Brisbane City Daily Photo

Castlemaine Perkins - XXXX beer

2006-09-22T20:55:00.000+10:00

1878 -The first brew produced in the Castlemaine Milton Brewery was made to the same formula as the Castlemaine Brewery in Victoria. It was called Castlemaine XXX Sparkling Ale and was ready for sale on Friday 13 September. The then "Brisbane Courier" described the brew as a "delicious ale of the brightest amber, pleasant to taste, with a peculiarity of flavour not easily described and an aroma of an appetising nature by itself".

The X's date back to medieval times when brewing was confined mainly to monasteries. The monks used X (the sign of the cross) as a standard symbol of quality for alcoholic beverages. The number of X's represented the strength and quality of the brew.

1880 - Queensland's first telephone is installed linking the Castlemaine Brewery with its head office in the City, some 5km away.

1924 - The new XXXX Bitter Ale became available for sale. Yeast cultures had been
imported from Europe to experiment with many types of beer. "XXXX Bitter Ale" proved to be the most popular, and has remained a winning formula to this day.

1999 - Major production milestone reached with the 5 Billionth XXXX stubbie rolling off the P3 packaging line.

Tie in

2006-09-21T22:45:00.000+10:00

Just thought I would take this oppertunity to (loosely) tie in with Melbourne Daily Phot o. He has a picture of the HMAS Castlemaine ship and I have a photo of Castlemaine Perkins.

More on this Brisbane Icon tomorrow.

Customs House

2006-09-20T22:42:00.000+10:00

Customs House, one of Brisbane’s heritage icons, is located on the river in the Central Business District. Behind the grand Corinthian columns you will find exquisite boardrooms, a stunning ballroom, seminar rooms and a Licensed Restaurant.

Dwarfed by modern towers of glass and steel, the Customs House still shines like a beacon on the banks of the Brisbane River. With work commencing in 1886, this imposing and rare surviving masterpiece of the Colonial architects Office took three years and 38,346 pounds to build. It is actually older than both City Hall and the houses with direct river frontage. Opened in 1889, this stately land mark served as the city's Customs House for almost a century before the gradual shift of port activities closer to the river mouth undermined its role. Regular guided tours capture the building's historic flavour while a display of memorabilia from those bygone years still stirs the imagination of visitors.

Customs House finally closed in April 1988 and for a while the building's future was uncertain. Then in late 1991 the University of Queensland took over the lease and launched a major restoration program to return the heritage-listed building to its former glory. Three years and $7.5 million later the original style had been faithfully recaptured - but this time subtly blended into a modern, highly functional, multipurpose building for educational and cultural activities. The Customs House is once more a major Brisbane asset.

For the love of beer

2006-09-19T21:24:00.000+10:00

We have an ad on TV here which shows why this man is doing this.

It starts with several trebuchet (catapults) firing large quantities of various ingredients (like hops & malt) into the clouds as people look on. They even fire 2 barmaids up there. Then they hear lift doors open and their is a stag in the lift.

Everybody goes quiet as they stare. Then you see the stag in the trebuchet getting fired into the clouds. Next you hear thunder and the sky turns amber. Next it starts raining beer as all the ingredients have mixed together in the sky. Everybody starts dancing and try to catch the beer like the man on the billboard.

Art of the City

2006-09-15T22:30:00.000+10:00

This is some of the artwork in King George Square in the middle (sort of) of the city. The City Hall is at the other end of this square.

I don't have any idea what this piece of art represents.

The IBM Building

2006-09-14T21:32:00.000+10:00

Beard Papa Sweets

2006-09-13T22:41:00.000+10:00

This shop caught my eye as I was walking through Brisbane near Central Station.

I haven't eaten here yet, but they sell cream puffs. It is a crunchy puff with whipped cream custard inside. There are stores in Japan (240), Asia (40) and America including Hawaii.

Victoria Bridge

2006-09-12T21:59:00.000+10:00

Over the other side of the Brisbane river is the Queensland Performing arts centre.

Big Tree

2006-09-11T22:40:00.000+10:00

Bottle trees (Brachychiton rupestris)

Walk north along Ann Street to take the steps at the Shrine of Remembrance down to Anzac Square to some unusual bottle trees (Brachychiton rupestris).

Their common name comes from their unusual habit of developing a swollen trunk. The trees are related to the popular flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius).

Anzac Square is a national war memorial, dedicated on Remembrance Day of 11 November 1930. It has three pathways that converge - one each for the air force, army and navy.

Colonel Cameron, a light horseman from the Boer War, donated these trees to the square in honour of the Queensland contingents who fought in the war. It's believed that he took the trees from his Roma property.

At least three of the bottle trees have been replaced over the years:

* one in the middle of the walkway in the 1970s
* a second in the 1980s, replaced with a tree donated from private land at Wynnum
* a tree from Roma was planted in recent years to replace a third tree lost from wound decay

Peace on Earth and an end to Terrorism.

