From grand city buildings to the suburban shops, schools, churches, factories and dwellings, our historic built environment tells the story of Brisbane’s evolution from a small river settlement to a prosperous capital city.
From Wynnum to Indooroopilly, right up to Sandgate, the history and stories of these suburban neighbourhoods make up our rich cultural landscape and help define the character of our city.
Brisbane City Council have unveiled their new Heritage Trails – there are now 22 suburban heritage trails across Brisbane that celebrate the stories of our local suburbs, in addition to Aboriginal culture trails, the Reflections on the River Trail and the Kangaroo Point National History Trail.
King George Square and City Hall, c. 1945 (Brisbane City Council)
Queen Street, Brisbane, ca. 1910 (Brisbane City Council)
Engravings of Wickham Terrace, showing Alexandra (house), the Windmill and flagstaff, Brisbane, 1865 (State Library of Queensland)
Seaside Heritage Trails
Holidaymakers, day trippers and picnickers can take a trip back in time on Council’s heritage trails and rediscover our 19th Century premier seaside resort towns of Sandgate and Shorncliffe, also featured suburbs in our 2022 Villages of Brisbane.
Shorncliffe Seaside Heritage Trail
Discover how the coming of the railway in the 19th Century transformed the area, and why it was so popular among Brisbane’s social elite, attracting thousands to its foreshores and entertainment precinct.
The Shorncliffe trail features 21 stops and is approximately 4.9 km in length, with an estimated walking time of 1.5 hours. However, you can also choose to explore the trail in other ways, such as running, cycling or other active transport. Discover the Shorncliffe Seaside Heritage Trail and download the guide.
Two girls with a doll walking along Shorncliffe Parade, Shorncliffe, c.1910, State Library of Queensland
Step through Sandgate Heritage Trail
Step through Sandgate on a journey to places that helped shape the area, including railway landmarks that celebrate its evolution as a sought-after holiday destination, the historic town centre, stately homes, and locations culturally important to local Aboriginal groups.
The Step through Sandgate Heritage Trail is newly updated with five additional places including the Decker Building and seaside villas Harriman and Torquay.
The 3km trail has 24 stops and is estimated to take less than an hour. However, you can also choose to explore the trail in other ways, such as running, cycling or other active transport. Discover the Step through Sandgate Heritage Trail and download the guide.
Opt for a day by the bay
Why not stay for the day and take in both Sandgate and Shorncliffe heritage trails?
Together, these trails tell the history of how Sandgate and Shorncliffe became Brisbane’s premier 19th Century seaside resort towns and provide the perfect way to spend the day.
Images: Sandgate Central Railway Station, c.1920, State Library of Queensland, Sandgate Central Railway Station, undated, State Library of Queensland, On the beach, Sandgate, c.1910, State Library of Queensland, Lovers’ Walk, Sandgate, c.1920s, State Library of Queensland