It’s all about Mary: Take the Selfie, Make Like Mary

Photo op paradise is scattered around the Story Bank museum where the Mary Poppins phenomena began. If you are not planning to visit the museum itself today, you can have a lot of fun for free around the building and, during opening hours, inside the office.

You can get your photo with the famous Mary Poppins statue, admire the classic bank building where little Helen was born in 1899 while her father was the bank manager, enjoy one of the best photo ops in Australia and more.

Maryborough’s bronze Poppins is one of the most photographed statues in Australia. The sculpture is cleverly designed so small children can sit on the magical nanny’s flared peplum.

A map on the adjacent wall highlights the streets and places of interest waiting to be explored in the city of heritage treasures.

Inside the museum office are curiosities, including The Mary Book, an impressive pink leather-bound tome that honours anyone coming into the city who bears the name Mary or any of its many derivatives (even Polly is one).

On the wall outside, you can make like Mary Poppins in the 3D fly-away photo op, grasping the Gladstone bag in hand and the parrot-handled brolly in the other. Grab the bag, clutch the iconic brolly, kick up a leg and channel your inner magical nanny.

Painted with flourishes on the walls near the entrance are memorable fanciful quotes from P.L. Travers’ iconic tales, adding an extra sprinkle of charm.

A red telephone box with a children’s book exchange sits on the verandah and on the other side of the building is the cute Mary Garden, where you can also pose with the stern but comical park policeman, a character straight from the beloved stories.