Brisbane River

2006-09-07T22:37:00.000+10:00

Approaching the dock on the city cat ferry. This is looking out the front over the bow of the boat.

Construction

2006-09-06T22:41:00.000+10:00

Fig tree reserve

2006-09-05T21:32:00.000+10:00

Go south along Eagle Street to the corner of Eagle, Elizabeth and Creek Streets. You'll come to an oasis of trees in the financial district.

This fig tree reserve consists of two white figs (Ficus virens) and one banyan (Ficus banghalensis) with their curtains of aerial roots.

The white fig is the same species as the trees in King Edward Park. This large native fig is deciduous (sheds its leaves annually).

The banyan tree is native to India and is sacred in the Hindu religion. The tree produces aerial roots that develop into curtains of prop roots when they reach the ground. Aerial roots are kept trimmed in the park.

It's likely that Brisbane's first curator of botanic gardens, Walter Hill, planted these trees in the mid 1800s. The two clues to his involvement at this site are:

* a photo of the figs taken in 1889 showing them to be eight to 10 metres high
* a statement in his annual report in 1874 (15 years earlier than the photo) where he said, "the two reserves for shade trees and ornamental shrubs at the corners of Queen, Eagle and Creek Streets are making good progress in the growth of their vegetation"

In 1889, Queen Victoria granted the area where the trees stand to the then North Brisbane Council.

The Story Bridge

2006-09-04T22:40:00.000+10:00

The construction of the Story Bridge was not one of logistical convenience or necessity. In fact its precence did not justify itself by the relief of traffic congestion but rather as a means for boosting morale and creating employment. The Story Bridge made its appearence during an era in which Brisbane was striving through a period of economic hardship and world wide political unrest. This period was otherwise known as the great depression. During the 1930's, as a consequence of the depression, a world wide romance with bridges took form. A prime reason for this was the fact that a structure of such jingoistic beauty, could be created in a time of such despair.

Parkinson - End of a series

2006-08-31T22:48:00.000+10:00

I finish off my Parkinson series with a view over Parkinson.

Parkinson - Show Off

2006-08-30T22:11:00.000+10:00

Parkinson - Little visitor

2006-08-29T21:44:00.000+10:00

I wonder what this little birdie came down to the water to see?

Answer tomorrow.

Parkinson - New Homes

2006-08-28T22:40:00.000+10:00

There are quite a few new homes getting built higher up on the hill in Parkinson.

Parkinson - Rotunda

2006-08-27T20:13:00.000+10:00

Parkinson - More ducks

2006-08-26T22:42:00.000+10:00

This is a park that runs right through from one end of Parkinson to the other.

Parkinson - Local shops

2006-08-25T22:53:00.000+10:00

This is the local shops at the main street entrance into Parkinson. On the right hidden behind the tree is Planet Pizza. I should try it out one day.

Parkinson - Hidden Oasis

2006-08-24T21:27:00.000+10:00

There is a bridge down the lower end of Parkinson that marks where the environmental park is. They have information on plaques on the bridge about the conservation done in the area. Just near the bridge is a pond you can see from the road.

You then have to walk down a path, go behind some tables with a roof overhead, go under some bushes to find this little oasis. I'm sure you would miss it if you wern't out looking for places to take photos of. I only caught a glimpse of a part of it as I was ready to turn around and go back.

Parkinson - Edge of the park

2006-08-23T22:16:00.000+10:00

In answer to a previous question - I found the information on Forest Lake here.

Parkinson - Unusual sight

2006-08-22T20:59:00.000+10:00

When I first arrived in Parkinson and stopped to take photos, these 2 ducks were just sitting on the road.

When I got out of the car they started moving off so I quickly had to snap a photo.

In answer to a previous question - The National Australia Bank building is somewhere near the joining of Queen Street and Eagle Street near Customs House. I am pleased to know that my photo inspired someones art (even if they were just bored).

Parkinson - Typical street

2006-08-21T22:11:00.000+10:00

Parkinson - Hidden treasure

2006-08-20T21:48:00.000+10:00

On the edge of the park is this lagoon hidden behind a lot of shrubbery.

Parkinson - Park and Street names

2006-08-19T08:52:00.000+10:00

This is a kids play area in a park the closest to the Brisbane border. The very colourful stepping timber blocks would draw the eye. Also notice down the bottom that they have added colourful bands on the path to "jazz" it up a bit.

Friday's Post - Many of the streets here have these large wooden street name signs. They still have proper street signs, but these add more prestige to the area.

Start of a Series - Welcome to Parkinson

2006-08-17T22:24:00.000+10:00

Parkinson is located on the fringe of Brisbane City. There is a small forest separating the end of Parkinson and the border of Logan City.

