The Old Windmill, Brisbane Travel Guide

Explore Brisbane's oldest building, a convict-built tower with a dark past and panoramic city views, offering a unique glimpse into Queensland's history.

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The Old Windmill

The Old Windmill, also known as the Windmill Tower or Brisbane Observatory, is the oldest surviving building in Queensland, Australia. Built by convict labor in the 1820s, it stands as a reminder of Brisbane's penal colony past and has served various roles throughout its history, including a grain mill, treadmill for punishment, signal station, and even a broadcasting tower.

A brief summary to The Old Windmill

Spring Hill, Queensland, 4000, AU

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Old Windmill.

Combine your visit with the Spring Hill Heritage Trail to explore other nearby historical sites.
Enjoy a picnic at the nearby Roma Street Parkland after your visit.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Check for guided tours or special events happening during your visit.

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Explore The Old Windmill on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Old Windmill, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you are in Brisbane's Central Business District (CBD), head north on Albert Street toward Elizabeth Street. Continue straight until you reach Wickham Terrace, then turn left. Follow Wickham Terrace until you see the Old Windmill on your right at the intersection with Spring Hill. The walk should take approximately 15 minutes.
Public Transport

From the Brisbane CBD, head to the nearest bus stop at Queen Street Mall. Catch a bus heading towards Spring Hill (routes 340, 500, or 598). Get off at the stop named 'Spring Hill' on Upper Edward Street. From there, walk up to the intersection with Wickham Terrace, turn right, and continue until you see the Old Windmill on your left. The bus ride takes about 10-15 minutes. A Translink single-zone ticket costs around $3.50.
Taxi/Ride-share

From Brisbane CBD, a taxi or ride-share to the Old Windmill will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $15-$25. There are usually taxi stands available near major hotels and shopping areas in the CBD.

Discover more about The Old Windmill

The Old Windmill, located in Spring Hill, is a tangible link to Brisbane's earliest European settlement. Constructed in 1828 by convicts, the windmill was intended to grind grain for the Moreton Bay penal settlement. However, its hilltop location proved unsuitable for catching sufficient wind, rendering it largely ineffective for its primary purpose.To compensate, a treadmill was installed, powered by convicts, turning the millstones. This grueling task became a form of punishment, with inmates working up to 14 hours a day in leg irons. The windmill also holds a dark history as the site of Queensland's first public execution, where two Indigenous men were hanged in 1841.Over the years, the Old Windmill has served many purposes. It functioned as a signal station, communicating with ships entering the Brisbane River, and later as an observatory, with locals dubbing it 'The Observatory'. The tower also played a role in timekeeping, with a time ball dropping daily at 1 pm to allow residents to set their watches. In 1934, it was the site of Queensland's first television broadcast.Today, the Old Windmill stands as a heritage-listed landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into Queensland's past. Though the mechanical workings are gone, the tower remains a significant historical site and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.