Tours of old Victorian prisons have a grim appeal: it's part morbidly fascinating 'dark tourism'; part architectural heritage appreciation; part 'look how far we've come' social commentary; and part just plain spooky. This version takes you through the notorious Boggo Road Gaol, a couple of kilometres south of the city centre. A working prison from 1883 to 2002, its former inmates include child-killer Ernest Austin, the last man to be executed in Queensland.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Brisbane attractions

1. Woolloongabba Art Gallery

0.58 MILES

Divvied up into three exhibition spaces, WAG aims its spotlight at contemporary Australasian art. Multiculturalism and social justice are recurrent themes…

2. Guido Van Helten Mural

0.79 MILES

Dominating a car park on Trafalgar St is this giant monochromatic mural by Brisbane street artist Guido Van Helten. One of Australia's most globally…

3. Queensland Maritime Museum

0.87 MILES

If you're a hardcore fan of all things maritime, you'll probably enjoy this sea-salty museum. Its sprawling collection includes historic lighthouse parts,…

4. Kangaroo Point Cliffs

0.9 MILES

A spectacular sight at night with its floodlit vertical rock face, the 20m Kangaroo Point Cliffs on the southern banks of the Brisbane River offer outdoor…

5. University of Queensland Art Museum

1.01 MILES

Occupying a striking glass-and-concrete building on the University of Queensland's verdant grounds, this progressive public gallery serves up temporary…

6. Stanley St Plaza

1.12 MILES

Home of the weekend Collective Markets South Bank, this renovated, touristy section of historic Stanley St is flanked by mainstream cafes, restaurants, a…

7. Old Government House

1.15 MILES

Queensland's most important heritage building, this 1862 showpiece was designed by estimable government architect Charles Tiffin as a residence for Sir…

8. QUT Art Museum

1.22 MILES

Head to this little champ for regularly changing exhibits of contemporary Australian art and works by Brisbane art students, plus temporary exhibits, some…