Newstead House

Set in a commanding position overlooking Newstead Park, Newstead House, built in 1856, is one of the most prominent homes in Queensland’s history, and its oldest standing European residence.

It has been occupied by some of the city’s most influential colonial figures, including Patrick Leslie, Captain John Clements Wickman, and George Harris.

The core of Newstead House is the 1846 two-storey brick and stone Georgian cottage built by Patrick Leslie, one of the pioneers of the Darling Downs. From 1847 until early until early in 1860, Newstead was the home of Captain John Clements Wickham, the highest-ranking official in Moreton Bay.

By 1859, Queensland was poised to become a colony in its own right, separate from New South Wales. But Wickham was overlooked for the position of Governor and declined an opportunity to become Colonial Treasurer.

From 1862 to 1890, Newstead House was owned by politician and merchant George Harris who created the house we know today. Working with prominent architect and politician James Cowlishaw, Harris made significant improvements and extensions to the home. The Harris family led a lavish lifestyle, with an entertainment budget said to have been up to 20,000 pounds a year. By 1874 George Harris had mortgaged the property to James Taylor of Toowoomba.

The house had many occupants in the subsequent 20 years until the City of Brisbane purchased it in 1917. Harry Moore, Brisbane’s Superintendent of Parks, moved into Newstead House and began redesigning the gardens. From late 1942 through to the end of World War II, Newstead House was commandeered by the American military and occupied by the Photographic Detachment of the 832nd Signal Service Company.

Newstead House was closed for renovation and restoration for several years, re-opening in July 2024 and resuming its role as a living museum, furnished to reflect the occupation of the Harris family.

It has always been a home where real people lived, real moments were experienced, and real history was made.