Olds Engineering is an ongoing business in Maryborough established after William Olds returned to Australia at the close of World War II, with light engineering and the manufacture of OHV marine and stationary engines.
The business was closed during the depression and William worked under his house on the corner of North St and Ferry St in Maryborough, next to where the business continues to operate today.
They used to run tours through the Olds foundry and engineering workshop. The front of the workshop has “The Olds’ Engine House” Visitors Centre on the front of it, however, they don’t cater to tourists anymore with insurance making it unviable.
They were happy to have a chat with us though, and you can have a look at some of the gear they make and have made through the front windows.
The namesake of the brown sign is the Olds Engine, an OHV engine used for marine applications. The products they have and do manufacture is far broader. Marine propellers, horse stirrups, bells, park bench legs, the Boot-off Beetle, replica cannons, street bollards and street signs, and just about any custom and unique project.
The Mary Ann Steam Train in Maryborough which runs in Queens Park is a replica of the original steam engine. The original Mary Ann was the first steam engine built in Queensland and was lost and forgotten for more than 100 years until the replica was created by Olds Engineering.
They used to make the OLDStone Celt, a rattleback which spins in one direction. When spun clockwise, it spins and slows naturally until it comes to a stop. Spin it anti-clockwise, it rocks back and forth stopping the spinning motion then reversing the spin.
To get there:
Head south on Bruce Hwy, take the exit towards Maryborough and Hervey Bay onto Walker St. Follow Walker St for 3.5km and turn left
Heading north on Bruce Hwy, on crossing Mary River continue on the highway for 900m passed the first exit for Maryborough and turning right at the next into Walker St. Follow Walker St for 3.5km and turn left into Ferry St. Follow Ferry St for 200m, turn left into North St and OLDS Engine House is 50m on the left.
Coming from Hervey Bay, head towards Maryborough on Saltwater Creek Rd. In Maryborough, Saltwater Creek Rd bends to the right becoming John St. Continue on John St for 400m and turn right into North St with a brown sign for OLDS Engine House. Follow North St for 450m and OLDS Engine House is on the left.
Cost: Free
Hours: Anytime to look at the front displays
Toilets: No
Bins: No
Tables: No
Seating: No
Water: No
Food: No
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pets: No
BBQ: No
Playground: No
