SITE PARTNER:  

Customs House

Cbd

A customs house has inhabited this spot near Petrie’s Bight since 1849, with this grand copper-domed building with its massive colonnade replacing a much smaller one in 1888.

Designed by architect Charles McLay (also designer of Fortitude Valley Post Office), it was built by the leading building firm of the day John Petrie & Sons.

Of interest in the design are the scenes carved into the pediment of a kangaroo and emu with shield between that bears a close resemblance to the Queensland Coat of Arms, despite it not coming to being until 1893.

Although the exterior all but remains intact, including the retaining wall, stone steps to the riverside and even the fig tree in the little private garden, thought to be planted around 1890, much of the interior has been altered. In 1947 all but two of the original internal masonry walls were removed and the grand cedar staircase replaced with a terrazzo one (although this has in recent decades been replaced by another cedar one in an attempt to recreate the original look).

Despite the changes, Brisbane's Customs House is still a beautiful space to take a wander, with the most stunning place being the Long Room directly under the dome. Now that it is owned by UQ, on Sundays there are regular free classical recitals held in here that are well worth a visit. Additionally the downstairs dining room and terrace is one of Brisbane’s better Sunday breakfast spots.

 

Customs House  

427 Queen St

Brisbane

Map

427 Queen St Brisbane

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