Maryborough is one of my favourite places to visit, here you will find some of the best heritage-listed buildings and the most spectacular architecture. This is a city rich in history with many stories to tell. The city has seen its fair share of tragedy over the decades from devastating floods to plagues and fires, but it has also been a town of hope and resilience, and the birthplace of some prominent and famous people from politicians to Olympians to authors.

This is the one chance a year to go back in history and gain entry to some of the oldest buildings in Maryborough and to stroll around the historic gardens. Don’t forget your camera!.- Kim Parnell, Editor

Maryborough Open House is now in its sixth year and continues to showcase what is special and unique about Maryborough. The historic buildings help tell the history of the city. The weekend is about unlocking the stories behind historic buildings and beautiful gardens. Open House chairperson George Seymour said that whether ringing the historic bells at St Paul’s bell tower, exploring Baddow House mansion or learning the interesting histories behind our old pubs; exploring the buildings was an enjoyable and enlightening experience.

Open Gardens will include many presentations and musical performances. It is about showing what is possible in Maryborough’s sub-tropical climate. “Maryborough has always had a very strong gardening culture” Mr Seymour said. Gardeners should get some inspiration from the gardens open for the day. The gardens range from small cottage gardens to large expansive riverside terraced gardens.

Maryborough Open House

September 23

10am to 4pm

Maryborough, one of Queensland’s oldest cities, opens its doors for you to explore the past. The grandeur of private residences, churches and striking public buildings reflects Maryborough’s early prosperity in the late 1800s and 1900s. Discover architectural styles ranging from colonial and federation era to the more simplified styles of the inter-war period.

Activities:

• Free Brolga Backstage Tours – Learn the history of the theatre and backstage secrets on a 45 min Tour
• Ring the Bells – Experience the thrill of ringing the oldest church bells in Queensland at St Paul’s Bell Tower.
• Tipples and Tales – Meet The Gauger and hear his stories of the Bond Store’s past as you enjoy a tantalizing experience of regional ports, liqueurs and tasting platters. Cost: $30
• Gatakers By Night Special performance with The Company – Settle in as Gatakers Courtyard is transformed with free live music, drinks, food and art. FREE

Buildings:

Maryborough School of Arts Customs House

Maryborough City Hall Customs House Residence

St Paul’s Anglican Church Bond Store

Goods Shed Railway Station Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum

St Mary’s Catholic Church Criterion Hotel

WWII Air Raid Shelter MELSA Waterside Workers Hall

Maryborough Heritage Centre Gatakers Artspace

Federal Hotel Cottage and National Trust Interiors Resource Centre

Christ Church Granville Croydon Foundry Museum

Brennan And Geraghtys Store Museum Baddow House

Water Treatment Plant Wide Bay Hospitals Museum

Californian Bungalow WWII Royal Australian Airforce Hangars

St Matthew’s Lutheran Church Brolga Theatre

Maryborough Open Garden

September 24

10am to 4pm

Stroll through Maryborough’s stunning gardens and discover the natural beauty of our charming city. Be inspired as you explore the private gardens of some of Maryborough’s most avid green thumbs.

Activities:

• · There will be live music, demonstrations and plant sales at various gardens

Gardens:

9 Elizabeth Street, Maryborough 14 North Street, Maryborough

201 Alice Street, Maryborough Lupton Park Community Garden

25 Chelsea Court, Tinana 192 Iindah Road West, Tinana

19 Brooke Court, Oakhurst 64 Louden Close, Yengarie

41 Aldershot Street, Aldershot 131 Burgowan Road, Torbanlea

To read the history of the buildings and gardens, or to view maps, visit: http://www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/Open-House