Maryborough Open House a chance to explore

Fraser Coast residents and visitors can ring the oldest church bells in Queensland, go backstage at the Brolga Theatre, tour the cemetery and wander through historic buildings for free during a special event in Maryborough this weekend.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Maryborough Open House and Gardens was a once-a-year opportunity to explore and appreciate the heritage city, with 19 historic buildings and homes and 17 gardens open to the public.

“Maryborough Open House and Gardens is a weekend to uncover the history embedded in our heritage buildings and unearth the stories behind our beautiful gardens,” he said.

“From museums and collections capturing the spirit and memories of our pioneers, to striking public art that shares the stories from days gone by, you will be captivated by the unique characters of these amazing and impressive buildings.

“Be inspired as you stroll through the private gardens of our community’s most avid green thumbs and learn just what is possible in the gardens of our subtropical climate.”

Cr Seymour today visited St Mary’s Catholic Primary School for a tour of the school’s historic convent and chapel, which will be part of the Open House program for the first time this year.

Principal Bob Grant said St Mary’s had been an important part of the Maryborough community for over 150 years, with the first Catholic school opened in 1858.

“This was the beginnings of the school we now refer to as St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and makes it the oldest still operating Catholic school in Queensland,” he said.

“The present convent and school were opened in 1893 and by 1900 there were 328 girls and infants being taught by nine sisters. The school remained the girl’s school until 1979 when it became St Mary’s Primary and the Christian Brother’s School, St Mary’s College.

“Our school has a fascinating history and we look forward to sharing it as part of Open House.”

Open House is being held on Saturday 21 September while Open Gardens is on Sunday 22 September. 

More information, including the full list of buildings and gardens open to the public and the weekend’s program, is available here.

Now in its eighth year, Maryborough Open House is one of the longest running open house programs in Australia, with 5000 visits to buildings and 2700 visits to gardens in 2018.