Buildings, bridges and other big things in Brisbane that we can all recognise make the list of Brisbane’s landmarks. In fact, they are the types of things that you’ll see in a photo of our city. If you’re overseas at the time you could suffer pangs of homesickness (severity will depend upon length of time away from home).
Tell us about your favourite Brisbane landmark - leave a comment below.
The Gabba
Melbourne’s got the MCG, Perth the WACA, but Brissie loves The Gabba. Rarely called its proper name of the Brisbane Cricket Ground, take a tour of the site, or even better, watch the Brisbane Bulls (cricket) or Brisbane Lions (AFL) play at The Gabba for a truly Brisbane experience.
Story Bridge
This canitlever bridge connects north Brisbane to south, across a bend in the river. We love to see it showering fireworks as part of the annual Riverfire event. Did you know the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Story Bridge have a couple of similarities? You can walk to the very top of both on a bridge climb and co-incidentally the road that runs across both bridges is called the Bradfield Highway. We know ‘our’ bridge doesn’t have harbour views but nor does it have a toll.
Gateway Bridge
One massive span of concrete that spans the north and south sides of the Brisbane River. It’s impossible to imagine Brisbane’s traffic moving anywhere without this bridge, so much so that a twin is currently being built beside it to double the capacity. Landing aircraft use the bridge as a directional guide but the really big cruise ships can’t fit under it. Here’s a picture of the bridge during construction in 1985.
South Bank
Since it’s origins from a demolished Expo 88 site, South Bank has become the centre for much of Brisbane’s social life, including major public events. It’s also the place to swim at the man-made beach, eat, drink and shop. It keeps getting better and better and is a ‘must-see’ for all visitors to Brisbane.
Batman building
No, you’re not in Gotham City, you’re in Brisbane and looking at the State Law Building.
Ekka ferris wheel
When the ferris wheel goes up, Brisbane kids know the EkkA will be on soon. It’s a fleeting landmark for a few weeks a year, but one nevertheless.
Historic buildings
- Customs House – a sandstone building beside the river was once part of Brisbane’s port and now houses a good restaurant and function rooms
- Old Windmill - a convict built structure on Wickham Terrace
- St John's Cathedral – technically not an historic building as it is still under construction but it is one of the world’s last examples of Gothic-style architecture
- City Hall – this used to be Brisbane’s tallest structure and the hall with pipe organ is still magnificent to see.
Of course, the Kangaroo Point cliffs and the Brisbane River are two natural landmarks of postcard picture standard.
Read more about Brisbane landmarks.
Find out which place was voted Brisbane's favourite landmark in our Best of Brisbane poll.
Got any ideas on other landmarks of our city? What’s your favourite?
I think the Riverwalk is worth a mention