History comes alive: must-visit heritage places in Queensland
Issued: 16 Sep 6 min read

Brisbane and surrounds: Boy Swallows Universe filming locations

When Boy Swallows Universe exploded onto Netflix in 2024, audiences were captivated by the iconic sub-tropical suburban backdrops that set the tone for Trent Dalton’s sprawling Brisbane epic. While a lot of painstaking work went into creating sets that mirrored the distinct aesthetic of 1980s Brisbane, the secret to the miniseries’ authenticity lies in its use of real Brisbane (and surrounding) heritage locations.

Key spots used in Boy Swallows Universe include:

Jimbour House: Home to series villain Tytus Broz.

Brisbane City Hall clock tower: The scene of the nail-biting series finale.

Boggo Road Gaol: Where characters Frankie Bell and Slim Halliday (the Houdini of Boggo Road, no less!) do time throughout the show.

Cameron Street in Beenleigh and Thornton Parade in Wavell Heights each hosted key residential locations in the show – and while the houses aren’t state heritage-listed, the streets are still a worthwhile visit if you’re into 1980s-style Queensland architecture.

Fun fact: Jimbour House remains a family home, even though it’s open to the public for tours. The Russell family has owned the property since 1923, preserving its heritage and traditions. Find out more about the families of Jimbour over the years!

Outback Queensland: Mt. Isa Underground Hospital

It’s not every day you get to see the site of subterranean healthcare from the 1940s, but the Mt. Isa Underground Hospital is just that. This fascinating relic is an ode to the city’s industrial past, as it was built to provide medical care for injured miners who worked nearby. Wind through the structure’s tunnels and catch a glimpse of vintage medical equipment that will have you thanking your lucky stars for modern medicine. The on-site museum gives you a peek behind the curtain of life in the mountains in mid-century Australia – you can learn the stories of the amazing staff and patients who lived underground. Keen? Book a tour through the Underground Hospital website.

Fun fact: During World War II, the underground hospital was built as a refuge for civilians and patients in case of a Japanese air raid.

North Queensland: Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum

Did you know there was a flourishing Chinese population in North Queensland’s Atherton in the early 1900s? The beautiful Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum is a testament to the town’s storied past and unique ties to traditional Eastern culture. This remarkable temple, built in 1903 by Atherton’s Chinese community, is more than just a place of worship – it features priceless cultural artefacts that shine a light on the social and religious life of its tenants. The temple’s interior, adorned with original intricate carvings, has been carefully preserved.

Learn about the fascinating history of the temple and the significance of its namesake, Hou Wang, a legendary figure from Chinese history. Guided tours by passionate volunteers offer a wealth of information about the location, considered one of the few remaining temples dedicated to Hou Wang outside of China itself.

Fun fact: The temple survived a devastating cyclone in 1956, which destroyed the pagoda in front of the building.

Southern Queensland: Royal Bull’s Head Inn

Want to really immerse yourself in Queensland history? The Royal Bull’s Head Inn is your chance to explore a 19th-century inn built by an ex-convict. A must-visit in Toowoomba, the Royal Bull’s Head Inn has been preserved with meticulous care. You can explore rooms featuring original artefacts and furniture – be sure to scope the utensils in the old kitchen (the part of the inn that has seen the least change). You can also stroll through the tranquil garden and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of early settlement on the Darling Downs. Feeling brave? The inn also hosts monthly paranormal evenings, offering a unique and spooky experience for those seeking a thrill.

Fun fact: The inn is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman who was tragically killed there. Visitors have reported strange occurrences, such as cold spots, unexplained noises, and even ghostly apparitions.

Sunshine Coast: Glass House Mountains

While the Sunny Coast is famed for its pristine beaches, a natural heritage gem is waiting for you in the hinterland. Rising dramatically from the coastal plains, the Glass House Mountains are a must-see destination for history buffs with a flair for nature. This place holds deep spiritual significance for First Nations Peoples – they gathered there for ceremonies and trade, reading environmental signs to predict food availability. Before European settlement, the area sustained people for millennia, providing abundant resources.

These iconic landmarks, named after early European settlers who mistook them for glasshouses, offer breathtaking views and a range of outdoor activities to suit all travellers. Hikers can explore the network of trails leading to the summits of Mount Beerwah, Mount Tibrogargan, or Mount Ngungun, while rock climbers and paragliders can challenge themselves with the area's unique geological formations.

Fun fact: The Glass House Mountains are the remnants of ancient volcanoes that erupted millions of years ago. The peaks are made up of volcanic rock, such as rhyolite and trachyte, which gives them their distinctive shapes.

Townsville: Heritage pub crawl

Is it getting hot in here? It’s no secret that Townsville’s temperatures can get a bit sweat-inducing – so what better way to cool off than with a visit to the city’s gorgeous original pubs? There are four fantastic spots to indulge a love of history and hospitality – West End Hotel, the former Townsville Post Office (operating as Townsville Brewing Co.), Great Northern Hotel (operating as Newmarket Hotel), and Tattersalls Hotel (operating as Molly Malone’s Irish Pub). Each pub has something unique to offer, from the West End Hotel’s bragging rights as the city’s oldest pub (circa 1865) to the former Post Office’s striking clock tower and the Great Northern’s Victorian charm. Bottoms up!

Fun fact: As the name suggests, Tattersalls Hotel was once a popular destination for gambling. The hotel's name is borrowed from William Tattersall, a famous English racehorse auctioneer.

Fraser Coast: Wharf Street magic

The Fraser Coast (rightfully) receives a lot of love for being the gateway to K’gari and home of whale-watching hub Hervey Bay – but did you know that the area is also rich with heritage history? The township of Maryborough is a must-visit for fans of stunning old-world architecture, with Wharf Street in particular housing almost a dozen original structures like the Customs House Hotel, Waterside Workers’ Hall, and former Australian Joint Stock Bank. The buildings weave together a rich tapestry of Maryborough’s portside history – ideal if you have a particular taste for maritime and transport-adjacent places.

Fun fact: The Maryborough City Hall (built in 1875) was one of the first public buildings in Queensland to be lit by electricity. It was also the location of the first public telephone exchange in the state.

Thousands more places to explore

Got a taste for heritage? This list is just a small sample of what’s on offer in Queensland’s heritage space – there are thousands of beautiful, unique, and exciting places to get your history fix all around the state. You can search the Queensland heritage register or use the Heritage Explorer to seek out places, trails or road tripsthat are local to you.