Gas Stripping Tower: A Relic of Brisbane's Industrial Past
Explore Brisbane's industrial heritage at the iconic Gas Stripping Tower, a unique historical landmark in West End.
The Gas Stripping Tower, located in the West End of Brisbane, Queensland, is a heritage-listed tower that offers a glimpse into the city's industrial past. Constructed in 1912 by Robert Dempster & Sons Ltd in Yorkshire, England, the cast iron tower was shipped to Brisbane in segments and erected at the West End Gasworks. It was part of the South Brisbane Gas & Light Company's efforts to upgrade their production facilities. The tower's primary function was to strip raw coal gas of its impurities, specifically ammonia and coal tar. This process involved piping gas into the base of the tower, where it would rise through internal baffles while water was sprayed from a tank at the top. The water would then strip the gas of the impurities, which were drained and sold as ammonia liquor. By 1949, more advanced techniques rendered the tower obsolete, and it was decommissioned. In the 1970s, with the introduction of natural gas, the gasworks became redundant, and most of the structures were demolished. However, the Gas Stripping Tower was spared and later restored. It was moved approximately 150 meters from its original location to its current site near Davies Park on Riverside Drive. Today, the tower stands as a unique historical landmark, offering visitors a chance to reflect on Brisbane's industrial heritage. Although access to the tower itself is restricted due to safety concerns related to nearby fig trees, it can still be viewed from a distance.
Local tips
- Visit during the cooler months of autumn and spring for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.
- Take a stroll along the riverbank in Davies Park to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the tower.
- Explore the nearby cafes and restaurants in West End to experience the local culinary scene.
A brief summary to Gas Stripping Tower
- 43A Beesley St, West End, Queensland, 4101, AU
- +61734038888
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
The Gas Stripping Tower is located in Davies Park, near the Brisbane River. From the intersection of Montague Road and Riverside Drive, walk south along Riverside Drive. The tower will be visible on your left within the park. Note that direct access to the tower is restricted by a fence. There is no cost for walking to the tower.
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Public Transport
To reach the Gas Stripping Tower via public transport, take a train to South Brisbane station. From there, walk approximately 15-20 minutes west along Grey Street and then south along Montague Road to Davies Park. Alternatively, several bus routes service the West End area. Check the Translink website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single adult fare on public transport within Brisbane typically costs between $3.50 and $5.00, depending on the distance traveled.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are readily available in Brisbane. Simply input '43A Beesley St, West End' as your destination. A ride from the Brisbane CBD to the Gas Stripping Tower typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Note that drop-off may be on a nearby street, requiring a short walk to the tower.
