City Hall was built during the 1920s and receives hundreds if not thousands of visitors a day. The sandstone building itself is iconic, long adopted as a symbol of the city. Architectural buffs should have a great day, lapping out all the fine details and grand designs.
Most tourists however, come here to go up to the observation platform right up there in the bell tower. Entry is free.
There is a schedule for the bell tower visit with the last visitor waved in, usually way before 5pm.
There is an elevator on the left side after entering City Hall which you would have to take from the Ground Floor to connect to another lift to take you up the bell tower. There are plenty of historical photos along the connecting corridor, and it wouldn't hurt to grab some glimpses of old Brisbane.
The actual bell tower lift is one of those manually-operated steel grid kind. My operator was a vivacious staff who greeted everyone warmly until I realise she repeats the same thing to every new visitor, regardless if they understand English or not. She'll grin widely, usher you in, mutter some facts about the Bell Tower and then usher you out when you reach the Platform. On your return, she smiles warmly again, muttered some greetings, turned her back, and then ushers you out when the descend ended. And she repeated the cycle all over again. And again. And again.
Now, you may ask how bad is that? There were some visitors in the lift who actually asked her some questions. Still keeping sunshine on her face, but without hardly a blip or a blink, continued her monologue based on the script in her head. No one was the wiser when we landed. I remembered one of the lads giving a resigned shrug.
Quite honestly, the view from the top was a tad disappointing as the authorities had placed guards and railings so you can't really try to be Superman, well at least, from City Hall. I found more amusement, from the antics of the life operator instead.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Unfortunately, the beautiful City Hall is closed for renovations, so I will update when it is open for interior viewing again. Even though it is closed, it still is worth making the effort to view from the outside.
Built in the mid-19th century, its architecture is Victorian.
There is an impressive tall clock tower, when open again, I should think guided tours would be taking place once more!
CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS FOR 3 YEARS....2010, 2011 AND 2012
Written Jan 30, 2010
Phone: +61 (0)7 3403 4048 +61 (0)7 340
Going up the City Hall clock tower to the observation deck is a fun way to spend about an hour. However, if you are planning on doing this, you should be aware that the whole building (including the clock tower) will be closed from 1 Jan 2010 until some time in 2013.
This closure is to address issues of rising damp, water penetration of concrete footings and insufficient reinforcing in concrete footings.
Updated Nov 15, 2009
Take an hour or so out of your day and visit Brisbane City Hall, which is home to the Museum of Brisbane. You can also ride an old fashioned elevator to the top of City Hall's clock tower and get a nice 360 degree view of much of the city. The best part of all - it was free!
At the Museum of Brisbane, we got a chance to see several pieces by local artists, including some beautiful paintings by one particular Aborigine artist. They also had an exhibit about Brisbane's history, which I found very interesting since I did not grow up in Australia. However, they have probably changed out this exhibit for another one by now.
Before going, I would just make sure that both the Museum and the clock tower are open. Our first time there, the clock tower was closed, and we had to come back a few days later.
Updated Jul 27, 2007
For 75 years, visitors to Brisbane have been able to take in city views from the Cith Hall Tower.
Built between 1920 and 1930, heritage-listed City Hall is on King George Square in the city's heart.
The sandstone clock tower, rising 92m is open Monday to Friday from 10 - 3p.m and on Saturday from 10-2p.m. Adults $2.00 and children $1.00 AUD
Closed Sunday and Public Holidays
Written Jul 22, 2007
Website: www.visitbrisbane.com.au
The numerous small councils in the Brisbane area amalgamated in 1925, to form the Brisbane City Council. That led to the construction of the Brisbane City Hall, which opened in 1930. It faces King George Square, currently a building site, but which formerly had a few statues (most significantly, one of a British king of that name) and some landscaping with palm trees. The building is finished in sandstone, has a classical façade and a tower which was the highest point in Brisbane for many years. I’m prepared to stick out my neck and say that I think this remains one of the most stylish buildings in Australia.
The main feature of the interior is the large circular auditorium with its pipe organ (though I suspect the Lord Mayor and his Deputy, who have offices there, may disagree). In recent years, the Museum of Brisbane (free) has been developed to the left of the main entrance and, when we visited, was featuring a display on the history of the Miss Australia contests, run from the 1920s until 2000 when they fell victim to political correctness. The Museum, which also has a shop, merits a brief visit though I would count it of only relatively passing interest.
The City Hall is open from 0800 to 1700 on weekdays and 1000 to 1700 on weekends. It is closed on public holidays. If you wish to contact (07) 3403 8888 you can arrange to take a guided tour of the building, at a cost of $5 per adult (discounts for children and seniors).
Main photo: Brisbane City Hall in 1964
Second photo: Brisbane City Hall, now surrounded by buildings
Third photo: City Hall Auditorium (panorama, expands).
Updated Jan 20, 2007
Address: King George Square, between Adelaide and Ann Stre
Phone: (07) 3403 8888
The dominant feature of the City Hall is, of course, the tower rising 92 metres above the city. The free ride up the tower in the original vintage lift, complete with lift driver is well worth taking. To reach it, start with the panelled lift (the timber is Queensland ‘Silky Oak’) near the Museum of Brisbane, go to the third floor and signs will direct you to the wire mesh cage for the lift well.
