History of the Fraser Coast with 75+ historic images

From devastating fires, floods and shipwrecks, to the earliest images of the sugar, timber and maritime industries, businesses and icons, this gallery of compelling photos captures the tragedies and triumphs of a pioneer community. See the photos:

Saving precious items from the School of Arts, Maryborough, in the 1955 flood. Residents rescue valuable belongings from the School of Arts amid rising waters. Source: Unknown

The Fraser Coast is known for its natural beauty and fascinating history.

From the pristine sands of K’gari, to the vibrant streets of Hervey Bay and Maryborough, the region’s story is one of resilience, heritage, and evolution.

The Butchulla people, meaning “sea folk”, were the original inhabitants of K’gari, and lived on the island for thousands of years.

The first European sighting of the island was by Captain James Cook in 1770 who called it Indian Head after seeing Indigenous people gathered there.

In 1836, Captain James Fraser’s ship, Sterling Castle, was shipwrecked on the island with his wife, Eliza Fraser among the survivors.

Mrs Fraser was heavily pregnant at the time and went into labour while on a lifeboat, but the baby sadly drowned as the lifeboat sank.

Captain Fraser chose to stay with the Butchulla people but was later killed alongside other crew members who chose to remain.

European settlement began in 1847, but it was marked by conflict.

The Butchulla people resisted colonisation, and in the 1850s, tensions between the Butchulla people and European settlers escalated due to a shepherd being killed and the loss of 2000 sheep.

Maryborough was established as a wool depot in 1847 and became a thriving town with permanent buildings and a post office by 1849.

It grew rapidly into a hub for timber and maritime industries despite ongoing conflict with the local Indigenous population. Maryborough’s development into a port town marked it as a key centre for trade in southeastern Queensland and the town’s economy expanded through timber workers, shipbuilders, and cane farmers.

In 1863, the timber industry began to develop on Fraser Island with sawmills and timber operations, such as those at Dundathu and Cooloola.

Despite the island being designated an Aboriginal Reserve, the timber industry thrived and depleted much of the forest by the mid-20th Century.

Fraser Island was identified as a prime location for a national park in 1893, but the timber industry delayed this for decades.

During the Second World War, K’gari used as a training ground for Z Force commandos, with remnants of their training still preserved at McKenzie’s Jetty.

While tourism was slow to develop due to the island’s isolation, towns like Eurong, Happy Valley, and Rainbow Beach began to grow in the mid-20th Century with ferry services improving access.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Fraser Coast economy flourished in industries like timber, sugar, and maritime trade. Maryborough’s architecture, such as its City Hall and heritage buildings, stands as a testament to its rich history with the Butchulla people’s heritage remaining an essential part of the region’s identity.

Fraser Island also played a significant role in the conservation movement in Australia with the fight to protect the island from sand mining, which became a landmark case in environmental preservation.

Fraser Island was established as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, ensuring its protection for future generations.

The region’s history is filled with both struggles and celebrations like the 1955 Maryborough floods testing the community’s resilience, while events like the Maryborough Show showcase its vibrant spirit.

Rosehill House, Maryborough, 1860. A historic home that stands as a testament to Maryborough’s early settlement era. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Pioneering Accommodation, Maryborough, 1860. An early lodging that served as a refuge for travellers and settlers alike. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Diggers’ Arms Hotel, Tinana via Maryborough, 1861. Originally named Erin Go Bragh (‘Ireland Forever’) by Irish immigrant William St Ledger, the hotel became The Digger’s Arms during the gold rush years. Source: Unknown

Workers with the Lady Bowen Locomotive, 1865. The Lady Bowen was an early locomotive that helped shape Queensland’s transport history. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Prince’s Ferry, Mary River, 1867. A vital waterway crossing that connected early Maryborough settlers. Source: Moreton Bay & More

First Primary School, Alice Street, Maryborough, 1868. The beginning of formal education in the region, marking a significant step in community development. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Union Foundry Works, Maryborough, 1868. A pioneering industrial site contributing to Queensland’s early engineering marvels. Source: Moreton Bay & More

View from Post Office Tower, Maryborough, 1869. A sweeping perspective over the Kent and Richmond Street corner, showing the heart of early Maryborough. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Office of the Maryborough Chronicle, 1870. Home to one of Queensland’s oldest newspapers, capturing the voice of the Fraser Coast for generations. Source: Moreton Bay & More

St Paul’s Church of England, Adelaide Street, Maryborough, ca. 1870. A spiritual cornerstone for the community, showcasing Victorian Gothic architectural influence. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society Inc.

