Divine Dunnies: Maryborough City Hall toilets transformed into tourist attraction

While public toilets may not traditionally be a tourist destination, it’s hoped an extravagant Victorian-themed ‘Cistern Chapel’ will flush travellers into this regional Queensland city. PHOTOS, VIDEO

Insta-worthy Victorian-themed murals and golden toilet seats which tell the story of one of Queensland’s oldest cities form part of a quirky new attraction in Maryborough’s CBD.

The once rundown toilets outside City Hall, which also hosts the Visitor information Centre have been transformed into lavish lavatories, making them arguably, the fanciest loos in Australia.

They’ll be officially open “for business” next week with special previews here and on morning television Friday.

The public can also view them Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 4pm.

Local legend Nancy Bates said she went to use the old toilets a few years ago and noticed they were not up to scratch, particularly for a location which gave visitors their first impression of Heritage City which has a soundtrack record of promoting it’s colourful history – this Mary Poppin’s themed attractions and street lights in honour of Maryborough-born author PL Travers and ghost tours in the portside precinct.

After two years of hard work Ms Bates and her dedicated committee, who raised thousands through community donations and council grants, are ready to open the ‘Cistern Chapel’, a nod to Michelangelo and his painting of Rome’s Sistine Chapel in the 1500s.

Nancy Bates is the president of the committee transforming the 'Cistern Chapel' toilet precinct.

After sending photos to Fraser Coast Councillor Daniel Sanderson to get the ball rolling on refurbishing the loos, Ms Bates had already began brainstorming all the ways the toilets could be transformed.

She said she researched toilet success stories around the world and knew Maryborough could have the “best” toilets in Australia if done properly.

Chandeliers in the Cistern Chapel toilet precinct in Maryborough.

Victoriana-themed murals, Mary Poppins artwork, music, chandeliers and fresh flowers in the women’s precinct are only some of the new toilet’s features.

The main artwork was completed by Akos Juhasz and Gary Madden.

“The reason we could do it … is because the precinct has got so much character, you couldn't do it in a new toilet …” Ms Bates said.

“It’s comfortable, it’s attractive, there’s dozens of things to look at, and it just feels like an experience.”

Lavish toilets and beautiful murals are throughout the precinct.

Ms Bates explained the parenting room was “like no other” with counting games painted on the walls for children to keep themselves occupied.

There’s also a change room for fathers in the men’s toilet.

As for tourism, she believed the unique toilets were “going to be huge” for Maryborough.

“It’s bigger than what we ever envisaged …” she said.

“It’s having a happy affect on people who come here, they leave feeling like they’ve been in another world …”

“It puts a smile on people’s faces.”

One of the many gorgeous murals in the Cistern Chapel.

Ms Bates said the community raised over $80,000 and the council contributed, did toilet upgrades, as well as supplying temporary toilets while the renovation took place.

“We’re hoping it will become a must-do for anybody travelling North of Brisbane,” Ms Bates said.

While there are many tourist attractions in the city, the toilet precinct is expected to be another drawcard.

“It’s quirky which suits Maryborough … Maryborough loves quirky,’ Ms Bates said.

She emphasised the project was thanks to an incredible, hardworking committee along with the fantastic support of the community.

The men’s laboratories in the Cistern Chapel precinct.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour told the Chronicle the toilet precinct was “spectacular”.

“It’s a work of art …” he said.

“It’s an innovative and interesting project.”

He added the toilets contributed to the range of attractions in Maryborough and it was a tribute to the artists and organisers involved.

The Cistern Chapel will be open to the public next week.