Old Government House

Near today's central city, Gardens Point is the birthplace of modern Brisbane. At its center stands Old Government House (ogh.qut.edu.au; free). Queensland’s most important heritage building (1862) was designed as a private residence for Sir George Bowen, Queensland’s first governor. The sparsely furnished interior is open to the public from Tuesday to Friday and on Sundays. Book ahead online for one-hour guided tours at 10.30am on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The 1st floor houses the William Robinson Gallery (wrgallery.qut.edu.au; free), dedicated to the Australian artist, and displaying his paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture and ceramics. It's open from Tuesday to Friday and on Sundays.