As a global city, Brisbane has long moved away from the traditional view the world has had of Queensland (QLD). Gone are those traditional relocatable homes of QLD as economic prosperity has brought people in from the wilder areas of the state, into the flourishing capital city. From the Goodwill Games in 2001 to a few games from the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Queensland has seen it all.
At the heart of this development and prosperity lies the fabulous city of Brisbane. With its history and heritage in tow, Brisbane offers some incredible attractions that take you on a rollercoaster ride through its past, present and future.
The City Hall
At the centre of this beautiful city lies the fantastic Brisbane City Hall, with its massive 92-metre clock tower. This fantastic sandstone building is an integral part of Brisbane’s community, with commercial and cultural activities lined up on its calendar.
You can go up the clock tower in an elevator that’s been restored to its original state. There are five exhibition spaces in that building, all of them celebrating the culture and beauty of QLD, with displays that change throughout the year.
The Commissariat Store
A reminder of the good old days from Queensland’s past, the Commissariat store takes you back to the times when the state was a convict settlement. The two lowest levels are the second oldest building in Queensland while the store itself, rests on the site of what was the gateway to the entire colony. Although the site has required extensive reconstruction over time, it still retains that original magic that made it one of the most visited spots in Brisbane.
Neo-Classical Customs
When it comes to architecture, the Customs House is one of the best examples of the neo-classical architecture that was an integral part of early Brisbane. This multi-purpose building is still used regularly for various educational and cultural activities. The building is known for the massive Corinthian columns, a fantastic array of boardrooms and an elegant & flamboyant ballroom.
There is a permanent art exhibition as well as a host of photographic exhibitions that take you through the entire history of the house and of Brisbane.
There are plenty of other incredible architectural wonders that call Queensland’s capital city their home. Attractions like the Naldham House are all about the fantastic wooden fixtures from the late 1880s. The house still has the original fittings from while the cupola is a fantastic sight, on the building’s north-eastern roof. The oldest building in Queensland, the Historic Windmill, is a sight for lovers of historical architecture. Although the building isn’t open to the public, you can still catch a glimpse of this fantastic building put up in 1828.
The Hoyt’s Regent movie theatre is one of the most stunning examples of Gothic and Empire architecture. This building still hosts film and theatre productions within its medieval chapel settings. An absolutely fantastic way to end a historical architecture tour of the best that Brisbane and Queensland have to offer!
When you look at the sights and sounds that this fabulous city has to offer, you will find plenty of reasons to walk around this beautiful city and take in those amazing sights that make memories you just cannot beat.
CAROL GILLINGHAM- author
Carol is slightly partial to the city of Brisbane and the state of Queensland. Living throughout the state, by moving her relocatable home in QLD all over, Carol has spent her entire life experiencing the beautiful places that Brisbane and QLD have to offer. Her blog, started when she moved to Brisbane, opens up the city to people in a way that no one has experienced before. A fantastic writer, a wonderful host and a brilliant cook – just a few things people say about Carol.
