The Story Bank: discover the literary birthplace of Mary Poppins
In an upstairs bedroom of the Australian Joint Stock Bank on the corner of Kent and Richmond Streets in Maryborough, Queensland, a girl named Helen Lyndon Goff was born. Helen would grow up to become known as ‘P.L. Travers’ – the author of the famous Mary Poppins stories.
Located on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, visitors can now spend time at The Story Bank – the heritage-listed former bank and birthplace of the children’s book author.
Guests are invited to enter a world of fiction and fantasy as they uncover the stories of P.L. Travers and her life, family, the influences on her writings and the retelling of her stories.
Visitors young and old can interact with the characters and settings from her popular Mary Poppins stories.
Visitors can explore the magnificently restored heritage-listed building as well as interact with displays that survey the life of P.L. Travers and her Mary Poppins character and stories. A collection of images and documents from P.L. Travers estate are on display.
Guests can also delve into a ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ and the ‘Library of Inspiration’; as well as open an account and discover the art of storytelling by depositing your own creations.
In a dedicated theatrette and gallery, stories are shared by artisans and in quirky and whimsical gifts can be purchased in the retail cottage.
The council purchased and restored the heritage-listed Australian Joint Stock Bank to create the Story Bank –with the restoration project costing AUD$1.5 million.
The Story Bank officially opened in mid 2019 but visitor numbers have been limited due to Covid-19. Bookings are essential.
Admission:
Adult – $10
Child (5-17 years) – $5
Concession – $8
Family (2A+2C or more) – $25
* Companion cards accepted
Opening Hours
Open from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays.
Booking times: 10am-11am, 11am-12noon, 12noon-1pm, 1pm-2pm.
Address
Corner Kent and Richmond Streets
Maryborough, Queensland 4650
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 4123 7221
Opening image: Mary Poppins movie poster 1964, Disney Pictures.