It took me three attempts to photograph this as both times a bus was waiting and I had to come back. This is the main road into the Parkinson suburb.

Some information on Parkinson - Parkinson is roughly 19km from Brisbane’s Central Business District (CBD). Over 62% of households in the area are couples with children, 28% are couples without children and 8% are single parent households. 96% of the dwellings in this area are stand-alone houses. The houses are mainly modern, brick and tile houses on reasonable sized blocks.

For a map, please click here.

End of a Series - Medieval Fayre - Dinners Ready

2006-08-15T20:40:00.000+10:00

The fayre runs over 2 days and many of the people who set up a display encampment, stay the night. It is still quite cold at night and they would look forward to a hot piping dinner.

Performers

2006-08-14T22:03:00.000+10:00

At every fayre of this type, you get your performers. They draw you in with crazy acts and then ask for a small donation for the honour of seeing their show.

His arm isn't on fire, the camera caught some of the flame that was left behind by the torches.

In answer to a previous question, acording to the 2001 census (we just did our 2006 census) 540,046 or 2.9% of Australia's population were of Scottish Ancestry.

Links have been updated.

Scottish dancers

2006-08-13T21:51:00.000+10:00

The skill of the scottish dancers was a highlight of the Medieval Fayre and the colorful clothing added to the scene.

Parkinson photos in 3 days.

Brisbane City History - 1974, 26-30 JANUARY - Australia Day weekend flood. 14,000 homes flooded.

The sword bearer

2006-08-12T22:42:00.000+10:00

Walking in front of warriors, this youth carries the sword of the armies champion.

Not camera shy

2006-08-10T22:23:00.000+10:00

This group fight with the rapier and follow the lifestyle that made the 3 musketeers famous. Of course this is just when they are re-enacting.

"one for all, and all for one"

Ready for battle

2006-08-09T22:30:00.000+10:00

The soldier bows his head and prays before battle. The evidence of previous battles etched in their colourful shields. The heat of battle is pounding in their ears as the calm desends over the field.

Grand Parade

2006-08-08T21:48:00.000+10:00

The grand parade is held on both days of the fayre. All those who have made a costume display them as part of their re-enactment group. Each group choose a time period to re-enact and chose a group name. Some groups have 2 people displaying their costumes while others have 30-40.

In answer to a previous question, the photo of Brisbane was taken from Mt Coot-tha and it was a little smoggy. Also, I will take the Parkinson photos on Sunday so I should have a series for next week.

A target up top

2006-08-07T22:13:00.000+10:00

The white object on the knights head is what needs to be knocked off to remove him from the game (as talked about yesterday). The suits of armour are well made and look incredible.

Brisbane City History - 1973 (My birth year) - J C Slaughter Falls opened {named after Brisbane's longest serving Town Clerk}.

Start of a Series - Medieval Fayre

2006-08-06T22:02:00.000+10:00

The Medieval Fayre was on a little late this year as it had been previously cancelled.

Here we have fighting on horse back. The thunder of the hooves and the clash of arms fill the air.

The grey thing hanging from the helmet of the rider to the right is a made up object that you strap to the top. You'll see some of the others in a later photo. The object is to knock this off the helmet to make the rider leave the tournament.

The reason the one on the left is still in is because the one on the right is the last one standing and it is a free for all to finally knock his object of his helmet.

Building Info

2006-08-05T23:40:00.000+10:00

This is the QIC building with its distinctive sloping roof. QIC is one of Australia's largest institutional fund managers with over $50 billion in funds invested and was established in 1991.

QIC real estate's developments include completion of the $45 million “Piazza” entertainment and leisure precinct at the Hyperdome (Logan City Daily Photo) and a $22 million development of the Robina Super Center (Gold Coast City Daily Photo).

The logo reminds me of the connect 4 game which you can read about (and play) here.

Brisbane City History - 1971, 22 JULY (2 years before I was born) - The Springbok Rugby Team arrived from South Africa, and due to protests, a state of emergency was declared to allow the games to be played.

The dock with no boat

2006-08-04T23:41:00.000+10:00

This is located at the end of Southbank at the Maritime Muesum. It is called a dry dock. They let water in, open the door, bring in the boat, put up blocks under the boat then pump out the water.

This way they can repair the boat without having to lift the boat out of the water.

I will try to take some photos of Parkinson in a week or two. My goal is to showcase Brisbane city and then branch out into the suburbs. I will still do requests if asked, it might just take a little time.

What a view

2006-08-03T22:05:00.000+10:00

The view of Brisbane city from Mt Coot-tha.

Brisbane City History - 1969, 13 APRIL - Last tram taken off Brisbane streets, amid much opposition.

Moving away

2006-08-02T19:59:00.000+10:00

Sitting at the back of the City Cat ferry, you can watch the powerful jets push the vehicle away from the dock.