A radio broadcast of horse racing signalled the approach of the lift and soon the lift driver (who owned the radio) opened the mesh door: we were on our way. There is little to be seen until the lift passes through the 4.9 metre diameter clock at the 55 metre level (the minute hand is 3 metres long, the hour hand 1.7 metres). If you ask, the driver will stop so you can have a better look at the clock. Continuing onwards, the lookout platform is at 76 metres, after climbing a short flight of stairs from the lift. The viewing area now is glassed in for security reasons, years ago there was just an ornamental metal railing. Although much of the view is now obscured by the ubiquitous skyscrapers, it remains an interesting perspective.
The best time to be there is when the clock strikes the hours. The clock has a Westminster chiming pattern, so the five bells ring frequently. We were there at 1100 and enjoyed listening to the booming chimes of the 4.3 tonne main hour bell, not far below us: sensitive hearing is not recommended! Coming down we chatted to the driver, who seems to enjoy the company – there were few other tourists. Automatic lifts are far less interesting!
Visits to the tower are free.
Opening hours 1000 -1500 Monday to Friday, 1000 – 1430 Saturday
Main photo: Brisbane City Hall clock – from the inside
Second photo: The antique liftwell, Brisbane City Hall
Third photo: View north from the tower
Fourth photo: View south from the tower.
Written Jan 16, 2007
An easy walk from the Queen Street Mall to this fine building overlooking a large square which was being renovated during our visit. We went inside the building and spent some time in the museum, free entry.
Updated Oct 27, 2006
Address: Cnr Adelaide St & Albert St, Brisbane
Brisbane's City Hall is a large sandstone building in the centre of the city. It is located on King George Square, just a few metres from the central train station.
The clocktower stands 95m tall and it is possible to take a lift up to the top to take in the panoramic views. The lift is free of charge and a guide tells you a few facts about the building on the way up and down. From the top, there are excellent views over King George Square and across the skyline of the CBD. However, the tall buildings of the CBD restrict any long distance views. The clocktower only opens from 9am - 3pm, and I caught the final lift to the top at 2:55pm, so my stay at the top was rather rushed - but I was up there as the 3pm bells deafeningly rang out!!
The ground floor of the City Hall houses the Museum of Brisbane and the Brisbane City Gallery (see separate tip), both of which are free to enter.
The staff on the information desk are very friendly and helpful and they can provide you with brochures, fliers and city maps and answer any questions you might have. There is also a gift shop in the City Hall.
King George Square, located in front of the City Hall, is a spacious square with a few patches of grass amongst the concrete. It is a popular place for the workers from the nearby CBD to sit and enjoy their lunches, while groups of teenagers sunbathe on the grass. A few statues are dotted around the square, including one outside the City Hall featuring two kangaroos in what appears to be some form of city or state emblem.
Updated Sep 1, 2006
Address: King George Square, Brisbane
Building of Brisbane's City Hall was completed in 1930, at the cost of nearly 1,000,000 pounds - and remains the grandest of Australia's city halls. There was a degree of criticism about the expence of the building in Brisbane - a mere outpost in Australia! But it has stood the test of time. Looking over King George Square, the city hall is an impressive and immediately identifiable building in Brisbane. The square hosts many peaceful demonstrations, markets, visiting tent taverns (at the moment), and the buildings facilities are much used by the public of Brisbane.
Updated Jul 29, 2006
Sponsored Links
Sofitel Brisbane Brisbane
4 Reviews and 955 Opinions Great hotel, newly remodeled. The room was beautiful, but we were very annoyed by the fact that we...
Royal on the Park Hotel Brisbane Brisbane
4 Reviews and 173 Opinions Hi there, I just wanted to report some very poor service from a hotel that I stayed at in Brisbane....
Rydges Southbank Hotel Brisbane Brisbane
4 Reviews and 283 Opinions Overview Rydges South Bank Brisbane Hotel is located in the heart of Brisbane's arts and...
City Hall tips and photos posted by real travelers and Brisbane locals.
Write a Review
Building of Brisbane's City Hall was completed in 1930, at the cost of nearly 1,000,000 pounds - and remains the grandest of Australia's city halls. There was a...
1,710 members live in Brisbane

Q: Are there any left luggage facilities at Roma St. railway station?

A: The web site says there are lockers http://bne.com.au/visitor-guide/what-to-do-while-transit I have not seen them with my own eyes but I expect there would be.Roma...
Read 3 Replies
1
BRISBANE - Capital of Queensland

Usually the slogan for Queensland is correct "Beautiful one day - Perfect the next." The weather is lovely, that is until the rain set in at the end of 2010, and continued into January. Our wet......
2
A big country town..................

I took this photo on the way to work on the ferry one morning. Brisbane is in the South East corner of Queensland, which is the fastest growing region in Australia. The river meanders and the curves...
3

I love to travel. It's my very favourite thing bar none, but when I've seen what I want to see on a particular trip and the money is running out, I love to come home to Brisbane. It's the best place...
4

I have lived in Brisbane since May 2000, and yes I truly love it here. I am a New Zealander and Brisbane offers me much more that New Zealand does, except the selection in NZ supermarkets is far...
5
BRISBANE – Out of ‘Moreton Bay’

“….But of all places of condemnation and penal stations of New South Wales, To Moreton Bay I have found no equal; excessive tyranny each day prevails….” Those words from an anonymous old Australian...
Build your own Brisbane page
see all Brisbane member meetings
Sponsored Links