Today we went for a photo shoot with our camera club into the city to photograph buildings and monuments. We took the Colonial Heritage Walk so most of our shots were of old buildings. Compared to other parts of the world Brisbane is a young town. The first settlement started in 1823 so naturally our old buildings are not that old.
We started in Brisbane Square outside the 'Treasury Casino", which used to be the Treasury Building. It was built in 3 stages between 1883 and 1928. It was designed by J J Clark in a neo-italianate design.
Just across the street and through Queens Gardens is the Casino Hotel in the "Lands Administration Building" which used to be the government "Executive Building" designed by Thomas Pye and built in 1898-99.
We continued down George St past many more interesting buildings, too many for one post. This building is "The Mansions" designed by G H M Addison and built in1889 in the style of Victorian Terrace houses. They are important because there were very few built in Brisbane.
At the top end of George St is Queensland's Parliament House.designed by Charles Tiffin and built in stages between 1865-1889 in a French Renaissance Style.
A little further on is Old Government House situated opposite the Botanic Gardens and on the campus of Queensland's University of Technology". It was constructed between 1860-62 as the home of Queensland's governors until 1910 when it became part of Queensland University until 1972. It became the first heritage listed building in Qld in 1978. In 2002 Qld Uni of Technology became the custodians and it is now a museum and used for functions. Behind the old house you can see one of the many modern buildings of the university's Gardens Campus.
It was the Science Building and we went in to see this amazing digital aquarium where many varieties of tropical fish and mammals were swimming. If you could be quick enough to press the screen on a moving animal it would give you information about it.
The Commissariat Stores is the oldest occupied building in Queensland. Built by convicts in 1829. It is now the home of The Royal Historical Society of Queensland.
LOVE historic buildings. And I get really upset when they tear them down. I think this means I must live in the past. :)))
ReplyDeleteWonderful buildings. Good that they are being cared for, it's part of our heritage. I remember a few.
ReplyDeleteWOW incredible shots and history. I would love to visit someday. Hug B
ReplyDeletethe aquarium is neat! i loved the b&w image! wow!
ReplyDeleteWonderful buildings Joh missed.
ReplyDeletenumber 2 and the last one are my favorite photos. the architecture is amazing and wow on the aquarium.. did not know something like that exists.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, As much as I love the fancy, modern, new buildings in cities --my heart is always with the older ones... Love your photos and am so glad that you shared the 'older city' with us today.. Knoxville (TN) has an 'Old City' --which they have worked to get small businesses back in that area (which was dying). What they are doing seems to be working since they are always offering concerts, etc. there---and people go there to eat/shop/just be together.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Vintage buildings are so grand and beautiful,aren't they? I love to see and photograph them.
ReplyDeleteAlthough not that old I think they look very impressive, just made to impress the people with huge buildings, it a part of a certain area. Very nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteThere are some architecturally beautiful "old" buildings in Australia Diane, and Brisbane I think is home to some of the best out there. This is a lovely series!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this tour of the old buildings of Brisbane. Always happy to see the old ones restored and still in use ... even as a casino. It would be fun to stay in the one that is a hotel.
ReplyDeleteGreat tour of these old buildings.. I do love the aquarium. The digital touch system sounds neat.. Have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteThe Old Govt House is lovely. We are lucky to have them after the era of midnight demolitions by Joh.
ReplyDeleteI love these old buildings. Although they are all impressive, I really like the Treasury Building. I'm glad they have all been preserved.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and good memories of Brisbane. It was the one place I would have loved to have moved to but Australis would not have us despite Nigel having a sister living in Sydney. Any way now I am glad as I love France and travel from here is so much easier :-( Take care I will be back in July. Diane
ReplyDeleteWow great shots of some amazing buildings. I really like the black and white one.
ReplyDeleteHow dare casino operatives get their grubby, little hands on two of these buildings.
ReplyDeleteI love the old Government House building - it shows how the Qld/Aussie style had started emerging in the building styles, even back then. The palm tree out front helps too.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are spectacular! I feel like I was along for the walk and I thoroughly enjoyed it, too!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos of beautiful buildings The second one feels like our Canterbury museum. Would love to visit Brisbane one day
ReplyDeleteHi Diane. That was an interesting historial walk and I do like all that architecture. And the digital aquarium was a surprise - I had never heard of such a thing before. it sure looks like the real thing in your photo.
ReplyDeleteI have been away far too long, and have just spent some time catching up on your many adventures. Nice to be back.
ReplyDeleteOh what beautiful old buildings
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! What about the beautiful old QLD museum building? That's my favourite heritage building. X
ReplyDeleteYour shots of Brisbane are wonderful, and this digital aquarium is totally amazing. Have never seen anything like this anywhere . Love it!
ReplyDeleteMy vote for best photo and most interesting building goes to the Commissariat.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting tour.
They look beautiful and I am surprised to see such old buildings. When I think that even in the 70th Australia was rather a desert with only very few population !
ReplyDeleteBrisbane has some wonderful older buildings which I didn't now about. Interesting to leaner a little about them.
ReplyDeletedid I tll u about your Treasury, one new year's mid afternoon. I crossed the bridge, and saw hordes of people entering the building. I thought it was new year's day sale. I asked, and the person told me it was the Casino
ReplyDeleteI don't know why, but it surprises me to see these lovely old buildings in your City! Great pictures. Envy you belonging to a camera club.
ReplyDeleteA lot of interesting looking buildings there. There are so many places near us in London that look like The Mansions !
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