Schmap Brisbane Historical Background

Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

Internet Explorer 6 and above
Firefox 1.5 and above
Safari 3 for Pc

MAC

Safari version 1.3 and above
Firefox 2 and above

Brisbane - Historical Background
Download the Schmap Brisbane Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:

Browse this Schmap Guide on your PC, online or offline.
View Schmap Guides for 200 worldwide destinations.
Bookmark places of interest, plan trips and take virtual tours.
Custom print your own full-color travel guides.
Publish and share schmapplets with your favorite places
Enjoy many more unique Schmap features.

Brisbane Home
Schmap Brisbane guide and map

Contrary to common perception, Brisbane is very much a river city, where life developed, and still pivots, on the Brisbane River. Today, Brisbane can lay claim to being 'beautiful one day, perfect the next.' However, life was not always so heavenly for the first settlers.

The cat-o-nine-tails ruled and mosquitoes plagued the very first settlers in the Brisbane area. In 1824, the Moreton Bay penal settlement was established on the coast at Redcliffe but, after three months, a new site 20 kilometres up the Brisbane River (now called North Quay) was chosen. The reliable water supply made this a perfect place to establish a penal colony, not to mention the security provided by its upstream position on a natural bend in the river.

In 1828, with only ten cottages in the settlement, hundreds of convicts started to build the first stone buildings: The Colonial Stores Building and an Old Windmill (now known as the Wickham Terrace Observatory Tower).

Brisbane Begins Again

This convict time ended in 1839 and, in 1841, Brisbane began again in three separate settlements--North Brisbane, Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane. A long battle for funds from the then Governor in Sydney, Sir George Gipps, commenced. In 1846, there were less than a thousand people living in these three areas.

Eventually, a separate colony, Queensland, began in 1859; its name being in honour of the Queen of England at the time, Queen Victoria. The Moreton Bay settlement became the capital, as it was now a thriving port and commercial centre of 6,000 people. There were still financial problems. When the first Governor of the new colony, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, commenced office, he found seven and a half pence in the Treasury!

Brisbane Flourishes

Brisbane began to flourish and, by 1888, the main thoroughfare, Queen Street, sported some large well-designed buildings, many of which are still here today (or the façades at least). George Street boasts Parliament House and the Queensland Club, still used by country politicians and public servants as a city base. The City Botanic Gardens is the site of the original gardens that provided food for the convict settlement. Today, many rare native and exotic plants thrive here in the sub-tropical climate beside the river.

In the 1890s, a series of disastrous floods and more financial worries beset the city, but the city fought back and again prospered.

World War

During World War II, General Douglas MacArthur directed the Pacific campaign from the AMP building (now MacArthur Chambers) in Queen Street. Hundreds of thousands of American servicemen and women poured through Brisbane, enhancing development in many ways--in came the swing and the jitterbug dance crazes--as well as giving the city a welcomed financial injection. For a small city that was still staid, this was a great catalyst to 'move on.'

The 1950s

Migrants, refugees and displaced persons added greatly to the population in the 1950s, with many British immigrants receiving assisted passages. Despite less than 25 percent of those from other parts of Europe being financially assisted, migrants from all over Europe very quickly became central to the cultural, academic and business life of Brisbane.

Consumer culture started in May 1957 with the opening of Australia's first drive-in shopping centre at Chermside. In August 1959, commercial television started transmission. However, the story of television in Australia really began in Brisbane 25 years earlier with the first experimental television broadcast from the Old Windmill in Wickham Terrace.

Cultural Progression

Brisbane's wide river was utilised well for the subsequent increase in trade, with produce coming down the river from Ipswich, as well as from the islands of Moreton Bay and nearby areas. The fruit and vegetable markets were near the river between Mary and Charlotte Streets, close to the wharves. With a successful shipbuilding industry also in place by this time, Brisbane was thriving.

In 1967, the city saw an important cultural progression, when Australian Aborigines achieved the same democratic rights as all other Australians. Brisbane was also maturing.

However, more troubles were to come. Cyclone Wanda, (cyclones are called male and female names alternatively) wreaked havoc in 1974, when 14,000 houses were flooded and 14 people died. Increased dams prevented more major floods, the upside of which was the steady growth in population in the now-safer southeast corner of Queensland. People from both overseas and interstate came from the 'cold' south wanting to live in the sun.

Brisbane Comes of Age

Hosting the Commonwealth Games in 1982 heralded Brisbane's true coming of age. Expo 88 followed on the same site six years later and, a few years after that, the site became South Bank Parklands - a wonderful area for visitors - right across the river from Brisbane's central business district.

