SITE PARTNER:  

Boggo Road Gaol

Dutton Park

Boggo Road Gaol opened in 1883 as a replacement for the dreaded Brisbane Gaol on Petrie Terrace and closed its heavy reinforced doors for the last time in 1992. Today only a few buildings remain of the infamous establishment which in its time held a cast of Queensland’s most notorious prisoners.

Of the hundred year’s worth of buildings that have stood here, the main ones still standing are Division 2 (the state’s only remaining prison building based on the 19th century principles of control and discipline), its brick-enclosed exercise yard and observation tower. Long time Brisbane residents will recall the unsettling sight of armed guards on patrol in the tower when driving along Annerley Rd.

Constructed in 1903 as a separate Womens’ Prison block to the 1887 built men’s block Division 1, Division 2 was the first ‘separate system’ womens gaol in Queensland and the worn words HM Prison for Women (with the ‘wo’ scrubbed clean) over its foreboding arch can still be seen even though it ceased being a women’s section in 1921.

After the women were moved out in 1921 to another building at the southern end, Division 2 became a catchment for long-serving prisoners – killers, rapists and other serious crims - of St Helena Island. In the 1970’s it reverted to a maximum security prison after Division 1, along with its infamous ‘Black Peter’ damp earthen underground holes for solitary confinement was demolished and replaced with a new facility.

As the oldest and most archaic of the surviving intact gaol buildings Division 2 became the site of much protest, rioting, hunger strikes and wire swallowing by prisoners held there in the early 1980’s, with convicted Whiskey Au Go Go fire bombers Stuart and Finch at the forefront.

Other famous Boggo Road Gaol inmates were Patrick Kenniff, Australia’s last bushranger who was executed here in 1903 and buried across the road in South Brisbane Cemetery, Ernest Austin who killed a 12yo girl in Samford and was the last man to be executed in Qld and Slim Haliday who was renowned for his six ingenious escape attempts.

Although some early prisoners were buried in the grounds of Boggo Road Gaol, most who met their deaths by hanging were buried across the road at the then South Brisbane Cemetery and today a commemorative stone stands in the vicinity of the 41 prisoners listed as ‘dead by the gallows’.

Boggo Road Gaol    

Annerley Rd

Dutton Park

Map

Boggo Road Jail, Boggo Rd, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102

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