THE Mary Poppins Festival is already a sweet deal for lovers of the great fictional nanny, but organisers have added an extra spoonful of sugar to this year’s event.
The doors of the birthplace of P L Travers, author of the classic series of children’s books, will open to the public for the first time at this year’s festival, from June 29-July 8.
P L Travers was born in the former Australian Joint Stock Bank in Maryborough’s central business district in 1899.
The building was acquired by Fraser Coast Council in 2015 and is undergoing a $1.5 million refurbishment to convert it into a new story bank.
Set to open next year, it will feature displays, activities and exhibitions.
Festival organiser Robyn Peach said the chance to visit the building would be a highlight of this year’s festival.
Other events include an ultimate children’s party hosted by comedian and actor Sean Murphy, workshops and signings by author Justin D’Ath and an exhibition by author Kate Knapp.
During the festival’s major celebration, A day in the Park on July 7, the historic Portside precinct will be transformed into Cherry Tree Lane.
“Magic will fill the air as the novel comes alive,” Mrs Peach said. “Admiral Boom will fire his time cannon throughout the day and that’s just the beginning of the charming fun.”
If you go...
MARYBOROUGH, 255km north of Brisbane on the Mary River, was once one of Australia’s largest ports.
Port of Maryborough is home to the last remnants of the town’s originals wharfs and is a must see.
The town’s colourful bollards represent a sea captain welcoming a family of immigrants at the Port of Maryborough in the 1860s.
Maryborough Town Hall Green has for many decades been a place for residents and visitors to meet. It was the site of the first Maryborough courthouse, police station and gaol. Gallows and hangman were brought from Brisbane and two people were publicly hanged in 1877.
Maryborough’s Guns in Queen’s Park overlooking the river were given to the town council by the Royal Australian Navy when it updated its armoury at the beginning of World War I.
Maryborough Caravan & Tourist Park is located in quiet garden surroundings within 2km of the central business district.
- Phone 1800-214-789 or go to www.visitfrasercoast.com/destinations/maryborough