Maryborough Courthouse, 1870. A landmark of justice and civic authority in Maryborough’s growing townscape. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Carl and Caroline Schulz with the Mary Ann Steam Engine, 1873. Queensland’s first steam-powered locomotive, the Mary Ann, revolutionised timber transportation in Tin Can Bay. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Antigua Sugar Mill, Maryborough, ca. 1874. An early centrepiece of the region’s thriving sugar industry, located on the upper Mary River. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

View from Post Office Tower of Mary River and Wharves, 1874. A snapshot of bustling river trade and industry along the Mary River. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Construction of the Mary River Bridge, 1875. An engineering feat connecting the Fraser Coast and paving the way for progress. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Maryborough Post Office, 1875. A hub of communication and an iconic example of Victorian-era architecture. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Scott’s Sawmills, Maryborough, 1875. A bustling hub of timber production that supported the region’s growing industries. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Mary River Bridge, Maryborough, 1876. An essential crossing point that strengthened connections along the Mary River. Source: Moreton Bay & More

First Immigration Barracks, Maryborough, 1876. A place of arrival and settlement for immigrants beginning new lives in Queensland. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Scott’s Sawmills After a Fire, Maryborough, 1876. The aftermath of a devastating blaze that struck one of the region’s key industries. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Bank of New South Wales, Maryborough, 1877. A cornerstone of commerce and financial services in Maryborough’s early days. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Sheila,”owned by Charles Mathison, Poona Creek, c. 1880–1920. A vessel representative of the maritime heritage along the Fraser Coast. Source: State Library of Queensland

Locomotive on a Railway Bridge, Graham Creek, ca. 1882. Marking the expansion of Queensland’s railway network, connecting communities and industries. Source: Unknown

Bluebell Inn, Tinana, ca. 1885. A favoured stopover for travellers in the Tinana area during the late 19th Century. Source: Unknown

Corner of Kent and Bazaar Streets, Maryborough, 1885. Looking towards the Post Office, this scene captures the heart of Maryborough’s town centre. Source: Moreton Bay & More

Fire engines at Maryborough Fire Station, Adelaide Street, Maryborough, ca. 1888. Showcasing early firefighting equipment and the dedication of local fire brigades. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Adelaide and Ellena Streets, Maryborough during the 1893 flood. A vivid reminder of the destructive power of nature in the region. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Floods in Lennox Street, Maryborough, 1893. Submerged streets highlight the impact of the devastating floods of 1893. Source: Fraser Coast Libraries

Construction of the Lamington Bridge, Maryborough, 1896. An engineering project that became an iconic structure over the Mary River. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Maryborough Ambulance Transport Brigade, 1897. Early ambulance services providing critical care to the Fraser Coast community. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Courthouse, Richmond Street, Maryborough, ca. 1900. An enduring symbol of law and order in Maryborough’s civic landscape. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Employees of Walkers Limited in Front of the Foundry, ca. 1900. The workforce behind one of Maryborough’s leading industrial enterprises. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Bogimbah Terminus Railway Line, Fraser Island, c. 1905–1935. A key part of the timber industry’s transport network on Fraser Island. Source: Unknown

Shelters at Boggimbah, Fraser Island, 1902. Simple accommodations for workers and settlers in the Fraser Island timber industry. Source: State Library of Queensland

Maryborough Wharves, 1906. A bustling hub of trade and transport along the Mary River. Source: Unknown

Granville Ferry, Mary River, Maryborough, ca. 1907. An essential crossing point for locals navigating the Mary River. Source: Unknown

Lawn Bowls, Maryborough, ca. 1907. A classic pastime enjoyed by the Maryborough community in the early 20th century. Source: State Library of Queensland

Bazaar Street, Maryborough, ca. 1909. A snapshot of Maryborough’s commercial heart, showcasing its vibrant businesses. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Bungalow Theatre, Kent Street, Maryborough, ca. 1909. An early entertainment venue beloved by the local community. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

The Byrne Family at The Den, Fraser Island, ca. 1910. A favourite picnic spot for a Maryborough family, nestled in Fraser Island’s beauty. Source: Unknown

Doonvilla, Lennox Street, Maryborough, ca. 1912. An elegant residence reflecting Maryborough’s architectural charm. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Byrne Sisters, Sandy Cape, Fraser Island, 1910–1920. A moment of leisure captured along Fraser Island’s picturesque coast. Source: Unknown

Peace Ball, Maryborough Town Hall, 1919. A grand celebration marking the end of World War I. Source: Unknown