Brisbane City History - 1959 - Television arrived.

Look out lady !!!!

2006-08-01T18:52:00.000+10:00

Hi, I finally have got my new router figured out and can return to posting daily again.

It looks like this shop is ready to chomp down on unsuspecting pedestrians. At the top of this path is the middle of the Queen Street Mall. To the right of the picture is the entrance where the buses go under the mall to the underground bus depot.

Brisbane City History - 1957, 5 AUGUST - First parking meters operated.

Australia History

2006-07-27T21:32:00.000+10:00

Sorry, I have had some trouble uploading pictures.

There are several buskers (those who perform in return for small change from the public) in Queen Street Mall. This Aboriginal plays his didgeridoo (hollowed out tree trunk) to bring old Australia to the tourists.

The Brisbane river runs through Brisbane and female named streets run away from South Bank on the other side of the river. Male named streets run parallel to South Bank. Queen Street mall is just by the river near where the Victoria bridge crosses it.

South Bank used to be where Expo 88 was held.

Under construction

2006-07-23T21:55:00.000+10:00

This is the new building for Brisbane City Council. It is currently under construction.

Brisbane City History - 1954, 22 SEPTEMBER -

Population reached 500,000.

Old Building

2006-07-22T23:32:00.000+10:00

I don't know how old this building is, but it is the National Australia Bank. Probably their headquarters in Queensland.

Brisbane City History - 1948, 1 MARCH -

23,000 railwaymen, waterside workers, miners and seamen on strike in Queensland.

Twisted

2006-07-21T22:24:00.000+10:00

This sculpture represents the knot tying used for securing ships or securing things on ships. There are a few others similar to this nearby. The detail is very good.

Art wall

2006-07-20T20:27:00.000+10:00

Peace

View across the river

2006-07-19T22:23:00.000+10:00

A view of Brisbane City across the Brisbane River from Southbank.

Brisbane City History - 1936, 6 MARCH -

Laying of foundation stone for new buildings for University of Queensland at St Lucia.

Colour and flowers

2006-07-18T21:36:00.000+10:00

Brisbane City History - 1930, 8 APRIL -

Completion of City Hall - the 'Million Pound Town Hall'.

Don't jump!!!

2006-07-17T21:02:00.000+10:00

I spotted this stone cat (I think it is a cat) up on one of the older buildings in Brisbane.

Brisbane City History - 1928, 10 JUNE -

Brisbane-born Charles Kingsford Smith and crew arrived in Brisbane in Fokker monoplane Southern Cross, after an 11,000 kilometre flight over the Pacific in three stages.

They look angry

2006-07-16T21:04:00.000+10:00

Emma Miller was foundation president of the Woman’s Equal Franchise Association between 1894 and 1905. The vote for women in Queensland State elections was finally won in 1905; women had had the right to vote in Federal elections since Federation, and voted for the first time in the 1903 Federal election. On 2 February 1912, known as Black Friday, at the height of a general strike, Miller led a contingent of women to Parliament House, avoiding police with fixed bayonets.

William Lane, born in Bristol England, had chosen to identify himself with his adopted land and became a radical activist. In 1887, Lane founded his own newspaper, "The Boomerang", a weekly labour paper.

This paper was a milestone in the organisation of labour in Queensland; Lane synthesised together the movement of national independence and identity with the cause of the freedom of labour and social justice for the whole people.

More city art

2006-07-15T23:50:00.000+10:00

Art at the lower end of Queen Street Mall.

Brisbane City History - 1924, 30 OCTOBER -

City of Brisbane Act placed whole of local government under one administration.

Mini series - Churches

2006-07-14T21:34:00.000+10:00

The Church of Christ in Ann Street. This building is 123 years old. You can even e-mail for a prayer request at their web site.

Brisbane City History - 1922, 16 OCTOBER -

First Queensland radio broadcast of a concert from Savoy Theatre, Clayfield.

The Goodwill Bridge

2006-07-13T19:57:00.000+10:00

Brisbane City History - 1912, 18 JANUARY -

General strike after members of Tramways Union ignored directions about wearing union badges.

I never knew that was there.

2006-07-12T21:31:00.000+10:00

Sorry, for personal reasons, I couldn't post yesterday.

I was passing this light post and was very surprised to see a flame instead of a light bulb. It might be the only one like it in Brisbane city (that is council owned).

Brisbane City History - 1910, 14 APRIL -

University of Queensland established.

Build it up Build it up Build it higher

2006-07-10T21:15:00.000+10:00

There is a childrens song that has the words "build it up build it up build it higher" usually sung when making a tower of blocks. They get knocked down by someone, they pout and then they start singing and building again.

If you click on the picture, you can see the floor numbers. There are 63 floors in this building. I like the sun flare at the top.

