Jacob's Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder is a popular pedestrian thoroughfare in Spring Hill, offering a shortcut between Wickham Terrace and Turbot Street, and providing easy access to and from the Brisbane CBD.

In its early days, Jacob’s Ladder was indeed little more than a ladder. Merely a dirt track with hand-rails, it enabled the upper crust who inhabited Wickham Terrace (one of Brisbane’s premier residential streets in the mid to late 19th century) access to the commercial district below.

In the 1920s, steps were constructed and these were reworked in 1961 when Brisbane City Council took over the park. From 1891 to its demolition towards the end of the Joh regime in 1986, the grand, classical Trades Hall Building flanked one side and the grandeur of the architecture has been missed ever since.

In the past couple of years, Jacob’s Ladder has been rejuvenated and painted a vibrant red colour, which can be seen as far away as Kangaroo Point on a good day.

Brisbane’s street art scene is alive and well in King Edward Park and the ever-changing pieces are well-worth stopping for to be appreciated.

Nice to know – Bench seats are staggered along the terrace, and there is a water bubbler at the Turbot Street end.

Images by Danella Perrins

Looking to keep fit but don't want to be inside a gym, check out our top spots for Brisbane's best urban stair climbs. Or, if you're keen to explore the river on foot, check out our guide to Brisbane's best river walks. To really get the blood pumping, muscle your way through our list of Brisbane's best outdoor fitness spaces. Stay healthy!