IF THERE'S any one day of the week which is perfect to be visiting Maryborough, it’s Thursday.

That’s when the city has a market day with a difference. Held right in the CBD area, the market has a heritage flavour quite unlike any other market you’ve been to. Adelaide and Ellena Streets are closed and local growers, gardeners and craftspeople set up stalls to sell their wares. Stalls offering exotic fruits and vegetables jostle for space amid pottery, plants, craft and a myriad of treasures. Barter for a bargain while you enjoy the colour and feel the magic of the Maryborough Heritage Markets.

Maryborough’s historic time cannon is fired in the Heritage Markets at 1.00pm every Thursday.

You may choose to visit Maryborough because of its famous markets, but don’t just stop there. There’s much more to do. Visit one of the gracious historical homes and museums or take the heritage walk and enjoy the 28 key historical buildings in the business district. These jewels can be viewed in less than two hours and offer some of the finest examples of Queensland’s distinctive architectural style.

Visit Olds Engine House on a Thursday, when steam is used to power the lathes and machinery of the engineering workshop and foundry, where a wide variety of high quality products is produced.

Ride the Mary Ann, a replica of the first steam engine built in the colony. She is located in the historic Lennox Street Railway Station every Thursday for the Heritage Markets.

Stroll through the historical Wharf Street Precinct, a part of Maryborough’s Heritage Gateway where interpretive displays highlight the importance of the Port of Maryborough to the development of the region.

Remnants of the past are scattered throughout this precinct, offering a glimpse into life in a busy immigration port. Visit the Bond Store Museum and Customs House for a fascinating insight into the city’s social, natural and cultural heritage.

Step into a chronicle of a century of merchandising at Brennan and Geraghty’s Store Museum. This remarkably intact store museum is complete with trading records and has been carefully preserved by the National Trust.

Maryborough is located just three hours’ drive north of Brisbane. Just before you take the Maryborough turn off the Bruce Highway, organise your accommodation for while you’re visiting this historic city and the lovely coastal holiday mecca Hervey Bay, right next door. You can also organise a trip to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island and a World Heritage Listed region.