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These top Brisbane historical sites transported us back in time!
Brisbane may look like a modern city basking in sunshine and boasting shiny skyscrapers. But look closer and you’ll see so many little and grand remnants of the past lining the streets or adding some charm to a quiet corner.
In fact, the joke’s on anyone who thinks Brisbane’s history is buried deep – here, it’s practically strolling down Queen Street with a morning coffee!
So get ready to explore the top historical sites in Brisbane, where the past isn’t just a dusty relic but a vibrant part of the city’s soul!
Brisbane History Highlights at a Glance
The aboriginal tribes of the Jagera and Turrbal peoples inhabited the land around the Brisbane River long before the European settlement. In 1823, General John Oxley, a surveyor, found the Brisbane River and named it after Thomas Brisbane, who was the New South Wales governor at that time. Europeans arrived in 1824 with the establishment of the first convict jail in Redcliffe. In 1825, the jail was soon relocated to present-day Brisbane CBD due to the natural bend in the river acting as an escape deterrent. Following free settlement, Brisbane flourished with entrepreneurs and ex-convicts, establishing a town along the river. By the late 1880s, Brisbane became the Queensland capital and commercial center. Brisbane’s population grew in World War II as the city served the South Pacific’s main allied headquarters, boosting the population to 750,000. The post-war industry boomed, solidifying Brisbane’s position as Australia’s 3rd largest city. The city hosted the 1982 Commonwealth Games and led to significant infrastructure and sports facilities upgrades. The Expo ‘88 further put Brisbane on the global stage with the development of South Bank. Brisbane now has a burgeoning art scene and strong music culture, while the Brisbane River has been central to the city’s settlement, development, and evolution. |
Top Historical Sites in Brisbane
The remnants of Brisbane’s past can be found everywhere in the city. From museums and heritage sites to national parks and historic homes, you can step into the city’s past and discover the fascinating stories that shaped this vibrant city.
Here are the top historical sites that you can visit in Brisbane!
Brisbane City Hall
Website: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/council-venues-and-precincts/brisbane-city-hall
Address: 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 5pm
You can find the Brisbane City Hall standing tall in the heart of the city. While the government building continues its operations daily, visitors are welcome to visit and take tours inside its halls.
As you step into this historic building, you can marvel at the iconic marble staircase, mosaic-tiled floors, shimmering chandeliers, and vaulted ceilings. Its architecture already holds so many stories, having been built between 1920 to 1930.
The city hall offers free guided tours everyday where visitors can explore the Main Auditorium and the heritage-listed Father Henry Willis Organ. You can even climb up the iconic clock tower and behold a panoramic view of the city!
Museum of Brisbane
Website: https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/
Address: Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
The Museum of Brisbane is located on the third level of the Brisbane City Hall. So if you want to delve deeper into Brisbane history, culture, and art, you can head straight to the museum after your city hall tour.
Here you’ll witness Brisbane’s evolution throughout its history and have a deeper understanding of the people, culture, and community that shaped the city.
The museum contains a vast collection of works that reflect the colorful stories of the people of Brisbane. At the same time, you can also catch different exhibits from various artists.
Queensland Museum
Website: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/
Address: Grey Street &, Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:30am – 5pm
The Queensland Museum, located in the vibrant South Brisbane, is a treasure trove of the state’s history.
Visitors can explore Queensland’s journey from prehistoric times to the present. Discover the state’s natural history through dinosaur displays, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural experiences, and interactive science exhibits.
The museum houses a diverse collection of items and specimens that hold tales of Queensland’s fascinating evolution. Admission to the Queensland Museum is free while some exhibits and experiences come with a fee.
Old Government House
Website: https://www.ogh.qut.edu.au/
Address: 2 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 4pm; Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Standing within Brisbane’s CBD, the Old Government House offers a glimpse into Queensland’s colonial past. Built in 1862, it served as the residence for eleven governors.
Explore the elegant rooms adorned with period furniture and discover the lives of those who shaped Queensland’s early years.
Designed by Queensland’s first colonial architect, Charles Tiffin, the house is now a museum that showcases interactive displays and interesting stories.
Free tours are available, and visitors can also admire a collection of works by renowned Australian artist, William Robinson, displayed within the house.
Customs House
Website: https://customshouse.com.au/
Address: 399 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30am – 9:30pm; Sunday, 10:30am – 9pm
Brisbane’s grand Customs House, built in 1889 on the riverfront at Queen Street, replaced an earlier, smaller one. Like all major Australian ports in the 1800s, it collected customs duties on imported goods.
Now leased by the University of Queensland, it hosts various events and activities. The copper-domed Long Room is a must-see iconic feature of the building.
While some areas are closed to the public, you can learn more about the building’s history through displays or take a virtual tour on their website. The Patina Restaurant, reception area, and outdoor spaces are all accessible for visits.
