Secrets Of Brisbane's Cbd

Brisbane’s CBD may be a bustling, modern, retail and commercial hub, but its streets contain a motley bunch of secrets that only few are privy to. Some are well-hidden, some you need to head off the beaten track to find, and a few are walked past every day without being noticed.

From convict relics to mushroom farms in historic basements, here are some of Brisbane CBD’s secrets revealed:

QUT Art Museum

Tucked away near the entry to QUT on George Street is this little art museum with a collection of 2000+ artworks as well as changing exhibitions,  which is free to visit and well worth checking out..more

Archives Fine Books

More than a million books are packed into the shelves of this museum-like bookshop in a century-old warehouse, including rare and out-of-print editions and pre-loved books across all genres...more

Masonic Temple

Behind the stately Corinthian columns of this grand Masonic Temple lies an extraordinary ornate hall decorated with gold leaf and with one of Qld's oldest organs, with tours available annually on Open House Day...more

Brisbane's Oldest Library 

Brisbane's oldest collection of books & publications including the 1st edition of The Moreton Bay Courier can be found inside Parliament House and accessed by the public as part of the visitor's tour...more

Walter Hill Fountain

Brisbane's oldest surviving drinking fountain dating from 1867 when mains water was first introduced to the town, can be found in the City Botanic Gardens and takes its name from the Gardens' first curator... more

Record Exchange

Take a secret staircase up from the street to a mind-blowing lost world of more than 250,000 vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, collectibles, T-shirts, posters and memorabilia from last century...more

John Mills Himself

Tucked away in a laneway at the rear of the heritage warehouse housing Archives Books is another hidden treasure - a quaint pocket-sized cafewith its own piano...more

St Stephens Chapel

Behind the GPO near St Stephen's Cathedral is  oldest chapel c1850, designed by Gothic revivalist Pugin and still in use, noted for its life-size camphor sculpture of St Mary MacKillop...more

Commissariat Stores

One of only 2 remaining convict-built buildings from the penal settlement offers a glimpse into the convict era and early colonial times of Brisbane from the fascinating little in-house museum...more

Macarthur Museum

General Macarthur's wartime office sits untouched from the time he sat at the leather-top desk during World War II, the HQ from where he directed the entire Asia Pacific wartime effort...more

Festival Hall Walk of Fame

Brisbane's iconic Festival Hall, where the entertainment greats of the 20th century performed may be gone but inside Oaks on the Albert St corner where it stood is a gallery of photos from its glory days.

Waterline Park Gym

Underneath the south-east freeway is another world, with this brand new start-of-the-art gym that is free to use that comes with its own urban ping pong tables... more

Anzac Square Memorial Galleries

Everybody knows the landmark Shrine of Remembrance overlooking Anzac Square but few take time out to visit the galleries underneath where you'll get an extraordinary insight into...more

St Andrews

Many walk past this city church without a clue that inside are some amazing historical relics from Gallipoli in World War I and from the Braveheart era of seventeenth century Scotland...more

Mooney Memorial Fountain

One of Brisbane's earliest drinking fountains and a rare public relic from the Victorian era, this ornate Gothic monument was originally a memorial to a death in the great fire of 1877...more

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

A stellar line-up of artists, headlined by Casey Donovan will light up the stage
This all-new multi-sensory experience makes its global debut in Brisbane
Playlab Theatre’s latest mainstage production premieres
Queensland's most iconic celebration of multiculturalism
Dirty Dancing comes to life on the big screen
A world-leading tattoo event is coming to Brisbane
Laternenfest is a fantastic family outing celebrating all things German
Set sail for night of celebration and love on the Brisbane River
The season ends with a memorable end with a spectacular grand finale
EDITOR'S PICK

LEAF 2023

Queensland’s largest FREE sustainability festival returns with eco-markets & exhibitors, kids activities, food trucks and more
LEAF 2023
MUST DO

Lifeline Bookfest

Queensland's biggest secondhand book sale returns for 4 massive days with more than a million pre-loved books plus a comic-fest!
Lifeline Bookfest
COMING UP

What's on in June in & Around Brisbane

From ABBA & Aretha Franklin tribute concerts, Pride cruise, Monet & The Impressionists exhibition, lantern parade & eco fair, some of the top things
What's On in June 2023
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do June 2-4

From an ABBA tribute concert, eco fair, cheese & wine tasting and glow in the dark mini golf to English hunting hall and winery-inspired restaurants, the top things to do
This Weekend Jun 2-4
TOP VALUE

The Workshops Rail Museum Annual Pass

Whether you're a trainspotter, a rail romantic or a curious young explorer, take you an eye-opening journey through the state’s history
The Workshops Rail Museum Annual Pass
Kangaroo Point Green Bridge coming soon
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT