Customs House, Brisbane, Australia

Visit duration: 30 min Editorial visit time estimate

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Customs House

Customs House is a heritage-listed former customs house at 427 Queen Street in the Brisbane CBD, a city landmark known for its distinctive copper dome. Designed by Charles H. McLay of the Queensland Colonial Architect's Office, it was built by John Petrie & Son between 1886 and 1889 to collect customs duties. It closed in April 1988 when port facilities moved to the mouth of the Brisbane River; the University of Queensland then leased it and refurbished it from 1991 to 1994. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2005.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What's inside

After its renovation the building houses a restaurant and function centre, hosts regular concerts, and has an art gallery on the lower floor. The Long Room, where customs business was once transacted, is now used for events such as lectures and dinners. Heraldic scenes in the pediments anticipated the official Queensland coat of arms, granted only in 1893, and the curved iron balcony balustrade carries Queen Victoria's royal cypher; red cedar was used for the original fittings and a grand staircase. It is close to the CityCat ferry and the free Loop bus.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source