The City covered an area of 1,233.9 square kilometres (476.4 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1861 until 2008, when it was amalgamated with the City of Hervey Bay, Shire of Woocoo and the 1st and 2nd divisions of the Shire of Tiaro to form the Fraser Coast Region.

Wharves were established at Maryborough in 1847–1848 to provide transport for wool from sheep stations on the Burnett River.

On 15 September 1883, the Granville Division was established under the Divisional Boards Act 1879 to serve the surrounding district.

At the local government elections of 27 March 1976, with the neighbouring Shire of Burrum being renamed Hervey Bay and retreating to the coast, Maryborough changed from being an urban municipality of 26 km2 (10 sq mi) to one of 1,115 km2 (431 sq mi) with a considerable rural area.

On 15 March 2008, under the Local Government (Reform Implementation) Act 2007 passed by the Parliament of Queensland on 10 August 2007, Maryborough merged with the City of Hervey Bay, Shire of Woocoo and part of Tiaro to form the Fraser Coast Region.