Milestones of Marian

 

Marian is a rural town located about 4 kilometres (15 miles) west of Mackay Queensland Australia. Marian is located on the traditional lands of the Yuwi People. The town is known for it's sugar cane plantations and the location of where famous Opera singer Dame Nellie Melba lived from 1882-1884. 

Town shopping centre with sugar cane motive

 

Murals 

The town has some beautiful murals located within the town, one stunning mural is on the side of the Marian state school on Kenny's Road that features a kingfisher, platypus and a Ulysses butterfly. This mural was created by the artist the Zookeeper (Joel Fergie (@_thezookeeper). Another mural is on a shelter on the opposite side of the state school featuring native fauna too. A mural is also featured on the toilet block near the park close to Melba House featuring farm animals.

 

The Zookeeper 

Shelter Mural (unknown artist)

Toilet block Mural (by P.V Arts and Bunnings)

Holy Rosary Catholic Church

 A Beautiful catholic church dating back to 1927 is located at 276 Anzac Ave. It is a must to see when you visit. 

 

Marian Mill

A large sugar cane mill is located in Marian it has operated since 1885 and later a new mill re built in 1894 and operating still today. It is located at 390 Anzac Avenue.

Melba House

The historical house of famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba (Former name Helen Porter Mitchel) is still located in Marian it was the house she lived with husband Charles Armstrong, the manager of the Marian Sugar Mill from 1882-1884.  The house now features a museum and cafe. Melba's marriage wasn't a happy one and the two split with Melba locating to Melbourne with their son in 1894. She toured the world singing and was a highly accomplished coloratura soprano of the late Victorian era and the early 20th century. She changed her last name to Melba in honour of her home town Melbourne Australia. She is also featured on the Australian 100 dollar bank note.

Dame Nellie Melba Rose

 

Street sign featuring Nellie in nearby town Mirani

Cane cutter statue

A statue of a cane cutter was erected beside Melba house to honour all the nationalities who worked within the local sugar cane industry since 1884.

 

Final Thoughts

Marian is a lovely town and the walk along the Pioneer river and Melba House are definitely highlights. The large sugar mill is impressive too.

 

Outdoor seating area of Vintage Kiss at Melba House

Video Extras