Reflections on the River Trail
Walk the Reflections on the River Trail to discover the role the Brisbane River has played in our city’s history.
About the Reflections on the River Trail
The Brisbane River has long been the defining feature of our city. Known as Maiwar to some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the river has provided a backdrop to thousands of years of ecological and cultural history.
It has also played a significant part in the industrial and commercial transformation of modern Brisbane.
The river’s rich history is still marked by heritage buildings and historical sites that characterise the Town Reach.
The Reflections on the River Heritage Trail winds along the riverfront of central Brisbane and explores:
- the importance of shipping to the city's commercial heritage
- the location of wharves, warehouses and workshops
- historic homes and government buildings
- the impact of floods on the city.
Reflections on the River Trail map
There are 29 points of interest along this 3.8-kilometre trail, beginning at Customs House and finishing at the Kangaroo Point boardwalk.
For addresses of all trail stops and suggested route between stops, download the trail guide.
Points of interest
Customs House, Petrie Bight, c. 1920 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Opened in 1889, Customs House reflected the prosperity of Brisbane's early maritime trade.
Intersection of Queen and Eagle Streets, 1889 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
The fountain was completed in 1880 as a city beautification project. A plaque added in 1988 honours Brisbane firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
View of almost completed Story Bridge, c. 1939 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
The stretch of the river between Kangaroo Point and Gardens Point was once the bustling centre of maritime trade. The shipping industry was vital to Queensland's development, carrying wealth into Brisbane and Queensland.
Naldham House, c. 1935 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Built in 1888, it was originally the home of the Australian United Stream Navigation Company. Flood markers on the side of the building document the record 1893 high water mark.
About this stop
The former Coal Board Building was designed by Richard Gailey in the late 1880s. The Queensland Government purchased it in 1968 for offices of the Coal Board and other entities.
Edward Street during a flood in Brisbane, Spencers Building, 1890 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Built in 1890, this building was a warehouse eventually used Leonard Spencer, coachbuilder and ironmonger until the 1920s.
Edward Street during March 1880 flood, 1880 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
This 1886 riverfront warehouse, named after its first tenants, housed a string of merchants and shipping agents for nearly 80 years.
Corner of Queen and Edward streets, Brisbane, during 1893 flood, 1893 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Built on a flood plain, Brisbane experienced the destruction of several floods. This flood marker commemorates the successive floods that devastated the city.
Port Office Hotel, c. 1929 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
This was originally called the Shamrock Hotel. The building was renamed in 1990, for its proximity to the nearby Port Office building.
Port Office, c. 1889 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Completed in 1880 at a cost of £8,811, this building provided offices for the Marine Board and Shipping Office.
Building of Smellie & Co. Ltd. Hardware, Brisbane, Queensland, c. 1920 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
This attractive warehouse was constructed in 1895-96 for importers Smellie and Co.
Naval Office and adjacent Water Police Offices, c. 1946 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
The Naval offices were constructed in 1900-01 as headquarters for the Queensland Marine Defence Force.
Building of Smellie & Co. Ltd. Hardware, Brisbane, Queensland, c. 1920 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
This warehouse was built in 1888 for Smellie and Co.. Originally only 3 storeys high, another 2 storeys were added in 1895, making it one of the tallest buildings in the city at the time.
Sketch of the Britannia Foundry building on Alice Street, undated (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Much of the ironwork used during the Brisbane building boom of the 1880s was manufactured at this site.
Botanic Gardens, c. 1896 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
The City Botanic Gardens were originally set aside in 1828 to provide crops for the penal settlement. Today they are Brisbane's most mature gardens, featuring rare and unusual plants.
Watson Brothers Building, c. 1882 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
An interesting example of a late 19th Century commercial warehouse, this building was constructed in 1887 for Watson Brothers (prominent plumbers, gasfitters and metal workers).
About this stop
Marine engineers and metal workers, Smith and Ball, constructed their Acme Engineering Works at this site in 1913.
The Brisbane Synagogue, c. 1906 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Founded in 1865, the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation gathered at various locations until this building was constructed in 1886. Construction followed an architectural competition won by Arthur Morry.
The Mansions building, c. 1908 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Early residents of these terrace houses included Dr Lillian Cooper, Queensland's first female doctor and Australia's first female surgeon.
Harris Terrace at the corner of George and Margaret streets, c. 1869 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Local businessman and parliamentarian George Harris built this row of houses in 1867. Lessees included professionals and members of the Queensland Parliament.
Immigration Depot at William Street, c. 1868 (John Oxley Library)
The Immigration Depot, built in 1865 to 1866, provided migrants with a staging point from which to begin their new life in the colony.
Former Commissariat building in Brisbane, c. 1928 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
The Commissariat Store, one of only 2 remaining convict-built structures, was erected in 1829 to secure the settlement's food, clothing and tools.
Alice Street ferry, c. 1898 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
The new Queensland Parliament building was opened in 1864, however financial constraints meant only the George Street frontage was erected. Other features were added in later years, until its completion in 1889.
The Queensland Club, corner of George and Alice streets, c. 1912 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Established in 1859 for a membership of mostly landed gentry, politicians and businessmen, this building was designed by prominent architect, F.D.G. Stanley. It was built by J. Smith and Sons between 1882 and 1884.
Gardens Point Brisbane, c. 1870 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Established in 1909, this was the first site of The University of Queensland until 1945, when the site was occupied by the Central Technical College. In 1965, it became the Queensland Institute of Technology and was recognised as Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 1989.
Old Government House, c. 1879 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Completed in 1862, this building was designed by architect, Charles Tiffin, for the Queensland climate. It was the home to the first Governor, Sir George Bowen.
QGS Lucinda, c. 1890 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Brisbane's worst maritime disaster occurred during flooding in January 1896. A ferry, the Pearl capsized and 28 people perished.
Queensland fleet, Paluma and Gayundah, at South Brisbane, undated (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Built between 1876 and 1881, the South Brisbane Dry Dock is one of the oldest in Australia.
Kangaroo Point Coal Wharves, c. 1900 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
The foundations of steam cranes are all that remain of the former coal wharves, which opened here in 1883.