Jetty in Operation, Fraser Coast, Built 1919. A vital structure supporting local industries and transportation. Source: Contributed

Mr Bartch with wagon loads of Cane, ca. 1920. Highlighting the region’s thriving sugar cane industry. Source: Fraser Coast Library Collection

Government Wharves, Mary River, Maryborough, ca. 1920. An active hub facilitating trade and transport along the Mary River. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Horse and sulky turn-out, Maryborough, c. 1920. A common mode of transportation in early 20th Century Maryborough. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Granville Hotel, Maryborough, ca. 1920. A popular gathering spot for locals and travellers alike. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Granville Baptist Church Under Construction, ca. 1920. A glimpse of the community’s dedication to building places of worship. Source: Unknown

Vintage Postcard, Farlie & Sons, Maryborough, ca. 1920. A nostalgic look at a Maryborough business captured in a vintage postcard. Source: Unknown

Sailing vessel near Maryborough Rowing Club, c. 1920–1939. A peaceful scene of a berthed vessel with passengers enjoying the Mary River. Source: Unknown

Black Bess Steam Engine, Fraser Island Logging Railway, c. 1920–1946. A key player in the Fraser Island timber industry, lovingly nicknamed “Black Bess.” Source: State Library of Queensland, Glenda Wilkinson

S.S. Echuca at Walkers Limited Shipyards, Maryborough, 1921. A moment of shipbuilding history from the renowned Walkers Limited Shipyards. Source: Walkers Limited Shipyards

Cane punts on the Mary River, 1924. Essential for transporting sugar cane, these punts represent a thriving local industry. Source: Unknown

Granville Bridge Under Construction, Mary River, Maryborough, ca. 1926. An engineering feat taking shape over the Mary River. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Opening of the Granville Bridge, Mary River, Maryborough, 1926. Celebrating the completion of a vital infrastructure project for the community. Source: Unknown

Opening of the Burrum River Traffic Bridge, Howard, 1926. A historic day for Howard as the new bridge opened to traffic. Source: Fraser Coast Regional Council

Forester’s Home, Fraser Island, 27 November 1929. A quiet retreat set amid the natural beauty of Fraser Island. Source: Unknown

Palmer’s Store, Wharf Street, Maryborough, ca. 1931. A bustling corner of commerce in Maryborough’s vibrant history. Source: Unknown

47th Battalion Gas Training, Anzac Park, Maryborough, 1940. Troops undergoing gas training during World War II. Source: Unknown

Flooded Tinana, 1954. A look at Tinana submerged during the devastating floods of 1954. Source: Unknown

Commando School Z Force. The base operated during WWII from October 1943 and ceased operations in December 1945. Source: Hervey Bay Historical Society

Kent and Bazaar Streets during the 1955 flood, Maryborough. Floodwaters overwhelm Maryborough’s streets in this dramatic scene. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Industrial buildings in floodwaters, 1955. Large industrial structures submerged during the widespread flooding of 1955. Source: Unknown

Saving precious Items from the School of Arts, Maryborough, 1955 Flood. Residents rescue valuable belongings from the School of Arts amid rising waters. Source: Unknown

Home submerged during the 1955 flood, Maryborough. A house surrounded by floodwaters, with residents navigating by rowboat. Source: Unknown

Commercial strip flooded during the 1955 Flood, Maryborough. A commercial area, including the Commercial Bank of Australia, overtaken by the devastating flood. Source: Unknown

Ferry Street, Maryborough during the 1955 flood. Floodwaters engulf Ferry Street, leaving only the rooftops visible. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Row of shops submerged in the 1955 flood, Maryborough. A line of businesses standing resilient in the face of severe flooding. Source: Unknown

Ann Street, Maryborough During the 1955 flood. Floodwaters turn Ann Street into a river during one of the region’s worst natural disasters. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Houses washed away from Mary Street, Maryborough, 1955 flood. A sobering image of homes swept from their foundations by the raging floodwaters. Source: Unknown

Maryborough Show, 1957. A vibrant snapshot of the Maryborough Show, showcasing community spirit and celebration. Source: Unknown

Maryborough District Promotion Bureau Float in Labour Day Procession, ca. 1967. A cheerful float representing local pride during the Labour Day (May Day) celebrations. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society

Lenthals Dam filled for the first time, 1985. A landmark moment as Lenthals Dam reaches full capacity for the first time. Source: Fraser Coast Library Collection

Originally published as History of the Fraser Coast with 75+ historic images