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Offered languages
- English
- English
Brisbane’s transformation from a harsh penal settlement into a vibrant river city is a fascinating story. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how Queensland’s capital grew from its tough convict roots to become Australia’s third-largest city. Its colonial past is still etched into the cityscape through the heritage buildings – some built by convicts themselves. Starting at the Visitor Information Centre in Queen Street Mall, you’ll walk along what was once a dusty dirt track surrounded by convicts, the soldiers guarding them, and the odd settler. As you wander, you’ll notice reminders of Brisbane’s evolution – from dramatic flood markers to a curious safety net installed to catch falling windows from a high-rise building! The tour ends at Brisbane’s exciting new Queen’s Wharf Development, featuring The Star Brisbane and the stunning Sky Deck with its breathtaking views.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at Visitor Information Centre, Queen St Mall. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Tour ends at Pompette Restaurant
Itinerary
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Queen Street Mall (Pass by)
Walk along Brisbane's bustling pedestrian heart, built on what was once a dusty dirt track shared by convicts, soldiers, and early settlers. Enjoy the energy of this vibrant shopping street and spot the fascinating flood markers and quirky safety net that hint at the city's layered history.
Admission ticket free -
King George Square (Pass by)
Arrive at Brisbane's grand civic centrepiece, dominated by the heritage-listed City Hall and its elegant clock tower. Marvel at the beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture and explore the Museum of Brisbane housed within, where the city's story is told across its floors.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Admire this iconic sandstone tower, one of Brisbane's most beloved landmarks and for decades the tallest structure in the city. Enjoy panoramic views from the top and appreciate how this grand building has served as the proud symbol of Brisbane's civic life since 1930.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by this graceful Gothic Revival church, one of Brisbane's most beautiful and historically significant places of worship. Marvel at its intricate stonework and stained glass windows, which have offered spiritual solace to Brisbane's community since the 1880s.
Admission ticket free -
The Old Windmill (Pass by)
Explore Brisbane's oldest surviving building, a squat convict-era structure that once housed a brutal human treadmill used as punishment for prisoners. Marvel at how this weathered tower has outlasted floods, storms, and the passage of nearly two centuries of Queensland history.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pause at this deeply moving memorial, dedicated to the Queensland soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country. Reflect on the personal stories and sacrifices honoured within this solemn and beautifully preserved space.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Walk through this dignified memorial precinct, centred on an eternal flame burning beneath a classical Greek-style shrine. Explore the underground galleries where photographs, uniforms, and personal artefacts bring Queensland's wartime history vividly to life.
Admission ticket free -
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral (Pass by)
Marvel at Brisbane's oldest Catholic cathedral, a stunning Gothic Revival building whose twin spires rise above the city's busy streets. Step inside to admire the soaring interior, intricate stonework, and beautiful stained glass that make this one of Queensland's most treasured sacred spaces.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Enter this deeply important museum, dedicated to preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors who made Brisbane their home. Explore its thoughtful and moving exhibitions, which honour the memory of the six million Jewish lives lost and carry their stories forward for future generations.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by this handsome heritage building and look closely at the flood markers etched into its walls, recording the devastating heights of Brisbane's historic floods. Marvel at how these simple markings tell a powerful story of the natural forces that have shaped and challenged this river city.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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