Brisbane City History - 1902 - Brisbane proclaimed a city

'a tree a rock a cloud'

2006-07-09T20:33:00.000+10:00

Brisbane City History - 1896, 13 FEBRUARY -

Wooden steamboat, Pearl, capsized in flooded Brisbane River.

Popular street artist

2006-07-08T21:42:00.000+10:00

This man has been producing magnificant art for a long time now. He mainly uses spraycans and then with some scrap material and a few flicks of his wrist, magic appears before him.

Click on the picture to see how beautiful his art is.

Brisbane City History - 1893, 4th February - Record-breaking floods of Brisbane River. Victoria Bridge and Indooroopilly Rail Bridge destroyed. Second flood two weeks later.

The Weather Needle

2006-07-07T22:22:00.000+10:00

This is a very predominant object on the Brisbane City skyline. Way on top of the Hitachi building is this needle that projects above it.

There are 2 sets of six circles of lights. Each set can be either white, red or flashing those colours. These forcast the temperature and weather as shown here.

Brisbane City History - 1891, 19th August - Opening of new building at the Exhibition Grounds, Bowen Park. Attendance 32,000.

Control Box Art

2006-07-06T20:04:00.000+10:00

The Magpie.

Handy sculptures

2006-07-05T20:15:00.000+10:00

These giant hand sculptures are outside of a hotel in Brisbane. I had to wait for a while as tourists got their photos taken with them.

They seem to say, meet me here, so we can go up there. wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more!!!

Brisbane City History - 1885, 12th August - Horse-drawn trams introduced (Electric service introduced in June 1897).

Forest Lake - End of a series

2006-07-04T21:40:00.000+10:00

One last view over the lake.

Show off

2006-07-03T20:42:00.000+10:00

Just had to show you this fellow again as he looks quite funny from the front. Click on the picture to get the full effect.

In answer to a previous question, The dedication on the 11-11-2000 is just when the monument was revealed to the public after it was finished. We remember those who fell in battle on the 11th Hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. I don't think the year 2000 has any relevance to the monument.

Memorial

2006-07-01T04:35:00.000+10:00

"In Memory of those who gave their lives in defence of our country"

"At the going down of the sun and is the morning, We will remember them"

"Their Name Liveth For Evermore"

Dedicated 11-11-2000

Good timing

2006-06-30T21:25:00.000+10:00

I was fortunate to see this pelican land in the water when I visited the lake. It came very close and I got to have a good look at it as it followed me while I was walking along the edge.

When the Brisbane Wildlife Survey was undertaken in 1980-82, Doolandella/Forest Lake had an abundance of wildlife. 56 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and 11 species of mammals were reported including echidna, bandicoot, koala, brush-tail possum, ring-tail possum, sugar glider, whip-tail wallaby, red-neck wallaby, and the introduced species of hares and foxes.

Along the bank

2006-06-29T21:05:00.000+10:00

Forest Lake History - The Durack family pioneered this area in the 1880s. The original Archerfield homestead remained on the property until the 1930s when it burnt down.

The American Army established a camp here during World War II.

The first people to move into the Forest lake estate were Irene and Tom (Fred) Allen, who moved from Durack into their new home in Lavender Court in 1991.

Beautiful Bridge

2006-06-28T21:16:00.000+10:00

This is a very beautiful part of the Lake.

The recreational lake was completed in 1994 and offers 3.5 kilometres of walking trails, bike trails, playgrounds, barbecues, and picnic facilities. The lake is used for aquatic sports.

Brisbane City History - 1883, 9th April - Successful exhibition of electric lighting at Government Printing Office.

A dragon

2006-06-27T20:01:00.000+10:00

Emerging from the depths comes a very friendly looking dragon.

Forest Lake History - Aboriginal population declined over the next century due to diseases, relocation and other factors. Many were moved to mission stations well away from the city and children continued to be removed from their families until the 1960's.

However, many aborigines moved back into the city after WWII and lived in the old Negro servicemen’s area of South Brisbane. By the early 1960s many had moved to the new housing areas of Acacia Ridge and Inala. 160 families were interviewed in 1961, in this region, and many were found to be living in poor conditions. In 1963 the OPAL hostel was established which assisted with short-term accommodation, meals and welfare issues generally. By 1971, the census revealed that there were 3,200 Aboriginals in the Brisbane region; much less than in the 1840s.

Lilly pads

2006-06-26T20:10:00.000+10:00

Forest Lake History - Dr Stephen Simpson, who was Commissioner for Crown Lands from 1842-1855, was responsible for ensuring that the Aborigines were treated on an equal basis to the white population.

He established a base at Woogaroo where he later built Wolston House. After about 1842 more evidence of Aboriginal resistance to the white invaders was evident. By 1843, Dr Simpson reported that there were only about 40 Aborigines living in the vicinity of Woogaroo, although the population in the Moreton Bay region was estimated to be about 5000.

