Floods and triumphs

Main photo: Bond Store Flood Level Indicator. Amanda Kratzmann.

Since early settlement, the Maryborough community has put aside individual concerns to show great solidarity, compassion and tireless effort to recover from devastating floods and rebuild the city.
Early settlers quickly discovered the gently named Mary River could rage with  fury. But four floods from 1864 to 1890 still didn't prepare town for what was coming next...

The Great flood of 1893

After days of heavy rains in the catchment the Mary rose rapidly, peaking at 40 feet (12.27 metres) above the wharf.
Over 150 houses, businesses, sugar mills, barns and factories disappeared or were destroyed along with crops and livestock. Hundreds were left homeless. The Maryborugh Bridge (now the Lamington Bridge) was washed away with an almighty crash. It remains the worst flood in Queensland's history.

The 1955 flood

In 1955, Maryborough endured its second biggest flood.  Torrential rain generated by Cyclone Bertha caused the Mary to rise more than a metre an hour during the night.  Overnight, Maryborough became a city of canals with many people in the lower parts of the city stepping out of bed into cold, muddy water.

January 2022

We are literally still drying out from this one. The floodwaters lapped against the floorboards of the Bond Store's top floor and extensive cleaning and restoration works began after flood waters receded.