threshold, you will enter a world where fantasy and fact intertwine. Tales and yarns, myths and legends, memories and stories – share in their retelling and their creation.”

The nearby Portside Heritage Precinct is metres away and home to Customs House, The Bond Store and the Maryborough Military Museum, said to be Australia’s best after the National War Memorial. Book a volunteer from here to guide you through the Gallipoli to Armistice (Walk of the Anzacs) in nearby Queens Park. An installation telling the story of the Anzacs and also the impact on the community, of war.

Queens Park is a perfect place for a picnic lunch overlooking the mighty Mary River and the old Port of Maryborough. Alternatively, a short to Anzac Park on Cheapside Street brings you to a family friendly park with picnic tables, bbq’s, play equipment, skate park extensive paths for scooters or skateboards and a lake at the bottom of the park where various bird species are regular visitors.

Overnight in Maryborough

Visit Brennan and Geraghty’s Store Museum managed by the National Trust. Step back in time and see an original general store and learn of its links to early Maryborough.

The Maryborough Wildlife Sanctuary just out of town is a haven for animals where you can see iconic Australian wildlife such as dingos; kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos, snakes and more. This is a not for profit organisation relying on visitors and donors to help feed the animals.

Head to Hervey Bay for lunch and The Charlton Esplanade runs along 15 kilometres of beach and seafront dotted with parks, playgrounds, barbecue areas and other facilities making it one of the best places for family fun. Walk on historic Urangan Pier, just under one kilometre in length. Children would love a splash around at Wetside Waterpark, a zero-depth water education park and play area right on the beach at Pialba.

Feeling energetic, jump on a stand-up paddle board at Torquay’s Aquavue Café and Watersports or hire a bicycle to explore 15 kilometres of seaside pathways

Hervey Bay is the whale watching capital of Australia so if you are visiting between July and October you must head out for a half or full days whale watching on the calm waters of the bay.

Outside the whale watching season there are full day tours along the remote West Coast of Fraser Island offering a chance to swim, snorkel, fish; kayak or relax on the beach for a couple of hours. Stops are made where waters are blue and sands are white offering a beautiful backdrop.

If fishing is your thing you will be pleased to know that the Fraser Coast is an excellent place to wet a line. From the beach or one of the piers in Hervey Bay or on the inland waters of Mary River and Lake Lenthals where barramundi can be targeted during the season. Many varieties are waiting to be caught.

As the sun sets on Hervey Bay, jump on board one of the few boats to end the day with drinks, nibbles and a beautiful sunset before dinner.

Hire a 4wd vehicle from one of Hervey Bay’s experienced operators and head over with the family to Fraser Island for an adventure on sand.

Your adventure starts by making your way to River Heads to catch the barge for a 45 min journey across the Great Sandy Straits to Fraser Island.

Visit in sites such as Central Station – once the centre of the forestry industry; Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk and discover the ‘invisible creek’ silently flowing through the rainforest; Pile Valley – discover some of the island tallest trees, The Satinay, used to line the Suez Canal and to rebuild the London Docks after World War II.

Lake McKenzie - relax on its white sandy beaches and swim in its crystal blue water; Seventy-Five Mile Beach - hit Fraser Island’s sandy highway as you make your way north and overnight in Happy Valley.

Take a dip in the cool waters of Eli Creek where you can float down to the beach in knee deep crystal clear water year round.

Overnight at Happy Valley Fraser Island

If time and tides permit visit Maheno Shipwreck – built in Scotland in 1905 and was ashore in a storm in 1935 the Maheno was a hospital ship during WW1.

In the afternoon head back to the barge for your return trip to Hervey Bay. Grab a sundowner and dinner overlooking the bay and reflect on your amazing adventure.

(Itinerary may change due to beach and tide conditions)