Old Government House

Top choice in Brisbane


Queensland's most important heritage building, this 1862 showpiece was designed by estimable government architect Charles Tiffin as a residence for Sir George Bowen, Queensland’s first governor. The lavish innards were restored in 2009 and the property offers free podcast tours and one-hour guided tours; the latter must be booked in advance. The 1st floor houses the worthy William Robinson Gallery, dedicated to the Australian artist and home to an impressive collection of his paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture and ceramics.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Brisbane attractions

1. QUT Art Museum

0.08 MILES

Head to this little champ for regularly changing exhibits of contemporary Australian art and works by Brisbane art students, plus temporary exhibits, some…

2. Parliament House

0.16 MILES

With a roof clad in Mt Isa copper, this lovely blanched-white stone, French Renaissance–style building dates from 1868 and overlooks the City Botanic…

3. City Botanic Gardens

0.18 MILES

Originally a collection of food crops planted by convicts in 1825, this is Brisbane’s favourite green space. Descending gently from the Queensland…

4. Queensland Club

0.23 MILES

The Queensland Club is so exclusive that even its website is members-only. While you may not be schmoozing in its hallowed rooms any time soon, the…

5. Mansions

0.27 MILES

At the junction or George St and Margaret St is the Mansions, an unusual three-storey, red-brick Romanesque terrace which was cobbled together in 1890…

6. Kangaroo Point Cliffs

0.35 MILES

A spectacular sight at night with its floodlit vertical rock face, the 20m Kangaroo Point Cliffs on the southern banks of the Brisbane River offer outdoor…

7. Queensland Maritime Museum

0.35 MILES

If you're a hardcore fan of all things maritime, you'll probably enjoy this sea-salty museum. Its sprawling collection includes historic lighthouse parts,…

8. Stanley St Plaza

0.38 MILES

Home of the weekend Collective Markets South Bank, this renovated, touristy section of historic Stanley St is flanked by mainstream cafes, restaurants, a…