Brisbane City Hall
The basics
Walking and bike tours of Brisbane often include a photo stop by the Heritage-listed Brisbane City Hall, but to fully appreciate its architectural details, you’ll need to take a tour. Join a City Hall tour and admire the grand auditorium, with its fluted Corinthian pilasters, domed roof, and 19th-century organ; then ride the historic elevator up to the Clock Tower for a view over the city. Visitors can also explore the exhibitions at the Museum of Brisbane, attend events held in the auditorium, and enjoy lunch or a coffee break at the Shingle Inn, Brisbane’s oldest café.
Things to know before you go
- Brisbane City Hall is one of Brisbane’s most visited attractions and a must for first-time visitors to the city.
- Free 1-hour City Hall tours run several times daily but places are limited and advance bookings are essential. Clock Tower tours cannot be booked in advance—tickets are available from the Museum of Brisbane.
- There are restrooms, a gift shop, and two cafés (Shingle Inn and Red Cross Café) at the City Hall.
- Brisbane City Hall and the Museum of Brisbane are fully wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. The Clock Tower is not accessible.
How to get there
Brisbane City Hall is located on King George Square in the heart of downtown Brisbane and just one-block from the Queen Street Mall. For those arriving by public transport, Brisbane Central train station is just a 2-minute walk away, while buses #330, #333, and #340 stop right on the square. Parking is available at the King George Square Car Park.
Trip ideas
When to get there
City Hall tours typically run from morning until mid-afternoon with the Clock Tower open during this time period. The bells don’t chime on weekends, so a weekday visit is recommended if you want to see the bells working. Check the events calendar and time your visit to enjoy one of the regular events and concerts held in the auditorium.
Museum of Brisbane
Located on the third floor of Brisbane City Hall, the Museum of Brisbane is devoted to Brisbane’s history and cultural heritage, with numerous permanent and temporary exhibitions. Entrance is free and exhibitions often include collections by local artists, retrospectives on key Brisbane events or cultural movements, insights into Brisbane’s Traditional Owners and Aboriginal culture, and live music and theater performances. Don’t forget to admire the views—the museum looks out over the Clock Tower and copper dome of the City Hall.