The Story Bank

In the heart of the charming town of Maryborough lies an amazing place where fairy tales come to life. The Story Bank is a unique interactive museum housed in the magnificent historical building of the former Australian Joint Stock Bank. It was right here that the famous writer P.L. Travers, who gave the world Mary Poppins, was born.

The Story Bank. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This museum in Australia is unlike traditional galleries with dusty exhibits. Following a complete restoration in 2019, the building was transformed into a magical space that functions as a museum, gallery, and creative hub. Every corner here is infused with the spirit of imagination, and visitors are invited not just to look, but to become part of the narrative.

The main feature of The Story Bank is its focus on the process of storytelling. The exhibition includes the author's personal archives, interactive installations, and magical rooms that transport guests into a world of creativity. This site is recognized as an important cultural heritage landmark, celebrating the power of human fantasy and literary craftsmanship.

To find out more about special events or group visit rates, you can use the museum's official contact details.

A visit to The Story Bank turns into an exciting quest where everyone can open their own "account in the story bank." Using interactive devices, visitors create and "deposit" their unique tales. Be sure to check out the "Cabinet of Curiosities" and the "Inspiration Library," which house wonderful objects that once fueled the imagination of Mary Poppins' creator.

Special zones have been created for young guests and creative souls: children can write their own stories, and in a special section, you can send a postcard to yourself or loved ones—an activity P.L. Travers considered a true art form. In the small theater (Theatrette), live performances by professional storytellers often take place, bringing legends to life with their voices.

You can end your visit at the cozy retail shop located in a separate cottage to purchase rare editions of books or themed souvenirs. Additionally, the museum regularly hosts educational programs and outdoor games during school holidays, making it an ideal destination for a family vacation.

Getting to The Story Bank is quite simple, as it is located in the very heart of the historic district at the intersection of Richmond and Kent Streets. If you are traveling from Brisbane, the drive by car will take about 3–3.5 hours. For those using private transport, parking spaces are available near the museum.

Local bus routes are available for tourists traveling through the Fraser Coast region. You can also use taxi services from anywhere in the city or from the station to travel comfortably right to the doors of this unusual building at 331 Kent Street.

The walls of this majestic building, constructed in 1883, hold a fascinating history. It was here, on August 9, 1899, in an upstairs apartment, that Helen Lyndon Goff was born—the woman the world would later know by her pen name, P.L. Travers. Her father served as the manager of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, which was then housed in these premises.

Over the decades, the building changed owners and functions many times, serving as everything from a financial institution to government offices in the 1950s. However, in 2019, it found its true calling. Following a major restoration by the Fraser Coast Regional Council, the former bank was transformed into an interactive space dedicated to creativity and imagination.

Today, The Story Bank is a significant cultural center in Australia. According to 2022 statistics, it was visited by more than 15,000 people, with the vast majority being tourists from other regions seeking to connect with the origins of the legend of the world's most famous nanny.

To fully immerse yourself in the magical world and explore all the interactive exhibits without rushing, a typical visitor will need about 1.5–2 hours. This is enough time to walk through all the halls and participate in the creative activities.

If you are a true fan of P.L. Travers' work or are traveling with children who will want to create their own tales at the interactive stations, it is worth allowing a little more time for your visit. The museum's atmosphere encourages leisurely contemplation and inspiration.

When planning your visit to The Story Bank, please note that the museum is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Friday, the doors are open from 09:30 to 15:30, and on Saturday and Sunday, visiting hours are slightly shorter—from 09:30 to 14:00.

Since the schedule may change on public holidays or during special events, it is recommended to check for current information on the museum's official website before your trip.

A stroll around the neighborhood after visiting the museum will allow you to deeper experience the city's historical atmosphere and discover other interesting spots within walking distance.