Interestingly, an escaped convict Bracefield, who had lived with the aborigines in the Wide Bay area, was assigned to Dr Simpson after his return to Moreton Bay in 1842. Other convicts assisted in the construction of a police post, house, stables and outbuildings. Bracefield later died on the Woogaroo property.

A place to contemplate the lake

2006-06-25T20:56:00.000+10:00

Forest Lake History - The establishment of the penal colony’s cattle station at Cowper’s (Coopers) Plains from 1824, probably led to the local aborigines either moving away or tolerating the intrusion as it was reported in 1840, that there had been no animals lost to aboriginal destruction since the time of the establishment of grazing for the penal settlement in the areas from Limestone (Ipswich), Redbank and Coopers Plains.

Brisbane City History - 1874, 15th June - First 'permanent' Victoria Bridge opened, with swinging span for tall vessels. Cobb and Co coach was first vehicle to cross.

Drying off

2006-06-24T19:29:00.000+10:00

This bird had gotten wet and was trying to dry itself. Or it could have seen my camera and was showing off.

Forest Lake History - In 1828 Cunningham and Fraser noted huts in the vicinity of Oxley or Inala. The only evidence of a bora ring is at the end of Kertes Road, Camira on the banks of Sandy Creek, which is just outside this study area.

By 1839 it was noted that an aboriginal living near Oxley Creek was dying of chronic pulmonary consumption. Tuberculosis and other diseases were rapidly reducing the Aboriginal population of the region. Smallpox had also taken its toll from as early as 1831.

Brisbane City History - 1872, 26th March - First steamship, Louisa, built in Queensland by R.R. Smellie and Company.

On the Boardwalk

2006-06-23T18:29:00.000+10:00

Forest Lake History - This region was the home of the Yerongpan clan of Oxley Creek who spoke the Yaggera dialect of the Turrbal language. Lost cedar cutters, Pamphlet, Finnegan and Parsons were the first white men to make observations of these people in 1823. They found two aboriginal canoes tied at the mouth of Oxley Creek (which they named Canoe Creek) for use by those wishing to cross the creek when travelling along the south bank of the Brisbane River.

Brisbane City History - 1870, 1st January - Free education introduced in Queensland.

Near sunset, over the lake

2006-06-22T19:35:00.000+10:00

Forest Lake has been particularly popular with families, due to the extensive range of learning facilities on offer in the community including child-care centres, private and state primary and secondary schools, as well as special education and adult learning.

According to the 2001 Census (Forest Lake was listed together with Doolandella) there were 14,084 people living in the area with a median age of 29. The median individual income was between $400 and $499 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 57% were either fully owned or being purchased; 39% were being rented.

Brisbane City History - 1866, 11th September - 'Bread or blood' riots as a result of financial crisis. Out-of-work navvies marched on Parliament House.

Duck frenzy

2006-06-21T20:50:00.000+10:00

Throw some bread in the water and you get a feeding frenzy with the ducks.

Forest Lake is a 1000 hectare residential master planned community which was initially commenced back in 1990 by Delfin Lend Lease.

The highlight is the artificial lake area that serves as the centrepiece of the community.

Brisbane City History - 1865, 29th November - Brisbane business houses first lit by gas.

A place to meet

2006-06-20T20:15:00.000+10:00

Forest Lake is roughly 18km from Brisbane’s CBD. Over 51% of households in this area are comprised of couples with children, 31% are couples without children and over 15% are single parent families.

Stand-alone houses account for 98% of all dwellings in this area. Forest Lake is a master planned community with plenty of lakes, parks and bike trails. Houses in this area are modern brick and tile structures, and the blocks are medium to large sized. The median house price in Forest Lake for the 2004 calendar year was $279,000.

Brisbane City History - 1864, 1st December - The Great Fire. Large business section of Queen Street wiped out.

Start of a series - Forest Lake

2006-06-19T19:59:00.000+10:00

Forest Lake is on the outskirts of Brisbane City and is a planned community. The entire suburb has themed sections (eg. colonial houses in one section) and has been set out to a plan. The main drawcard of Forest Lake is this lake that was not here in the beginning.

Brisbane City History - 1860, 22 May - First elected Legislative Assembly of 26 people, held in Courthouse Building, Queen St (formerly part of convict barracks).

End of a Series - For Nepal

2006-06-18T18:37:00.000+10:00

A hand-carved gift from Nepal to the people of Brisbane as part of World Expo 88, the Pagoda stands amongst a lush and tranquil parkland.

Brisbane City History - 1859, 10th December - Separation Day with formal proclamation and swearing-in of first governor, Sir George Bowen.

