SITE PARTNER:  

Where to find Old Brisbane

Contrary to popular belief, there are still many vestiges of Old Brisbane in our midst, from underground bars to restaurants, churches to theatres, hotels to swimming pools. 

Been to the 50 year old Italian restaurant lately? Swum in the Victorian baths where signs still tell men not to loiter? Taken a wander down Brisbane's oldest lane? Sunk a beer at the oldest licensed pub? If not, check out the guide below, where we've rounded up the Oldest of Everything in Brisbane.

Oldest Restaurant

A Valley fixture since Dean Martin was topping the charts, little has changed at this little slice of Italy circa 1966 that still draws a hungry crowd...more 

Oldest Church 

Brisbane's oldest church is still in use today, having held services in its cosy camphor-scented interior since the first mass to celebrate its opening in 1850...more 

Oldest Laneway

These days it's home to some hip bars and restaurants but in the days of the penal settlement Burnett Lane was the site of brutality and death for convicts...more

Oldest Building

One of only two surviving penal settlement buildings in Brisbane, this convict built landmark has stood sentry atop Spring Hill since 1823...more 

Oldest Swimming Pool

Not just the oldest swimming pool in Brisbane, these heritage-listed Victorian baths, still with features intact, are the oldest in the southern hemisphere...more

Oldest Block of Flats

Brisbane's oldest existing block of flats circa 1929 were actually designed by Hall and Prentice, who were also the architects behind Brisbane City Hall...more

Oldest House

Built in 1846 for pastoralist Patrick Leslie as a simple no-frills dwelling this house, which is open to the public, was transformed by its next unhappy resident...more

Oldest Hotel

This classic bayside hotel, which has accommodation for travellers upstairs, also happens to be Queensland's oldest licensed pub...more

Oldest Theatre

Back open to the public for shows and events this year, this ornate Victorian building circa 1888 is the only surviving intact 19th century theatre in Brisbane 

Oldest Water Fountain

Located in the City Botanic Gardens, this ornate water fountain, designed by colonial architect Charles Tiffin and named after Walter Hill, dates from 1867...more

Oldest Residential Highrise

Prospective buyers of this much talked-about space age building were flown via helicopter to the floor level of apartment they were buying off the plan...more 

Oldest Café

It may have moved from its original location, but pretty much everything else at this iconic 1920s Brisbane café is just as it was back then...more

Oldest Graveyard

Toowong, which opened in 1875, may be Brisbane's oldest operating cemetery, but the oldest existing cemetery ( a northside secret) dates from 1862...more

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Embark on an exciting journey through the past & present
The Smile Station is an interactive space for all ages to enjoy
Things are heating up at Terraces Restaurant in April
A cult classic returns to La Boite Theatre
Experience an unforgettable evening with Ella Hooper
The Queensland Choir accompanied by a live orchestra
Queensland Symphony Orchestra bring Olivia's iconic hits to life
A modern fairy tale about kindness, bravery, friendship & burgers!
Get ready to be swept away by this 20-year-old piano prodigy
EDITOR'S PICK

Brisbane's Biggest Easter Weekend

Pop on your bunny ears and head to Victoria Park for a FREE four-day Easter celebration
Brisbane's Biggest Easter Weekend
MUST DO

Easter School Holidays 2024

From Easter-themed mini golf and fun activities, to must-see shows and a dedicated kids festival, here are 20+ egg-citing things to do
Easter School Holiday Guide 2024
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Mar 29-Apr 1

From free outdoor Easter movies in the park, cutting edge theatre and Easter-themed mini golf to a Renaissance art immersive exhibition
This Weekend Mar 29-Apr 1
FAMILY HOLIDAY

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Have you booked in for the school holidays yet? This family holiday resort on the Gold Coast is a fun-filled adventure park where even furry family members are welcome
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
COMING UP

What's on in April in & around Brisbane

From a mega sunflower festival & five-week-long Brisbane Comedy Festival to an Olivia Newton-John tribute concert and canine comedians, some top things to do in April in and around Brisbane
What's On in April 2024 around Brisbane
FREE

Park Play

Kids can enjoy a world of wonder and excitement at this fantastic, free holiday program nestled in the heart of Victoria Park.
Park Play
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Easter Movie Night

Enjoy an egg-cellent night out with family & friends at Victoria Park’s Easter Movie Night with 2 free movie screenings
Easter Movie Night
KIDS

Playtopia

Roma Street Parkland's newest kids event - where curiority meets fun, offering free activities for children these school holidays
Playtopia
La Boite's awe-inspiring 2024 season kicks off
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT