Let me tell you about the time I took a train to a town I knew almost nothing about.
I was supposed to meet Jerv in Maryborough. But we hadn't locked down a time, and I'd spent the last six hours on a train thinking, "What if he forgot? What if I'm stuck in some random Queensland town with no plan?"
Then I stepped off the platform, and there he was. Leaning against a wooden bench, coffee in hand, grinning like he'd known I'd make it. No frantic texts. No "where are you?" Just a nod and a "took you long enough."
Why Maryborough?
Honestly, I wasn't sure until I got there. Maryborough is one of those historic Queensland towns that people drive past on the way to Hervey Bay or Fraser Island. It's the birthplace of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers, which explains the random statues of penguins and umbrellas. But the real draw is the slow, unpretentious vibe.
Jerv and I spent the afternoon wandering Wide Bay Highway's main strip—old pubs, a secondhand bookshop, a bakery that still makes lamingtons the size of your fist. No queues, no rush. Just the sound of someone's screen door creaking shut.
Three things I'd tell anyone heading to Maryborough
Take the train, not the car
The Spirit of Queensland stops here, and it's far more relaxing than driving. You roll in past cane fields and old railway yards. The station itself is heritage-listed, so you get the full "arriving in a small town" experience. Plus, you can have a beer on board if that's your thing.
Visit the Mary Poppins statue early
It's in the main square, and I won't lie—it's a bit touristy. But if you go before 9am, you'll have the place to yourself. Snap a photo without someone's kids photobombing. Then walk two blocks to the Antique Centre for a proper coffee.
Bring cash for the bakery
Maryborough Bakery on Kent Street doesn't take cards. I learned that the hard way. Jerv had to spot me for a vanilla slice. It was worth the embarrassment—flaky pastry, real custard, none of that supermarket nonsense. So yeah, carry some Aussie dollars.
The best part
We ended the day at the Maryborough Aquatic Centre—not a fancy pool, but a hidden spot where locals do
