Description:
The Federation period Maryborough Customs House was built in 1899 sited immediately adjacent to the port. The property on Wharf Street was once the centre of the town and port, which includes some of the finest 1870s architecture that survives within Queensland today. Both exterior and interiors are perfect example of Federation style commercial or government buildings, with a large central hall and high ceilings enclosed by arched alcoves with adjacent offices, high ceiling open staircase and adjacent residence. The Customs House is symmetrically arranged, and has a rectangular plan with a Dutch gabled, terracotta clad roof, punctuated centrally by a square planned projection with a separate Dutch gabled roof, giving external expression to the long room over which it sits. This projection is lined on four sides with face brick surrounded oculi on rough cast stuccoed panels, with brick quoining at the corners of the projection. The principal facade, addressing Richmond Street, is dominated by a central entrance projection which integrates the brick fence with the building. A signage panel features Art Nouveau lettering ‘H.M. CUSTOMS’, whilst above the central opening is a concrete relief panel of the Royal Arms. An added feature of the site is the surrounding paved sidewalk street intersection, complete with Federation era street lamps and surrounding historic buildings from the period. Located 320km (199 miles / 3hrs 35min) from Village Roadshow Studios. The nearest airport is Hervey Bay Airport (HVB). Flights take approximately forty minutes from Brisbane Airport (BNE). The closest POH, Brisbane City, is 255km (158 miles / 3hrs) away.