5 Hidden Brisbane Locations

We don’t often think about the hidden locations in the cities we live; in the back of our minds we know there are places out there we haven’t discovered but not many of us spend weekends exploring the hidden spots in our local areas.

Brisbane has been around a while – it officially become the capital city of Queensland in 1859. This means there is a fair amount of history in the city that is left laying undiscovered by many. Let’s explore 5 hidden locations in Brisbane; 5 places you’ve probably walked past hundreds of times without realising they were there; places you may otherwise miss if you are exploring the city on holidays.

Museum of Brisbane

If you work in the city, it’s likely you walk past this one regularly. Located within City Hall, the museum hosts a range of exhibitions, and has an artist-in-residence program. The Museum of Brisbane runs Clock Tower Tours every 15 minutes, giving you the opportunity for some amazing views over Brisbane.

Museum of Brisbane. Image: MoB

Daisy Hill Conservation Park

Don’t get us wrong, we love Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, but Daisy Hill Conservation Park is a little quieter for those looking for a low-key day. With 570 hectares of eucalypt forest, and hiking trails throughout, you are pretty much guaranteed to spot a koala if you keep your eyes peeled.

Daisy Hill Koala Centre. Image: Visit Brisbane

St Stephen’s Chapel

This is another one you’ll regularly pass by in Brisbane. St Stephen’s is Brisbane’s oldest church and taking a walk inside you’ll see some unique sights including a camphor wood statue of Saint Mary MacKillop. Within the chapel while the West Window tells the story of St Stephen. , you’ll also see the East Window (Rose Window) which are Australian wildflowers in Victorian style, Bishop Quinn’s Chair – the chair of the first Bishop of Brisbane, and Camphor Laural panels that tell the story of Mary MacKillop.

St Stephen’s Chapel. Image: Must Do Brisbane

Spring Hill Reservoirs

Six metres underground on Wickham Terrace in Spring Hill are two heritage listed former water storage reservoirs. These reservoirs serviced Brisbane’s water needs until 1962. Today, all you’ll see are low, rectangular structures behind the Old Windmill Tower, and you’ve probably seen them if you’ve walked past Wickham Terrance. But it is what is underneath that’s exciting.

In 2014, the reservoir was opened to the public for the first time for a project by The Underground Opera Company. T0day it is regularly used for events including the original Opera in the Reservoir and Carols in the Reservoir events that showed how historic buildings in Brisbane could be brought back to life.

The Reservoir Spring Hill. Image: Spring Hill Reservoir

Spring Hill Baths

Quite a few locals know about the Spring Hill Baths, with this heritage-listed swimming pool still open for use. Built in 1886, it was Brisbane’s first in-ground pool, and you’ll still find the classic change rooms and grandstand seating. These are the oldest surviving swimming baths in the Southern Hemisphere, and are tucked away surrounded by original cottages.

The Baths are a lovely place to take a dip on a hot Brisbane day, and to soak up some local history.

Looking to explore Brisbane some more? Bums on Seats Tours can design a historic tour of Brisbane just for your group, or you could join our Brisbane Highlights Tour and take in some more city gems.