For New York

2006-06-17T21:26:00.000+10:00

There are three hotels next to each other near the boundry of Brisbane and Fortitude Valley.

They are "The Manhattan", the "Metropolis" and "The New Yorker".

Brisbane City History - 1859, 7th September - Municipality of Brisbane proclaimed, John Petrie was later elected first mayor.

For Vietnam

2006-06-16T20:31:00.000+10:00

Brisbane City History - 1853, 1st January - Captain J C Wickham, R.N., appointed Government Resident.

For India

2006-06-15T20:53:00.000+10:00

This is a little Indian restaurant hidden down the end of South Bank. I have never eaten here.

Brisbane City History - 1851 - First public meeting for separation from New South Wales. Census showed a population of 8375 in Brisbane, Kangaroo Point, South Brisbane and Ipswich.

For Ireland

2006-06-14T20:24:00.000+10:00

This little pub is tucked away under Queen Street Mall.

I might even go here for my birthday in July.

Brisbane City History - 1850 - Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac) established a branch in Brisbane. Richard Coley, a leading merchant, was a co-director. He signed Brisbane's first banknote.

For England Part 3

2006-06-13T21:19:00.000+10:00

Pig 'n' Whistle, a British theme pub, has an outlet in the heart of Brisbane on the world famous Queen Street Mall that specialises in gourmet British food.

The history of pub signs date back to the Roman times, when reliefs made of stone or terracotta were hung outside to denote the trade or profession of the occupants of the building.

In 1393, King Richard II passed an act which made it compulsory for pubs and inns to have a sign (his own emblem the 'White Hart' in London) in order to identify them to the official Ale Taster.

Brisbane City History - 1849 - Fortitude, Chaseley and Lima arrived with 630 immigrants, organised by the Reverend Dr John Dunmore Lang, a Presbyterian clergyman, promoter and journalist, an important man in the colony's history.

For England Part 2 (and for Melbourne -Victoria)

2006-06-12T21:22:00.000+10:00

A more regal statue (although the Queen is regal in any pose) located outside of the Treasury Casino Hotel, Brisbane.

Brisbane History - 1848, 13th December - Arrival of the Artemisia (Departed from Plymouth), carrying 240 government-assisted immigrants. The journey took just under 4 months.

For England

2006-06-11T21:28:00.000+10:00

An unusual pose struck by this statue of Queen Elizabeth II. I had to look at it twice as I was passing the area as this is not a common pose for royalty.

Brisbane History - 1847, 11th March - Loss of 44 lives when the paddlesteamer, Sovereign, was wrecked trying to get through the South Passage from Amity Point, Stradbroke Island.

For New South Wales

2006-06-10T21:49:00.000+10:00

Brisbane History - 1846, 25th June - First river steamer service, the Experiment, ran between Brisbane and Ipswich.

For Copenhagen

2006-06-09T21:09:00.000+10:00

This is the Royal Copenhagen Ice Cream shop at the entrance to the Myer Center.

Brisbane History - 1846 - Moreton Bay Courier first published. Later became the Brisbane Courier and from 1933, the Courier-Mail.First census showed 2258 people in the colony, including the Darling Downs.

For Korea

2006-06-08T20:49:00.000+10:00

Brisbane History - 1842, 15th November - Captain J C Wickham appointed Police Magistrate for Moreton Bay

For Italy

2006-06-07T19:04:00.000+10:00

Experience a little piece of Italy straight out of the piazzas of Florence and Rome.

Gelatissimo is Florentine-styled, with Italiante frescoes and Italian music serving the authentic tastes of Italian gelato, gelato shakes and Gelatissimo's granita.

You can even see me taking the photo.

Brisbane History - 1842, 14 July - First land sales in the colony, now open for free settlement. Because this was a miserable flop, later sales were held in Sydney.

For Belgium

2006-06-06T20:36:00.000+10:00

Have a look at Melbourne's Daily photo for Tuesday. He has a similar beer logo in his picture.

Brisbane History - 1842, 5th April - Appointment of Dr Stephen Simpson as Magistrate and first Crown Lands Commissioner for the Moreton Bay district.

For Egypt

2006-06-05T20:23:00.000+10:00

Walking into Scarab is like walking into another world because the atmosphere is really warm and relaxing and the music is great. You can buy anything from a stick of incense to a giant Buddha.

It seemed to the ancient Egyptians that the young scarab beetles emerged spontaneously from the burrow were they were born. Therefore they were worshipped as "Khepera", which means "he was came forth." This creative aspect of the scarab was associated with the creator god Atum.

Brisbane History - 1842, 24th March - Governor Gipps visited Brisbane, amended the town plans, and rejected the squatters request for Cleveland to be the port.

For United Arab Emirates

2006-06-04T20:30:00.000+10:00

I don't know is this has anything to do with the country, I just liked the way the lights look under the words "Emirates House".

