Scout Finch

Ever wondered what lies behind some of Brisbane’s iconic buildings?

Are you like me and always drive or walk past these magnificent places and think I wonder what that looks like inside?

It’s for these very reasons I dragged a good friend Rae along to this year’s Brisbane Open House.

My dear friend Rae joining me on the walk – Spring Hill

This is a free event that is held every year and provides residents and visitors with the rare opportunity to discover the hidden wealth of architecture, engineering and history in buildings and places this glorious city.

It’s held in conjunction with World Architecture Day and includes guided and self-guided tours over a weekend (was in October 11-12 this year).

It has been running since 2010 and continues to grow each year.

Given our lack of ability to follow direction, we decided to create our own little walking tour that suited our interests, and of course around the Spring Hill Deli that I wanted to try out. Priorities people!

So join us on our tour of Newstead House, Spring Hill Service Reservoirs, Spring Hill Baths (which was not on the tour, but we decided to add it), Roma Street Station Heritage Building and Brisbane City Hall.

And the great thing is if you missed the Brisbane Open House event then you can still go and see these places as they are open to the public for viewing.

First Newstead House.  Newstead House is a heritage listed property operating as a  living museum and is considered one of the most significant properties in Brisbane.

It’s got amazing wrap around verandas with views up and down Brisbane River. For more information visit their website. I certainly recommend a visit.

Inside Newstead House (photo courtesy of Rae)

Front of Newstead House (Photo Courtesy of Rae)

How gorgeous is this light and ornate fixture

Servants quarters downstairs

Wrap around verandah of Newstead House

Standing on the verandah of Newstead House overlooking Brisbane River

Inside Newstead House

Inside Newstead House

Next stop, Spring Hill Service Reservoirs. You can go underground and explore the arched brick interiors of one of these 19th century structures that played a vital role in providing fresh water to Brisbane from 1871 to 1962.

It’s absolutely stunning and the lighting they have done in the space is incredible. The great news, to take advantage of the wonder acoustics, the group Underground Opera have been granted permission to perform a show here in November. It’s called Opera in the Reservoir…information here.

Spring Hill Service Reservoirs

Spring Hill Service Reservoirs

Spring Hill Service Reservoirs

Spring Hill Service Reservoirs

Spring Hill Service Reservoirs

Inside Spring Hill Service Reservoirs

After a quick stop at the Spring Hill Deli, which is a must. We detoured to the Spring Hill Baths. Built in 1886, this is a stunning piece of history in all of it’s retro glory.

This heritage listed swimming pool was Brisbane’s first in-ground pool and showcases old world charm with classic changing rooms and grandstand seating. And the great thing is they are now open to the public and managed by Council.

Find out the opening hours and entry fees here. The pool opens all year round.

Spring Hill Baths – now a public pool operated by Brisbane City Council

Spring Hill Baths – now a public pool operated by Brisbane City Council

Spring Hill Baths – now a public pool operated by Brisbane City Council

Spring Hill Baths – now a public pool operated by Brisbane City Council

Spring Hill Baths – now a public pool operated by Brisbane City Council

Next stop the Roma Street Station Heritage Building, via the stunning Roma Street Parklands.

Roma Street station was the city’s first railway station when it opened in 1875 and for 115 years was its major general freight terminal. It is currently under restoration, but is just gorgeous with all the brickwork and archways.

Read up about the works here.

At Roma Street Station Heritage Building

The stunning brickwork at Roma Street

Part of the museum at Roma Street

And lastly, the stunning Brisbane City Hall.

Built between 1920 and 1930, the heritage-listed City Hall is seen as the heart of Brisbane and has been the backdrop to many cultural, social and civic events.

Having undergone a $215 million restoration, City Hall is the perfect place to explore Brisbane’s history with daily guided tours. It’s also got many rooms to hire for events. For more information visit their website.

It also includes theMuseum of Brisbane. This is where I recently visited the recent Costumes from a Golden Age exhibit here.

At Brisbane City Hall – available for room hire and events.

Brisbane City Hall (Photo courtesy of Rae)

Brisbane City Hall (Photo courtesy of Rae)

The ceiling of the Brisbane City Hall

The ceiling of the Brisbane City Hall

As Brisbane Open House always showcases, Brisbane has many wonderful places to visit.

Check out their website, explore some of the places and ensure you are registered to hear about next year’s event.

Happy scouting!