Brisbane: From Convict Colony to Modern Metropolis
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About the Tour
About the Tour
Brisbane’s transformation from a harsh penal settlement into a vibrant river city is a fascinating story.
On this historical walking 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.
During this two-hour walking tour, you’ll also have a chance to:
- Visit King George Square, home to the heritage-listed City Hall, its old clock tower, and the Museum of Brisbane
- Discover Brisbane’s oldest surviving building, the Old Windmill, where convicts once powered a brutal human treadmill for punishment
- Follow riverside paths where early settlers once toiled, and take in panoramic views of the city skyline, Story Bridge, and the Kangaroo Point Cliffs from the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge
- Satisfy your spiritual side at Albert Street Uniting Church and St Stephen’s Cathedral and Chapel, two of Brisbane’s most beautiful places of worship
- Reflect at the ANZAC Square Galleries and the Shrine of Remembrance, honouring Queensland’s fallen soldiers
- Walk through the City Botanic Gardens, where convicts once farmed essential crops for the isolated settlement, and marvel at 150-year-old Banyan Fig trees
- See the flood markers on Naldham House, showing the devastating heights of Brisbane’s historic floods
- Admire the city’s grand heritage buildings, including the Treasury Building, Old Government House, Queensland’s Parliament House, and the Commissariat Store
By the end of this tour, you’ll have a strong sense of Brisbane’s transformation, from its colonial past as a penal settlement, into one of the country’s largest and most vibrant cities.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
John Nielsen
Born and bred in Brisbane in 1966, John — or “Johnno” as he’s fondly known — has always had a genuine interest in history. With a diverse background spanning construction, teaching, and running his own Brisbane day tour company, he’s gained a deep understanding of Brisbane’s rich past and an insider’s knowledge of its secrets and best local haunts.
A true lover of good food and drink, Johnno knows Brisbane’s pubs and eateries like the back of his hand, having tried and tested most of them over the years.
Extensively travelled, he believes that South East Queensland — and Brisbane in particular — is one of the best places in Australia, if not the world, to live. Sharing this passion with visitors has become one of his greatest joys.
Recently, John considered starting another day tour company offering bus tours. But after some thought, he decided against it, realising that one of the few downsides of living in Brisbane is the ever-growing development — along with the roadworks and traffic congestion that come with it.
Instead, he created this walking tour — a way to explore Brisbane’s fascinating history without the hassle of traffic, and at a pace that allows you to truly soak up the city’s character.
John warmly invites you to join him on one of his tours and experience the lifestyle, stories, and soul of Brisbane — the River City.
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 20
Anzac Square
“Anzac” stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and this memorial square is dedicated to the servicemen and women who have served and continue ... Read More
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Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Queen Street Mall
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King George Square
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Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower
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Albert Street Uniting Church
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The Old Windmill
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Shrine of Memories
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Anzac Square & Memorial Galleries
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Australia Post - Brisbane GPO
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Saint Stephen’s Cathedral
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Queensland Holocaust Museum
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Creek Street
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Naldham House
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Kangaroo Point Green Bridge
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Botanic Gardens Edward Street Gates
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City Botanic Gardens
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QUT Gardens Point Campus
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Old Government House
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Queensland Parliament
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The Mansions 1889
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Queens Gardens
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Miller Park
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The Commissariat Store Museum
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Queen's Wharf Brisbane
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The Star Brisbane
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Sky Deck
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location167 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
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Total distance5km
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Final location91-113 William St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
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Distance back to start location482.18m
Directions to Starting Point
The tour begins in Queen St Mall. Directly outside the Brisbane Visitors Information Centre which is located inside the historic Regents Theatre.
Queen St Mall is the heart of Brisbane CBD
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
There are plenty of free museums along the way, but I recommend completing the tour first and returning to them later when you know their exact opening times.
Free Museums to Visit:
- Museum of Brisbane – inside City Hall, showcasing Brisbane’s history and culture
- ANZAC Galleries – a moving tribute to Australia’s service men and women
- Holocaust Museum – a place for reflection and education
- Old Government House – one of Brisbane’s most important heritage buildings
- Parliament House – Queensland’s seat of government and a fine example of colonial architecture
Great Spots to Rest and Soak Up the Views:
- Kangaroo Point Green Bridge – with stunning city and river views
- The River Boardwalk – perfect for a rest alongside the river
- City Botanic Gardens – shady, peaceful, and full of history
- Miller Park – a quiet pocket surrounded by heritage architecture
- Sky Deck at The Star Brisbane – panoramic views and a taste of the city’s modern side
Places to Return for Dinner:
Doodee Boran – authentic Thai street food, packed with flavour and atmosphere
The Plough Inn – a classic Aussie pub at South Bank with hearty meals and live music
Best time of day
This tour can be enjoyed any day, at any time. Brisbane can get quite hot in summer, so if you’re not a fan of the heat, it’s best to start early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The good news is that much of the walk is shaded by buildings and trees, which also provide some protection if it rains.
You’ll find restrooms and water fountains along the way, and Brisbane’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink. There are also plenty of spots to sit, grab a drink, or enjoy a snack.
Completing the tour at night means you’ll miss out on some of the best outlooks — and the chance to experience the city’s daytime buzz and culture. That said, many landmarks look spectacular after dark, so consider returning later for night-time views and photos.
Precautions
Most of the tour follows well-lit, busy city streets, and the parks are generally safe to walk through — though you might feel a little uneasy wandering them very late at night.
Bring a water bottle, some sunscreen, and a hat — especially if you’re walking during the warmer months.
There are a couple of sections that some people may find a bit difficult with a short but steep walk and several sets of stairs. But they are well paced apart and there is ample place to take your time.
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