If anyone was into 80's cartoon shows, they look like Energon Cubes from the Transformers cartoon.

Brisbane History - 1839 - Penal settlement closed, and all convicts left except a small number who stayed to carry out public works projects. (Transportation of convict officially ceased 1 August 1840, but it wasn't until 11 February 1842 that an official proclamation cancelled Moreton Bay a penal settlement.) However, a revised form of transportation of convicts began in 1849. Many convicts arrived under this scheme.

For China

2006-06-03T22:10:00.000+10:00

Brisbane History - 1838 - German mission station established in East Nundah under Schmidt and Eipper (to help Aborigines).

For Japan Continued

2006-06-02T21:39:00.000+10:00

This is the outside of the Mincom building with its Japanese style.

Brisbane History - 1837 - James Watt, the first steamer to arrive in Moreton Bay, brought the Petrie family. Andrew Petrie came to take up his position as Foreman of Works

For Japan

2006-06-01T21:02:00.000+10:00

The Mincom building near central station, is a very imperial Japan styled building. Tomorrow I will show you what the main building looks like.

Six geologists and computer scientists established Mincom in Brisbane in 1979 as a facilities management specialist providing software and computer processing services to mining companies.

In 2003 Mincom was named the winner of the Premier of Queensland’s inaugural Smart Award for Science and Technology, a salute to the company’s ability to remain ahead of the game in a cut-throat industry.

Brisbane History - 1831 - Penal colony reached a population peak with over 1000 convicts and about 175 soldiers.

For Paris

2006-05-31T20:36:00.000+10:00

A Croissant is a butter-laden flaky French pastry, named for its distinctive crescent shape. Croissants are made of a leavened variant of puff pastry by layering yeast dough with butter and rolling and folding a few times in succession, then rolling. Am I making you hungry?

No one knows when or where the first croissant was baked, but it was definitely in France and certainly not before 1850. The word was first used in a dictionary in 1863. The first croissant recipe was published in 1891, but it wasn't the same kind of croissant we are familiar with today. The first recipe that would produce what we consider to be a croissant wasn't published until 1905, and, again, it was in France.

For products and store locations of Croissant express, please click here.

Brisbane History - 1828, 25th August - Cunningham discovered and passed through 'Cunningham's Gap' in the Great Dividing Range, linking the Darling Downs with the Moreton Bay District.

Start of a series

2006-05-30T19:11:00.000+10:00

This is the start of my "representation of other countries in Brisbane" series. I tried to find as many places as I could and will post what I have found.

The "City of Love" in the very heart of Brisbane. Experience stunning views, exquisite cuisine and elegant ambience.

The Venice bar & grill is hidden away and you would have to know where to look to find it. In the background is the Story Bridge.

Brisbane History - 1825-1830 - Captain Patrick Logan, a strict and energetic commandant, took charge of the settlement.

Brisbane river

2006-05-29T21:08:00.000+10:00

A view over the Brisbane river from the Goodwill Bridge.

To the left is Southbank, and to the right is the Commercial Business District (CBD) of Brisbane.

Brisbane History - 1824, 14th September - Oxley with Cunningham and Millar, established a convict settlement at Redcliffe. It was later moved up the Brisbane River to where Brisbane central city is now.

Little stream

2006-05-28T20:22:00.000+10:00

This is one of the many rock streams at Southbank Parklands.

Brisbane History - 1823, 29th November - Lieutenant John Oxley, Surveyor-General of New South Wales, met castaways Pamphlett and Finnegan, who told him of a large river. Oxley, Stirling and Finnegan explored the river and named it the Brisbane River.

The Vic

2006-05-27T20:55:00.000+10:00

The Victory or "The Vic" is a very popular nightspot and pub in Brisbane.

Located in the hub of Brisbane City, The Victory Hotel has long been referred to as ‘Brisbane's Favourite Meeting Place'. Whether it is a Friday after work social – a massive Thursday student party or simply an itching to hear a great live band – The Victory Hotel has it all.

Usually after big football games, like the State of Origin (Queensland vs. New South Wales), this is where the teams come to enjoy themselves.

Pub Best Known For: Being an oasis in the city, great beer garden
Best known local character: Any of the local footballers
Message from the publican/manager: Drop in and enjoy some real hospitality

Brisbane History - 1799, 8th July - Captain Matthew Flinders anchored inside Cape Moreton, and named Red Cliff and Woody Point.

Heading into winter

2006-05-26T20:19:00.000+10:00

This is for New Zealand.

As the weather gets colder, these ice cream and soft drink vendors will disappear until summer returns.

Brisbane History - 1770, 16th May - Captain James Cook sailed past Moreton Bay and named the Glass House Mountains

Reflecting pool

2006-05-25T20:44:00.000+10:00

This is one of the many pools at South Bank.