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 Gardens. The only way to peek inside is on one of the free 30-minute tours, which leave at the listed times (2pm only when parliament is sitting). Arrive five minutes before tours begin and don't forget to bring photo ID; no need to book.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Brisbane attractions

1. Queensland Club

0.07 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…

2. 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…

3. Mansions

0.11 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…

4. Old Government House

0.16 MILES

Queensland's most important heritage building, this 1862 showpiece was designed by estimable government architect Charles Tiffin as a residence for Sir…

5. City Botanic Gardens

0.17 MILES

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

6. Commissariat Store Museum

0.27 MILES

Built by convicts in 1829, this former government storehouse is the oldest occupied building in Brisbane. Inside is an immaculate little museum whose main…

7. Stanley St Plaza

0.35 MILES

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

8. South Bank Parklands

0.37 MILES

Should you sunbake on a sandy beach, saunter through a rainforest, or eye-up a Nepalese peace pagoda? You can do all three in this 17.5-hectare park…