MARBURG

Marburg is a rural town that is about 20km from Ipswich, 57km from Brisbane and 70km from Toowoomba.  The township is located just off the Warrego Highway and is part of the Ipswich Shire.  Marburg is surrounded by a hinterland of rural and grazing land that is perfect for farming, residential and lifestyle properties.  Many locals live in the area for the lifestyle and commute to work in Ipswich or Brisbane.  Marburg won the title of "Friendliest Town in Queensland" in the year 2008.  If you are ever to visit you will realise that it is well deserved.

Sam and Sally Owens were the first graziers to establish themselves in Marburg back in 1842.  However the family is said to have become more famous in the area due to their illegal alcoholic drinks rather than their sheep.  Charles Smith later selected the Woodlands Estate in 1868.  By the early 1880s he had installed a sawmill, sugar mill and a rum distillery.  By 1888 his rum distillery was producing large amounts of rum.  In 1890 Charles Smith's son, Thomas Smith, built the now heritage-listed Woodlands mansion which is located at the end of Seminary Road.  The architect who designed the Woodlands Mansion was George Brockwell Gill.  The square tower and beautiful lacework on the verandahs are some reasons why it is one of the most distinctive mansions in the area.  There were many German farmers supplying cane to the mill.  However it was found that rainfall was too low to grow can productively within a few seasons.  Farmers therefore switched to dairying and maize instead but the mill continued operating until 1918.  Woodlands later became the property of Ipswich Grammar School.  The Woodlands mansion boasts marble fireplaces, cedar walls, elaborate iron lacework which encloses the wide verandahs as well as a square central tower.  These are all reasons why it is one of the most beautiful and interesting mansions in Queensland.  It also boasts fine quality dining in the Woodlands restaurant.

The 1860s saw many farmers nudge their way into the squatters realm while the 1870s saw an influx of German settlers to the area.  This transformed the area into fields of sugarcane and maize.  Dairy and pigs were also raised on the rich pasture lands.  The surrounding Rosewood Scrub was also used for its vast timber reserves.  There was an attempt in the 1880s to open a branch railway at Marburg on the ipswich line.  However this was unsuccessful and it wasn't until 1911 that the government built a line from Rosewood.  Since it was a circuitous line it was able to service many coalmines north of Rosewood and conclude at Woodlands.  After much settlement in 1891 a courthouse was opened and the census showed a population of 200 people.

The Marburg Hotel was built in 1881 and is listed by the National Trust.  Other places of interest when visiting Marburg include the Community Centre (formerly the town's bank), old Bielefeld's Store (now an antique centre), Rosewood Scrub Historical Museum which contains many early photos of the area, the old Police Station and courthouse.  Graves of many of the early pioneers can also be seen at the Anglican cemetery.  Warrego Wines is also nearby and is Queensland's only certified organic winery.  They offer a great variety of fantastic wines and a lunch menu at the Cellardoor Café.  Dining is also a treat with the splendid views of the D’Aguilar Ranges.

The name "Marburg" was changed during World War 1 to "Townshend" due to the anti-German feelings of some State politicians.  However locals did not support this name change.  A local General Practician by the name of Dr. Sirois was highly influential in returning the town to the name of "Marburg" after the war in 1920.