The cemetery and its heritage-listed Mortuary Chapel have importance to the local community as the principal place of public burial in Maryborough for over 120 years.

[1] The cemetery is laid out on a simple grid plan with a series of intersecting lanes and walkways separating the denominational sections.

Surmounting the point of intersection of the vaults is a tall fleche, in the form of a tower and dome, which doubles the full height of the building.

The Cemetery is laid out on a simple grid plan with a series of intersecting lanes and walkways separating the denominational sections.

Surmounting the point of intersection of the vaults is a tall fleche, in the form of a tower and dome, which doubles the full height of the building.

On each face of the octagonal base and drum are round arched openings infilled with small fixed timber louvres.

In 1850 Surveyor, Hugh Roland Labatt, arrived in Maryborough with instructions to "examine the River Mary...to suggest ...the best site or sites for the laying out of the town, having regard to the convenience of shipping on one hand and internal communication on the other...also...point out the spots desirable as reserves for public building, church, quay and for places for public recreation."

At the intersection of two principal tree-lined lanes, a mortuary chapel was placed to provide shelter for family and friends of the deceased attending grave side services.

This unusual building was designed by Queensland architect Willoughby Powell and constructed by Bundaberg firm Clement and Sons at a cost of £534 in 1883–4.

Its position at the intersection of the cemetery lanes and its height make it a landmark and its tower form has caused it to be locally known as "the rocket".

The mortuary chapel forms a strong focal point within the Maryborough Cemetery, combining this landmark quality with considerable visual appeal in the cemetery landscape[1] The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

The cemetery and chapel have importance to the local community as the principal place of public burial in Maryborough for over 120 years.