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Gas Stripping Tower: A Relic of Brisbane's Industrial Past

Explore Brisbane's industrial history at the Gas Stripping Tower, a unique heritage landmark in West End, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

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The Gas Stripping Tower in West End is a heritage-listed industrial landmark, the only surviving gas stripping tower in Australia. Built in 1912, it stands as a reminder of Brisbane's early 20th-century gas production.

A brief summary to Gas Stripping Tower

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months of autumn or spring for pleasant weather and optimal conditions for exploring the surrounding area.
  • Take a stroll along the riverbank near Davies Park to fully appreciate the tower's unique architecture and scenic surroundings.
  • Explore the nearby cafes and restaurants in West End to experience the local culinary scene.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Gas Stripping Tower is accessible via public transport. From South Brisbane station, take the 199 bus from Cultural Centre station, platform 3, to Boundary St at Jane Street, stop 6. From there, it is a short walk to the tower. Public transport fares within Brisbane are a flat rate of $0.50 per journey.

  • Walking

    The Gas Stripping Tower is located near Davies Park and is easily accessible by foot. From South Brisbane Station, it is approximately a 15-minute walk. Head southwest towards Grey Street, turn right onto Grey Street, then turn left onto Vulture Street. Continue onto Montague Road, then turn left onto Beesley Street. The Gas Stripping Tower will be on your right.

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Discover more about Gas Stripping Tower

Standing tall in the West End, the Gas Stripping Tower is a unique reminder of Brisbane's industrial heritage. Erected in 1912 for the South Brisbane Gas & Light Company, the cast iron tower played a vital role in purifying coal gas by stripping out ammonia and coal tar. These byproducts were then sold as ammonia liquor. The tower itself was manufactured by Robert Dempster & Sons Ltd in Yorkshire, England, before being shipped to Brisbane in segments. Gas was piped into the tower's base and rose through internal baffles while water sprayed from the top, effectively removing impurities. By 1949, more advanced techniques rendered the tower obsolete, and it was decommissioned. When natural gas became widely available in the 1970s, the gasworks closed, and most structures were demolished. However, the Gas Stripping Tower was saved and, in 1979, relocated approximately 150 meters from its original location to its current site near Davies Park. Today, it stands as a preserved monument to early 20th-century industrial engineering and a distinctive feature of the West End. While access to the tower's base is restricted due to concerns about the surrounding fig trees, it can be viewed from Riverside Drive.

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