Marburg, Queensland

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Marburg is the name of a small township of 1200 inhabitants located 60 km west of Brisbane, the capital of the State of Queensland, Australia. It is a township in the City of Ipswich. It was named by German settlers who arrived in the region around the 1860s.

Marburg grew rapidly in the first half of the twentieth century, as the main road from Brisbane to Toowoomba passed through the town's centre. Marburg was popular as a stopover for travellers.

Because of an anti-German sentiment the name of Marburg was changed during the first World War into Townsend. Dr. Sirois, the local General Practician at the time, was instrumental in having the name Marburg be re-introduced after the war.

When the Warrego Highway was built in the 1960s, most of the traffic from Brisbane to Toowoomba bypassed Marburg, and subsequently the town has become less populated. Marburg is currently popular as a retirement destination.

Marburg has active community groups such as the Marburg and District Resident's Association, the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society, the Marburg Show Society, the Marburg Rural Fire Brigade and the Marburg branch of the State Emergency Services.

Marburg is well known for its 'Marburg dances' which take place every Saturday night in the hall on the showgrounds. Harness racing takes place on a regular basis on the Marburg race course.

Marburg's postcode is Queensland 4346.