Brisbane Tramway Museum
Website: https://www.brisbanetramwaymuseum.org/
Address: 20 Tramway St, Ferny Grove QLD 4055
Hours: Sundays, 12:30pm – 4pm
Take a trip back in time at the Brisbane Tramway Museum! Located in Ferny Grove, this museum showcases Brisbane’s tramway history with a collection of trams and trolleybuses, including some restored trams you can actually ride.
You can explore exhibits featuring uniforms, photos, and other memorabilia, all offering a glimpse into Brisbane life in the early 20th century.
The Brisbane Tramway Museum is open on Sundays or by appointment if you wish to visit on other days. It’s set in a beautiful parkland with a picnic area, making it a great place for a relaxing afternoon.
Note: The trams are currently not running as they are undergoing electrical maintenance. But the museum is still open on Sundays for visits and free guided tours.
Cathedral of St. Stephen
Website: https://www.cathedralofststephen.org.au/
Address: 249 Elizabeth St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 6pm
A beautiful piece of gothic architecture in the heart of Brisbane, the Cathedral of St. Stephen is hard to miss! Located within the Cathedral Precinct which is Brisbane’s center of faith, peace, and history for the Catholic Archdiocese.
Apart from the cathedral, you can also find St. Stephen’s Chapel and the Francis Rush Centre within the precinct. Tours of the precinct are available on weekdays starting from 10:30am.
Beyond serving as a place of worship, the Cathedral of St. Stephen is home to fascinating architecture, art, and rich Brisbane history.
Fort Lytton National Park
Website: https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/fort-lytton
Address: 160 South St, Lytton QLD 4178
Hours: Sundays, 10am – 4pm
Immerse yourself in history at Fort Lytton National Park! Explore this 19th century fort, hidden behind grassy hills and surrounded by a moat.
The museum brings Queensland’s military and social history to life, from the 1870s to the 1950s. Free tours are offered on Sundays (no reservations needed) and run from 10:30am – 2pm for about 90 minutes long.
You can also experience “Fort Lytton at Night,” a special showcase featuring the fort after dark. Watch out for announcements of the performances and book your tickets in advance.
St. Helena Island
Website: https://www.sthelenaisland.com.au/
Address: Moreton Bay, QLD (access by boat from New Farm or Manly)
St. Helena Island National Park offers a glimpse into both history and a diverse natural environment. Explore the ruins of a 19th-century prison settlement, including the bakery, workshops, and even underground tanks.
Beyond the prison walls, you’ll find remnants of warden housing, a sugar mill, and a historical causeway. While humans left their mark, the island’s natural beauty endures.
You can discover a mix of original vine forests, open pastures, and traces of past farming efforts. Evidence of Aboriginal presence for thousands of years is scattered around the island in the form of middens and shells.
Today, the island’s wetlands provide a sanctuary for migratory birds, and the surrounding waters are part of the protected Moreton Bay Marine Park.
You can book tours of the island through St. Helena Island Ferries or Brisbane Cruises.
Historical Walking Tours and Heritage Trails
The Brisbane City Council and other historical and cultural organizations offer a variety of walking tours. Here are the top historical walking tours that you can join:
Brisbane Greeters
Website: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-in-brisbane/brisbane-greeter-program
The Brisbane Greeters are Brisbane local volunteers who are passionate about sharing stories about their beloved city. Of course, what better way to learn about Brisbane than through the eyes of a local?
They offer free tours around Brisbane where you can choose from a variety of experiences. For historical tours, you can join the Penal Colony and Early Settlement History tour, while you can also choose by location.
They have walking tours in Bulimba, Fish Lane and West Village, Fortitude Valley, Nundah, Kangaroo Point, Teneriffe / New Farm, and more. You can make your bookings through this link.
Brisbane City Walking Tour: Past and Present
Website: https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/whats-on/brisbane-city-walking-tour-past-and-present/
This Brisbane Walking Tour, facilitated by the Museum of Brisbane, takes you on a deep dive into the intricate layers of the vibrant city.
Immerse yourself in the stories of its Traditional Custodians, the tales of convicts who helped shape it, and admire the iconic buildings. You’ll also get a taste of modern Brisbane’s artistic spirit through a special exhibition.
This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to understand what makes Brisbane tick, whether you’re a tourist or a lifelong resident. It’s a whirlwind journey through Brisbane’s history, packed with interesting stories and sights that simply cannot be missed!
Brisbane Heritage Trails
Website: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/experiences-and-culture/heritage-trails
If you’re up for a self-guided tour of the city, then you should explore Brisbane’s heritage trails! From the grand city center to the charming neighborhoods, discover the city’s rich heritage through its architecture featuring grand buildings to everyday structures.
This self-guided tour will take you to the different suburbs in Brisbane where you’ll uncover unique stories and even find some hidden gems along the way. Some of our favorite trails include Bulimba, Rosalie, and the South Brisbane heritage trails.
There are 23 heritage trails in total. Make sure to check out the map here to help you start your adventure!