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Empire Stakes: A Glimpse into Brisbane's Past

Explore Empire Stakes in Brisbane City, a historical landmark offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past and cultural evolution.

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Located on Charlotte Street in Brisbane City, Empire Stakes is a historical marker referencing the original boundaries of the city's settlement in 1852. It serves as a reminder of Brisbane's colonial past and its evolving cultural landscape.

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A brief summary to Empire Stakes

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

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194 Charlotte St, Brisbane City, Queensland, 4000, AU

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    Getting There

    Walking

    Empire Stakes is located at 194 Charlotte Street, in Brisbane's central business district. If you are near Queen Street Mall, walk east towards Elizabeth Street, then turn right onto Charlotte Street. Continue walking until you reach 194 Charlotte Street.

    Public Transport

    From Brisbane Central Station, you can walk to the bus stop on Ann Street and take the City Loop bus (Route 300) towards the city. Get off at the 'Charlotte Street' stop and walk south for a few minutes to reach Empire Stakes. Alternatively, from North Quay ferry terminal, walk east across the William Jolly Bridge, turn right onto Coronation Drive, then turn left onto Charlotte Street. A single bus or ferry fare typically costs around $3-$5.

    Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and DiDi are readily available throughout Brisbane. A short taxi ride from Brisbane Central Station to Empire Stakes would typically cost between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

    Local tips

    Take a stroll along Charlotte Street to appreciate the blend of historical and modern architecture.
    Explore the nearby Queen Street Mall for shopping, dining, and local art displays.
    Consider visiting St Stephen's Cathedral to see Judy Watson's artwork, which also references the Empire Stakes.

    Discover more about Empire Stakes

    Empire Stakes, situated at 194 Charlotte St in Brisbane City, Queensland, marks a significant historical point within the city. The name 'Empire Stakes' refers to the ironbark posts that were placed one square mile from Brisbane's settlement in 1852. These posts served as boundary markers, delineating the area of the original Brisbane Town settlement. Today, Empire Stakes stands as a reminder of Brisbane's colonial history and the displacement of the Turrbal people, the traditional custodians of the land. The placement of these stakes also coincided with the implementation of a curfew that disproportionately affected Aboriginal people, further highlighting the complex relationship between the early settlers and the Indigenous population. While the original ironbark posts have been replaced, the location continues to hold historical and cultural value. Empire Stakes is surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere, with shops, cafes, and local art displays reflecting Brisbane's contemporary cultural landscape. Visitors can explore nearby streets, enjoy the greenery, and appreciate the blend of old and new that characterizes this part of Brisbane.

    A brief summary to Empire Stakes

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