Queensland's First Steam Engine, Reborn
The Mary Ann holds a unique place in Queensland's industrial story. She is a faithful replica of the very first steam engine built in Queensland, constructed in 1873 at John Walker and Co's Union Foundry right here in Maryborough. That original locomotive was a product of the region's proud manufacturing heritage, and the replica honours that legacy by steaming through the park along the same style of rail tracks that were once laid to service the wharves and Walker's Foundry. Watching her puff and whistle through the park is a genuine step back into the colonial era.
When Can You Ride the Mary Ann?
The Mary Ann runs on a regular schedule throughout the year, making it easy to plan your visit. She operates every Saturday from 9:30am to 12pm, and also steams on the second Thursday of each month and the last Sunday of the month during the same hours. Whether you're a local or a traveller passing through Maryborough, there's a good chance you can catch a ride without too much effort. The Whistle Stop Railway Museum, which shares the site, is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 12:30pm, offering additional context and displays for railway enthusiasts.
A Community Passion Project
The Mary Ann's existence today is the result of remarkable community dedication. The Maryborough City Whistle Stop Inc. is an organisation of volunteers committed to keeping Maryborough's rail history alive and accessible. Their work ensures the locomotive continues to steam, the museum stays open, and visitors of every age can connect with a chapter of Queensland history that might otherwise fade from memory. The book Welcome Back Mary Ann tells the moving and uplifting tale of how the original engine vanished from public knowledge for well over a century, before one person's determined passion sparked its recreation for future generations. Copies are available for those who want to take the story home.
Accessibility for All Visitors
The Mary Ann experience has been thoughtfully designed to welcome visitors with access needs. The front and back seats of each carriage fold down to accommodate wheelchair passengers, and two ramps are available to assist with loading. The attraction actively welcomes people with access needs, making it one of Maryborough's most inclusive heritage experiences. If you have specific accessibility questions, it's worth contacting the team directly before your visit.
The Wider Heritage Context: Maryborough
Riding the Mary Ann is just one reason to spend time in Maryborough, Queensland's heritage city. The city's streetscapes are lined with stunning colonial architecture, and a rich layering of history and culture makes it a destination that rewards slow exploration. Museums, costumed guides, boutique cafes and antique stores all contribute to a wonderfully vintage atmosphere that feels authentic rather than manufactured. The Mary Ann fits naturally into a full day of heritage exploration in the city.
Getting to Maryborough
Maryborough sits at the heart of the Fraser Coast, approximately 250 kilometres north of Brisbane by road — roughly three and a half hours' drive. Wide Bay Transit operates bus services connecting Maryborough with Hervey Bay and other parts of the region, making it accessible for visitors without their own vehicle. The locomotive is located at 194 Lennox Street, Maryborough. If you're staying in Hervey Bay, Maryborough makes an excellent day trip that pairs heritage immersion with Queensland's broader natural and cultural attractions.
Plan Your Visit
The Mary Ann is one of those experiences that delights children and adults alike — there's something universally captivating about a working steam locomotive, particularly one with such a direct connection to Queensland's industrial beginnings. Arrive a little before the operating session starts to get your bearings, explore the Whistle Stop Railway Museum if it's a weekday, and allow time to wander Maryborough's heritage streetscapes afterwards. Browse and click through to the operator websites to check the latest run schedule before you travel.