About

Discover the magic of Mary Poppins at the birthplace of her author, PL Travers

Once upon a time a baby girl was born in the upstairs bedroom at the Australian Joint Stock Bank on the corner of Kent and Richmond Streets in Maryborough, Queensland.

Her name was Helen Lyndon Goff, but she became known to the world as PL Travers, author of the Mary Poppins stories.

Visit her heritage-listed birthplace which has been transformed into The Story Bank – a bank that trades in stories.

As you cross the threshold, you will enter a world where fantasy and fact intertwine. Tales and yarns, myths and legends, memories and stories – share in their retelling and their creation.

Discover

Maryborough’s unique connection with PL Travers - the story of her life, her family, the influences on her writings and the retelling of her stories. Interact with the characters and settings from her popular Mary Poppins stories. 

Be inspired to find your own story

Sprinkled with a generous amount of whimsical playfulness, The Story Bank takes you on a delightful journey through the story telling process.

Share

The Story Bank has a great story to tell... but most of all, we invite you to come find your own story and add it to our collection

  • Explore the magnificently restored heritage-listed building.
  • Interact with displays that survey the life of P.L. Travers and her magical Mary Poppins stories.
  • View collections of images and documents from P.L. Travers estate.
  • Delve into the Cabinet of Curiosities and the Library of Inspiration.
  • Open an account and discover the art of storytelling by depositing your own creations.
  • Share in stories crafted by Artisans of Story Telling in the Theatrette and Gallery.
  • Find unique gifts and books in the retail cottage.

 

Our Stories