Marian is the gateway to the Pioneer Valley and is situated approximately 30 kilometres west of Mackay.  This riverside town is home to the region's largest sugar mill; all sugar cane grown in the Valley is now crushed at this mill.  The crushing season extends from mid June to November each year. 

Melba House is the Pioneer Valley's Visitor Information Centre and also the house in which famous Australian opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba, lived during her time in the area.  It is an excellent spot to stop off for local information, check out craft by talented locals and buy local produce from roadside stalls.  

Marian is serviced by a hotel, convenience and takeaway stores, bowls club and a service station, as well as the new Marian Town Centre shopping precinct, with a supermarket and hardware store as well as a variety of other retail, food and medical services.