Brisbane City Hall and Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane

Brisbane City Hall stands prominently in King George Square and is widely regarded as one of the most ornate and beautiful municipal buildings in Australia. The foundation stone was laid in 1920, and construction was completed in 1930. For many years, the hall was Brisbane’s tallest building. Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, the structure features a grand sandstone façade supported by Corinthian columns. Above the main entrance is an elaborately carved tympanum, created in the 1930s, depicting scenes from the early settlement of Queensland, including cattle drovers and native wildlife such as kangaroos.

Inside, the highlight is the main auditorium, whose design draws inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome. The hall has long hosted concerts, ceremonies, and public gatherings. Look up at the large copper dome, which is the largest of its kind in Australia. At the front of the hall is the Father Willis Organ, a magnificent instrument with over 4,500 pipes. It was built in 1892 and is a centrepiece of the city's civic pride. To find the auditorium, all you need to do is walk through the grand entrance foyer and pass the marble columns.

On the third floor, visitors will find the Museum of Brisbane, which explores the city’s history and contemporary culture. Through exhibitions, photographs, artworks, and multimedia displays, the museum highlights the people, communities, and events that have shaped Brisbane.

The most recognizable feature of the building is its clock tower, rising 91 metres above the ground. Inspired by St Mark’s Campanile in Venice, the tower became a defining element of Brisbane’s skyline. Reaching the tower is quite straightforward, as you need to take the elevators located to the right of the main foyer up to Level 3. Once you check in at the Museum of Brisbane reception desk, you will be guided to a separate, historic hand-operated lift. Visitors can then take the elevator to the viewing platform, where panoramic views stretch across the city centre and the winding Brisbane River. Due to high demand, it is recommended to reserve tickets online or at the Museum of Brisbane counter as soon as you arrive.