Brisbane Australia started out as a penal settlement in 1825.  A few masterpieces of the colonial era still honour us with their grandeur.  Why not take a walk through the CBD to enjoy a few of these?

1.  Where else but on top of the list would you find the iconic Brisbane City Hall.  It is located adjacent to King George Square.  The Hall is open to visitors from 8am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays and from 10am to 5pm during weekends.  There are tours available for group bookings that last about one and a half hours.  Visitors are welcome to take a ride in the antique elevator up the clock tower for great city views.  The Museum of Brisbane is located on the ground floor.   

2.   The Old Windmill (also known as Old Observatory) in Wickham Terrace was built in 1828 by convicts.  It is the oldest structure in Brisbane and one of just two convict- built buildings still standing in the city.

3.  St John’s Cathedral located at 373 Ann Street is often described as one of the finest churches in the Southern Hemisphere.  It is open daily to visitors from 9.30am to 4.30pm.  St John’s is a wonderful example of 19^th century Gothic-Revival architecture. 

4.  Adjacent to the Cathedral you’ll find the Deanery which was built in 1853 and used as temporary residence of Queensland’s first governor.  It was originally known as Adelaide House.

5.  Anzac Square is situated between Ann and Adelaide streets.  This Square is dedicated to Australia’s military history.  The main focal point is the Shrine and Eternal Flame of Remembrance. 

6.  The General Post Office on Queen Street was built between 1871 and 1879 on the site of the convict settlement’s female factory prison.  A small museum showcasing old phones and radios is housed inside.

7.  St Stephen’s Cathedral on Elizabeth Street is a lovely twin-spired Gothic Revival structure designed by colonial architect Benjamin Backhouse.  It was completed in 1874.  Next door is the Old St Stephen’s Church which served as the original cathedral.  This is Brisbane’s oldest surviving church.

8.  The Commissariat Stores on William Street is currently home to the Royal Historical Society of Queensland.  This solid stone landmark was built in 1829 by convicts. 

9.   The Conrad Treasury Casino occupies two of the grandest heritage buildings in Brisbane.  The casino is located in the historic Treasury Building and the hotel in the Lands Administration Building.