Discover Brisbane through 'Boy Swallows Universe'

Trent Dalton's bestselling debut novel, Boy Swallows Universe, has won hearts globally and is now a Netflix series. Set and filmed in Brisbane, the series perfectly captures 1980s Brisbane with its landmarks and suburbs. Explore our curated list of activities that will immerse you in the world of Boy Swallows Universe.

Explore Brisbane City Hall

Constructed between 1920 and 1930, Brisbane City Hall is a heritage-listed site. It features sweeping marble staircases, vaulted ceilings, chandeliers and mosaic-tiled floors. Tours showcase the Main Auditorium, the Father Henry Willis Organ, and the iconic Clock Tower. The Clock Tower Tour includes a ride in Brisbane's oldest cage lift and a look at Australia's largest analogue clock.

City Hall's Clock Tower is the backdrop to the last challenge Eli faces in the novel's final act.

Step further into the Boy Swallows Universe, at the Museum of Brisbane and discover 1980s Brisbane life and history.

Delve into the city's history

Learn more about Brisbane's history from Brisbane's committed volunteers with a free Brisbane Greeters tour. The program includes tours of Brisbane City, as well as key precincts such as Fortitude Valley and Paddington.

Tour the dark history of the city with Crime Tours Australia. Uncover the crime stories from Brisbane's past with 3 walking tours in the Brisbane CBD, South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley. Inquire about Boggo Road Gaol, where real-life inmate Arthur "Slim" Halliday, Eli's babysitter, resided.

Sample Vietnamese cuisine in Darra

Catch a train to the city's west to explore the diverse suburb of Darra where the Bell family lived. Darra's strong multicultural roots means you can sample the best of Brisbane's Vietnamese cuisine while there.

Catch a show at The Tivoli

The Tivoli is Brisbane's beloved indoor theatre and music venue, which also served as a backdrop in the series. Constructed in 1917, the historic building has served as a live performance venue since Expo '88. Catch a show for a great time in one of Brisbane's most historic venues.

Related information

Are you waiting to read the book before watching the series? Or has the series sparked your interest in reading?

Borrow it from one of Council's 33 libraries with a free library membership.

For more ideas near series or book locations, download the Brisbane app.