At one time a rival to Brisbane as the site of the state capital, Maryborough has some of Queensland's finest heritage architecture. The city lies along the banks of the Mary River, overlooked by the heritage precincts around Wharf Street. Today, Maryborough is widely recognised for the abundant examples of colonial and Queenslander architecture, majestic public buildings and beautiful gardens. Much of the city's character has been preserved in these classic buildings, mostly built of local timber in a range of sizes and designs.