Australia's most unique public toilet is dubbed the Cistern Chapel

Visitors are busting to tour the toilets at Maryborough’s Town Hall, cheekily dubbed the Cistern Chapel.

If you’re anything like me, you avoid public toilets. That’s not the case with Maryborough’s Cistern Chapel . People flock to use the facility and as Nancy Bates says, “Almost everyone leaves here with a smile on their face."

How did this unique toilet come to be?

The Golden Throne. (Image: Joanne Karcz)

When community-minded Bates, former editor of the Fraser Coast Chronicle, went to use the toilets in late 2019, she thought, “Hell – this is in the middle of what is now a tourist precinct and it’s not good enough." She wanted “toilets to pull people off the highway [and] see what other marvels, quirky attractions…we had to offer."

The wall-to-ceiling artworks on the walls took so long to complete that committee member Greig Bolderrow suggested dropping the original name ‘Divine Dunnies’ and calling the facility the ‘Cistern Chapel’. The name stuck.

Since opening in May 2022, thousands have passed through the doors to spend a penny or to be shown around by a “Flusher Usher."

What to expect in the Cistern Chapel

Maryborough's Cistern Chapel inside the Ladies' Loo — Local artist Akos Juhasz painted the murals in the ladies’ and men’s restrooms. (Image: Joanne Karcz)

Volunteer “Flusher Ushers" run the tours. They ensure the coast is clear for men to check out the ladies’ loo, where they’ll hear classical chamber music suited to the feminine theme. Murals depict women in soft white, flowing dresses as they smell and pick the flowers in a cottage garden. Fresh flowers in hand-carved wooden vases adorn the windowsill.

When I take a seat, it’s a little disconcerting that the woman on the wall appears to be watching me. A second cubicle, with walls of gold, houses a golden throne beneath a gilt-framed mirror.

Local artist, Akos Juhasz, painted the ladies’ and men’s toilets. The latter have an industrial feel. The first locomotive to be built in Queensland, the Mary Ann, was built in Maryborough and features on one wall. Beside it is the bespectacled face of Maryborough Mayor Billy Demaine, who defied the no vote in a 1935 referendum to make the city the second in Queensland to get a sewerage system.

Apollo with his magnifying glass in the male toilets. — (Image: Joanne Karcz)

The women in the planning committee had a bit of fun with the men’s loo. A statue of Apollo holds a magnifying glass in his outstretched hand above the urinals as Handel’s Water Music plays in the background.

Gary Madden, also a local, painted the whimsical scene in the parents’ room. It’s a fun place for little people who’ll enjoy finding the creatures hidden in the artwork. Butterflies, a frog, a willy wagtail. Little furry friends fly in the hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling.

Where to find the Cistern Chapel

Maryborough, a city of Queensland’s Fraser Coast, is a short half-hour drive south of Hervey Bay and a three-hour drive north of Brisbane. The Cistern Chapel is on the side of the Town Hall alongside Town Hall Green.

There’s more to Maryborough than a unique toilet

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop mural on the mural trail — Find St Mary of the Cross MacKillop painted on the Maryborough Mural Trail. (Image: Joanne Karcz)

Visitors will meet a bronze statue of Duncan Chapman, the first ANZAC ashore at Gallipoli, when they discover the Gallipoli to Armistice Trail. Chapman was born in Maryborough.

Story Bank is housed in the former bank where Mary Poppins’ creator, P.L. Travers, was born. The whimsical interactive display will appeal to adults and children alike.

Only one of the 39 VCs awarded for the Gallipoli Campaign is on display outside the Australian War Memorial. You can see it in Maryborough’s Military and Colonial Museum.

Pop into the Visitor Information Centre in the City Hall to collect a map of the two-kilometre mural trail. There are 39 murals to discover. And while you’re there, ask about the free 90-minute Heritage Walking Tour.

Mary Poppins sliding down the banister in Story Bank. (Image: Joanne Karcz)

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

Australia’s most unique public toilet is dubbed the Cistern Chapel