Walk through Brisbane’s Living Heritage
As part of Brisbane Open House 2025, Brisbane Living Heritage hosted two guided heritage walks that opened doors to some of the city’s most iconic and storied sites. Both walks were a great success, giving participants a rare chance to step behind the scenes and hear the stories that shaped these places.
Our morning walk began at the beautifully restored Princess Theatre, where historian Robert Allen gave our group an in-depth tour, uncovering the layers of history within this 1888 treasure. From there, we made our way to the Mater Heritage Centre, where we learned the remarkable backstory of the pioneering nuns who were educated in science, baby health, and women’s health. A highlight was stepping inside the extraordinary Mater Chapel, a serene and beautifully preserved piece of Brisbane’s medical and spiritual history. We finished the walk at the Queensland Maritime Museum, where participants enjoyed free entry and a chance to explore Brisbane’s rich maritime past.
The afternoon walk started at the much-loved Tivoli Theatre, where Harry Upton, Venue Manager, led us through the theatre’s history and treated everyone to a backstage walk that was a clear favourite among attendees. From there, we headed to the historic Old Museum Building, where Sandra Hall guided our group through a “secret tour,” taking us into the heritage basement and the library—hidden gems rarely seen by the public. We finished the afternoon at the Lady Lamington Building, with a private tour of the original nurses’ quarters, offering a rare insight into the lives of those who served Brisbane’s medical history.
Across the day, around 60 people joined us, with some attending one walk and others staying for both. Each stop was brought to life by the passionate venue staff who generously shared their knowledge, making the walks as personal as they were informative.
The event was not only a wonderful opportunity to meet Brisbane Living Heritage members but also to connect with new faces who share a love for our city’s stories and spaces. The success of these walks highlighted the strength of Brisbane’s heritage community and the value of coming together to celebrate and protect it.