A spoonful of whimsy meets rich Maryborough heritage at the corner of Kent and Richmond streets.
See the much‑loved nanny in bronze where Maryborough’s connection to P.L. Travers shines — a proud, accessible tribute beside the very corner where the author was born above the former Australian Joint Stock Bank. Explore nearby displays and storytelling spaces that bring Mary Poppins to life.
Where is the statue and what does it commemorate?
You’ll find the statue on the corner of Kent and Richmond streets in Maryborough. It stands as a tribute to the city’s link with Mary Poppins and her creator, P.L. Travers, who was born Helen Lyndon Goff in Maryborough in 1899. The statue recognises the worldwide success and enduring appeal of the stories. [2][8][12]
When was it installed and how did it come to be?
The bronze statue was erected in 2005 through community involvement and donations — a fitting local celebration of a global literary icon. It’s part of Australia’s only significant tribute honouring P.L. Travers’ literary legacy and the international success of the Mary Poppins novels. [8][12]
Is the statue accessible for all visitors?
Yes. The statue sits on a wide footpath with all‑round access and offers a tactile experience for people with low vision, making it easy to approach, explore and photograph from multiple angles. [2]
What Mary Poppins experiences are nearby?
Step into the Maryborough City Hall Visitor Information Centre to see the “Proud Marys” display, complementing the statue’s story. Then visit The Story Bank — the transformed former Australian Joint Stock Bank — to discover Travers’ life, inspirations and storytelling, with First Nations stories shared in the Yarning Circle. [8][12][13]
Are there themed touches to spot around the streets?
Keep an eye out for the Mary Poppins pedestrian traffic lights, and look for etched characters inspired by the books along nearby walkways — playful nods that connect the streetscape with the stories. They add delightful surprises as you wander between the statue and City Hall. [3]
When does Maryborough celebrate Mary Poppins?
Celebrations of the city’s links to P.L. Travers happen each year at the Mary Poppins Festival in the Park, bringing the character and stories to life around the heritage precinct and Queens Park. Check current dates and details before you travel. [8][12]
How can you make a morning of it around the statue?
Time your visit for a Thursday morning to enjoy the Maryborough Rotary Markets in the CBD, then join a free guided Heritage Walking Tour from City Hall or ride The Mary Ann, a replica steam engine in nearby Queens Park. It’s a charming way to deepen your Maryborough story. [19]
Browse and click through to the operator websites to plan your visit and experiences around the statue and heritage precinct.