Today, you can walk along from South Bank to see the Queensland Performing Arts Complex, opened in 1985, with its three theatres, a concert hall and a conservatorium next door. Although these buildings are all of modern architecture, Brisbane still has many distinctive 19th century buildings, sited to take in prime river views and parkland. Heritage Walks and River Cruises allow the tourist to see all this in beautiful weather (usually!) during all seasons.

Icons of Today

Icons of today's Brisbane are the older-style houses on stilts, designed for cool breezes to flow underneath in warmer weather. These are called Queenslanders, and the even more grand ones are called Grand Colonials.

Brisbane's lifestyle is still centred on the wide, meandering Brisbane River. Walk along its banks, imagine it in days gone by, and take in the beauty of this great and friendly Australian city.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Brisbane River

Heart of the river city

Brisbane, QLD 4000
Australia
+61 7 3227 7767 (Brisbane River Management Group)

The Brisbane River played an important role in the urbanisation of Brisbane, and today it contributes to the enjoyment of an outdoor lifestyle that many Brisbanites thrive upon. In the late-1800s and early 1900s Brisbane's maritime industry was booming, with shipping agents, docks and warehouses lining the river. Logs from local forests were among the first commodities traded on the river, with coal, wool, sugar and cotton to follow. Ferries and recreational vessels comprise most of the river traffic now, and a cruise on this meandering waterway is one of the most relaxing ways to see Brisbane.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Ross Chrystall

Photo: Mark Lobo

Photo: sonofwalrus

Photo: Carmen Hall

Photo: valcor

Photo: Kenneth Au

Photo: Stan Cochrane

Brisbane River photo by derjackrussell 4 2

Photo: derjackrussell 4 2

Photo: Lisa Bayne

Brisbane River photo by Silvio Arcangeli

Photo: Silvio Arcangeli

Photo: Robert Zlot

Photo: Drew

Photo: ShineLiu

Photo: Eleanor

Photo: Jeanette Burton

Photo: Elisha H

Photo: Lisa McKinnon

Brisbane River photo by Silvio Pueschel, GER

Photo: Silvio Pueschel, GER

Photo: Peter Bayer

Photo: Heidi Kaldahl

Photo: Liz J

Photo: Thiago Rhein

Photo: Shilo Byrd

Photo: lzazzaron

Photo: chris cann

Brisbane River photo by BeaCarlson Photo

Photo: BeaCarlson Photo

Photo: daddy&mummyoh

Photo: Perry Khoury

Photo: Kate Bjur

Photo: chuenman

Photo: John Sheil

Photo: JANE VALENTINE

City Botanical Gardens

City centre garden oasis Alice Street
Brisbane, QLD 4001
Australia
+61 7 3403 7913 Within these gardens is a colourful collection of exotic and native plants to delight the eye, and an atmosphere to calm the soul. The site was chosen for a public garden in 1828, with fertile soil producing healthy crops for the penal settlement. In 1855 botanist Walter Hill declared botanical gardens would occupy the area. Some of Hill's plantings from the 1850s remain on Residence Hill and the weeping figs on Walter Hill Walk were planted by the botanist in the 1870s. Hungry visitors may enjoy a meal from the Gardens Café, housed in the caretaker's hut built in 1903.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Valerie Lita
Photo: Liz Christie
Photo: Michael Renner
Photo: Dey Alexander
Photo: femme2006
Photo: Nate Peterson
Photo: Tim Williams
Photo: Mitch Beavis

Kangaroo Point Cliffs & Riverwalk

Picturesque city views Lower River Terrace
Kangaroo Point
Brisbane, QLD 4169
Australia
http://www.brisbanetourism.com.au The sheer sandstone cliffs of Kangaroo Point and the riverwalk below them, are great places from which to admire the city skyline. Floodlit at night, the cliffs look spectacular and are now a popular spot for rock climbers and abseilers to test their skills. Picnic tables and barbecues are dotted along the riverwalk, which is conveniently split to cater for walkers on one path and cyclists on another. Sculptures, old wharves and a mangrove boardwalk are features of interest on the walk, which starts at the northern end of South Bank and winds its way to Kangaroo Point.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: khoile
Photo: brigittepietje
Photo: Dean Gifford
Photo: antster
Photo: Keren Brown
Photo: shona mccallum
Photo: Ross Cole-Hunter
Photo: Russell Chapman

Photo: Joe Burton
Photo: Paul

Old Windmill

A little piece of history Wickham Terrace
Brisbane, QLD 4001
Australia
+61 7 3221 8411 (City Hall Tourist Information Centre)
http://www.brisbanetourism.com.au In 1828 convict labour was used to build a windmill near the Brisbane river. More than 170 years later the convicts' handiwork remains as the oldest surviving building in Queensland. "The Old Windmill" was built to grind flour and maize meal for the young penal settlement. It was converted to a signal station in 1861 and used for experimental radio and television broadcasts in the 1920s and 1940s.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: MichaelWu
Photo: Jonathan LaRocca
Photo: Glen R. Holdaway

