Upon arriving in downtown Brisbane, most visitors will certainly notice King George Square. The square frequently hosts large-scale events, and the centrepiece of it all is Brisbane City Hall, a roughly 100-year-old architectural gem. Inside the building, you can visit the Clock Tower, the performance centre, and the Museum of Brisbane, which offer panoramic views of the cityscape. The surrounding area of the square is dotted with a variety of bars and restaurants, making it a vibrant and culturally rich tourist hotspot!
Today, I'd like to highlight 2 major attractions located in King George Square, to help you plan your Brisbane city tour smoothly!
(Brisbane City Hall, housing the Clock Tower, stands prominently in King George Square.)
1. Brisbane City Hall
Brisbane City Hall was once the tallest building in town and is regarded with pride by the local citizens. In its heyday, it was the centre of administration and culture and was listed as a national heritage site in 1978. Although it was temporarily closed for a few years due to renovations, it reopened for public visits in 2013. If you appreciate architecture steeped in history and featuring strong British influences, this is a must-visit when you're in Brisbane!
◎Address: Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD
◎Transport: Take a train to the "Central" station, then walk about 5 minutes, or take a bus to "King George Square" and walk about 1 minute. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Tickets: Free admission; fees for certain events may apply
◎Recommended activities: Day tour & boat sightseeing
◎Official Website: Brisbane City Hall
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(The square often hosts various events, mainly of market nature, but occasionally also of entertainment nature, such as the annual Winter Festival. Held at the end of June and the beginning of July, it celebrates the onset of winter. Brisbane doesn't really experience snow, but they still put a lot of effort into creating a wintry atmosphere, such as ice-skating and snow-related facilities. It's quite amusing!)
(In December, up until Christmas, Brisbane City Hall is adorned with eye-catching decorations and light shows, making it a shared memory among the locals.)
(On the second floor of City Hall, many preserved ancient rooms are open to the public. One of these is a performance hall with a centuries-old organ. It's not only a venue for occasional music performances but also hosts many significant events in Brisbane, including citizenship ceremonies.)
2. Museum of Brisbane
On the third floor of City Hall, there's the lesser-known Museum of Brisbane, offering a wealth of information about the city's history, geography, and cultural significance. It also provides introductions to indigenous Australians and related artwork. Although it's smaller than the museums or galleries at the Cultural Centre, with just one floor of exhibition space, the entrance to the Clock Tower is located near the museum's counter. Hence, if you have time, you can visit these two attractions together!
◎Address: Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD
◎Transport: Take a train to the "Central" station, then walk about 5 minutes, or take a bus to "King George Square" and walk about 1 minute. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Tickets: Free
◎Official Website: Museum of Brisbane
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(The museum may not be large, but its layout is straightforward, making it easy to take in every exhibit. More importantly, it offers insights into Brisbane's culture and history!)
(On the day of my visit, an architectural exhibition was on display, featuring modern structures from Brisbane's sister cities. I was delighted to see my original hometown, Taiwan's "Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts." Even though the description was in English, seeing something from Taiwan in a foreign land felt surprisingly heartwarming!)
(Near the counter, there are many exhibition-related books and cultural creative items available for purchase.)
(If you want to visit the Clock Tower, you need to pick up a "ticket" from the museum's counter. Here's the best part - it's free! The tours run approximately every 15 minutes, and staff will guide you. However, visiting times may vary on public holidays or under special circumstances.)
(To get to the Clock Tower, you'll take an antique lift that's been in operation since City Hall was completed. It's still functioning! A tour guide will accompany you, sharing information about the Clock Tower.)
(Once you're at the top, you'll have about five minutes to take in the views. Although it might seem short, the space at the top isn't large, so it's plenty of time to admire the scenery from all four sides of the tower. Even the expansive King George Square appears miniature from up here!)
In conclusion, King George Square, Brisbane City Hall, and the Museum of Brisbane might not be enormous attractions, but they certainly stand out in Brisbane's city centre. As a result, many independent travellers visit these sites. Don't miss out on these places when you're in Brisbane!