Review: The Story Bank, Maryborough
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If a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down, then a visit to Maryborough will do wonders for you.
Situated just three hours’ drive north of Brisbane and encircled by the Mary River, Maryborough is one of Queensland’s oldest regional cities. The first thing you’ll notice on arrival in town (preferably on the winds of the east!) is the grandeur and richness of the many 19th century building facades. Clearly, no expense has been spared preserving these glorious architectural gems from an era gone by.
However, there’s one particular structure I’ve travelled all this way to see. The Australian Joint Stock Bank Building (circa 1882) holds not only a special place in the history of this town, but more broadly on the worldwide literary stage — and in the hearts of children everywhere.
You see, once upon a time (1899 to be precise), a baby girl was born in one of the upstairs rooms. Named Helen Lyndon Goff, this bundle of joy would grow up to become a revered author, and — under the pen name of P. L. Travers — write a series of books about an enchanting nanny named Mary Poppins. Brought to the big screen by Walt Disney in 1964, the books and film would influence the ideals of generations of children — myself included.
Breeze down Cherry Lane (aka Kent Street) to see the beautifully restored property — now a museum known as The Story Bank. Standing in front of this $1.5-million-dollar community project, your eyes are immediately drawn to a statue of Mary Poppins on the sidewalk. There’s an air of excitement among passersby; after all, it’s not every day you get to stand alongside this much loved character of fiction, dressed in her finery and holding that trademark umbrella. Already there’s a sense of a childhood fantasy coming to life, but it’s not until you step inside the front door that the real story begins.
The Story Bank uses interactive displays to take visitors on an enchanting journey, and celebrate Travers’ authorial legacy in the process. It’s the detail that impresses me most. On the grand staircase, the famous scene of Poppins and her young charges slip-sliding up the banister is played out, while a teacup chandelier dangles from the roof and a gorgeous patchwork quilt details aspects of the author’s multi-faceted life. The stunning interiors are the work of local artisans, who’ve lovingly created a whimsical world for all ages to enjoy. Don’t forget to look for the twenty hidden mice — illustrated by local artist April Spandina.
Enter the study, sit at the writing desk, and pretend to create an all-time best seller. But be warned: if the phone rings and you jump in surprise, answer it! After all, this is your story!
More Poppins-inspired fun awaits you around town. From colourful large-scale murals, quirky pedestrian crossing lights, and themed souvenir stores, to the eight-day Mary Poppins Festival (held annually in the winter school holidays) one thing is clear: this town is mad for the magical nanny they call their own.
For more information, visit www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/story-bank.
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Cover image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Andrew Tallon. Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Vanessa O’Hanlon is an Australian television news and weather presenter, and an avid traveller. Her travels began with a flight to Egypt, a visit to the pyramids and a camel ride, and she knew there was no turning back. Since then, Vanessa’s backpack has seen a thing or two — from exploring relatively untouched Bhutan to braving the cold on the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.
