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South Brisbane

History of Brisbane's South Brisbane

South Brisbane's history has been compiled as a part of the BRISbites community history project.

Aboriginal history

Two groups, the Jagera and the Turrbal, inhabited the Brisbane Area. The land from South Brisbane to West End was called Kurilpa in the Indigenous language, which means 'place of rats'.

The forest country and vine scrub in South Brisbane and West End supported a wide diversity of animal and vegetable foods. Kangaroos, wallabies and other small marsupials were caught in 50 to 60 millimetre mesh nets about 1.2 metres high. The animals were also encouraged to graze in areas that had been purposely fired to produce green shoots.

Urban development

By the 1860s boarding houses were well established in South Brisbane, providing accommodation for single men. The boom time of the 1880s for Mater Hill, South Brisbane and South Bank was accompanied by residential development and growth. In 1888 the Municipality of South Brisbane was declared.

Development in the South Brisbane area proceeded in the 1880s and 1890s. A major impetus to the area came with the construction of the rail line in 1884. This provided access to the wharves at South Brisbane and fostered the development of accompanying commerce and industry. South Brisbane also became the terminus for suburban and country lines.

Notable residents

Thomas Blackett Stephens was a politician, newspaper proprietor and businessman. He became Brisbane's second mayor and he went on to purchase the Moreton Bay Courier in 1861. His son William was also a politician and businessman and the first mayor of South Brisbane. In 1890 the Stephens family moved into Cumbooquepa, the heritage listed building that now forms part of Somerville House, a private school for girls.

The world-renowned author and poet David Malouf lived in South Brisbane and many of his books recreate his childhood experiences.

Landmarks

There are numerous historic churches in South Brisbane including the Greek Orthodox Church of St George in Besant Street, South Brisbane. The church, consecrated in 1960, is the focal point of a Greek cultural precinct which includes the nearby Greek Community Centre and Hellenic House.

Musgrave Park is an important place for the Aboriginal community as well as for all who enjoy the festivals, concerts and cultural events that take place there.

Today South Bank Parklands, on the Brisbane River, developed on the former Expo 88 site, is perhaps the best known landmark.

Reference: BRISbites, 2000

More South Brisbane information

REIQ Profile

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