Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.customshouse.com.au
;
399 Queen St; 9am-5pm)
Crowded out by skyscrapers, Bris-
bane's lovely old domed Customs House (built 1886-89) is so darn aesthetically pleasing
it's hard to imagine it was ever a functional building. As the name suggests, for almost a
century this was where all ships heading into Brisbane's port were required to pay duties.
These days it's an info centre for the University of Queensland, and has a flashy restaurant
downstairs. Check out the amazing old port photos in the lobby.
Parliament House
MAP
HISTORIC BUILDING
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.parliament.qld.gov.au
;
cnr Alice & George Sts; tours 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm non-sitting days)
With a roof clad in Mt Isa copper, this lovely blanched-white stone French Renais-
sance-style building dates from 1868 and occupies a suitably regal position overlooking
the City Botanic Gardens: it's one of Brisbane's most treasured historical landmarks. The
only way to get a peek inside is on one of the free tours, which leave at the times listed
above on demand (2pm only when parliament is sitting).
Old Government House
MAP
HISTORIC BUILDING
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.ogh.qut.edu.au
; George St; 10am-4pm Sun-Fri)
This 1862 gem was designed by es-
timable government architect Charles Tiffin, as an appropriately plush residence for Sir
George Bowen, Queensland's first governor. Tour the lavish innards (restored in 2009),
and check out some William Robinson landscapes in the gallery upstairs.
QUT Art Museum
MAP
MUSEUM
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.artmuseum.qut.edu.au
;
2 George St; 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, noon-4pm Sat & Sun)
On the
Queensland University of Technology campus is this excellent little museum, displaying
regularly changing exhibits of contemporary Australian art and works by Brisbane art stu-
dents, plus temporary exhibits by international artists.
Treasury Building
MAP
HISTORIC BUILDING
GOOGLE MAP