Parliament House

Where politicians linger Corner Alice & George Sts
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Australia
+61 7 3406 7111
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au Parliament House, opened in 1868, was designed by Charles Tiffin who was inspired by Parisian buildings like the Louvre. When Queensland Parliament began in 1860, Legislative and Council Members met in what was once the Prisoners' Barracks. Now the state of Queensland is governed in more propitious surroundings. Palms and jacarandas (in bloom in October) in the forecourt complement the stone walls, which are mellowing nicely with age. Walk inside to confront lush red and gold leaf decoration and the grand staircase. Along the walls left and right of the stairs are prints of how Brisbane areas used to look. A free guided tour is needed to see the rest and are available throughout the year. Check website for schedule. There is also a gift shop that sells souvenirs and memorabilia.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Matt Hucker
Photo: meglet
Photo: Francesca Hughes
Photo: Bellaz
Photo: jamesdude
Photo: Tanya Cornish
Photo: Rene Sanchez
Photo: roman9

Photo: David Burrows

Queensland Performing Arts Complex

Four theatres for every art Queensland Cultural Centre
South Bank
Brisbane, QLD 4101
Australia
+61 7 3840 7444
http://www.qpat.com.au A part of the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank, the Queensland Performing Arts Complex provides outstanding facilities for musicals, opera, dance, theatre and orchestral performances. Just a ten-minute stroll from the city, the complex features four major performance areas: the Cremorne Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Optus Playhouse and Concert Hall. Each venue has aspects specifically designed for different styles of productions and boasts breathtaking views across the Brisbane River. The complex also has the Lyrebird Restaurant, the Promenade Café, bars and a gift shop.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Joe Gatling

Redcliffe Visitor Information Centre

Right on the beach Hornibrook Esplanade
Clontarf
Brisbane, QLD 4019
Australia
+61 7 3284 3500 Contact the friendly staff here if you need information about activities and excursions in Redcliffe. Staff at the Visitor Centre can suggest the best days to visit the area -weekends are very busy - and things to see and do. The centre provides information about accommodation, local parks and other tourist information. Staff are happy to answer inquiries over the phone or provide brochures and other information to those who visit the office.

Review © 2007, Wcities

South Bank

Total escape in the City South Brisbane
Brisbane, QLD 4101
Australia
+61 7 3867 2051 (Visitor Information Centre)
http://www.south-bank.net.au Characterised by striking design and architecture, these 17 hectares of lush parklands comprise Brisbane's cultural heart. Suffering hard times at the end of World War II, South Bank has risen like a Phoenix from the flames. The timely arrival of the World Expo in 1988 and recent financial investment has seen the area flourish into a world-class recreation area. From the State Library to the Maritime Museum to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Parklands sprawl for 17 hectares along the banks of the Brisbane River. The striking man-made lagoon brings the beach to the City. Entertainment features regularly and Markets are held each weekend.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Kimberly Logan
Photo: Andrew Chant
Photo: Kenny Easwaran
Photo: chris
Photo: Matt Greenham
Photo: Matana_and_Jes
Photo: Drew Sonne
Photo: Matthew Ford

Photo: JY Lee
Photo: Siu-shan LEE

Wildlife Cruise - Mirimar Cruises

A tropical river cruise Queens Wharf Rd
North Quay
Brisbane, QLD 4003
Australia
+61 7 3221 0300
http://www.mirimar.com Visitors seeking a relaxing way of viewing Brisbane, and the chance to enjoy close (and cuddly) encounters with Australian native animals, will appreciate a Wildlife Cruise. One of Brisbane's oldest cruise boats, the "M.V. Mirimar" meanders 19 kilometres upstream on the Brisbane River, as her knowledgeable captain provides an entertaining commentary on local history. Nearly 90 minutes later the boat docks at the world's first koala sanctuary, Lone Pine, home to a host of Australian animals and more than 100 koalas. Check their website for full details.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Jonathan Crawshaw

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Brisbane - Historical Background"
Brisbane
Brisbane - Neighborhood Guide
Brisbane - Where to Stay
Brisbane - Dining & Drinking
Brisbane - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Sydney (719 miles)
Canberra (931 miles)
Melbourne (1363 miles)
Adelaide (1592 miles)
Hobart (1776 miles)
Auckland (2285 miles)
Christchurch (2497 miles)
Wellington (2500 miles)
Perth (3604 miles)
Kauai (7524 miles)

Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.