Bridge to Brisbane 2023 Takes Centre Stage Among Brisbane’s Running Routes

The Bridge to Brisbane 2023 fun run is set to take over the city in October, with a beginner’s 4.5-km course that starts right in Hamilton, plus a more advanced 10-km course.



Bridge to Brisbane 2023

Bridge to Brisbane 4.5km
The 4.5km course starts at Hercules Park, Hamilton. Photo Credit: The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane

The 4.5km course follows the Brisbane River to the Brisbane Showgrounds in Bowen Hills. This beginner-friendly distance is perfect for newer runners.

Bridge to Brisbane 10 km
The 10km course starts at the foot of the Gateway Bridge. Photo Credit: The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane

For more experienced runners, the 10km course takes participants across the bridge before finishing at the Showgrounds. The Bridge to Brisbane allows runners to raise money for charity while enjoying Brisbane’s landmark runs.

Shuttles will conveniently transport runners to the start of both courses on race day. In addition to free transport, entry to this year’s Bridge to Brisbane includes an official t-shirt and a finisher’s medal and certificate.

Entries close online on October 13 and in-person on October 14. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Queensland’s biggest community running event!

To enter Bridge to Brisbane 2023, visit their registration portal here.

Brisbane’s other running routes

For those training for the Bridge to Brisbane or simply exploring Brisbane’s running options, the city offers a number of scenic riverside trails. 

City Botanic Gardens
Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens. Photo Credit: John Robert McPherson/Wikimedia Commons

The 5km route between QUT and New Farm offers stunning views of the Brisbane River and City Botanic Gardens. Extend the run to 10km by returning via Newstead.

The 4km waterfront course along Kangaroo Point Cliffs offers skyline views to motivate runners. Conquer the cliff stairs for an extra challenge.

Runners looking for greenery can hit the trails of Mt Coot-tha Reserve, just a 30-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD. The 1.9km Summit Track takes runners to the viewpoint at the top of Mt Coot-tha’s iconic peak.

For a longer trail run, wind through the parklands along the Enoggera Creek Bikeway. Starting in The Gap, this 13km trail winds through the northside suburbs of Windsor, Wilston, and Newmarket.



With a range of scenic options for all levels, Brisbane runners are spoilt for choice. Lace up, get inspired and see the city from a fresh perspective.

Published 15 September 2023

Sweet Relief: Innovative Accessibility Solutions Transform Hamilton Music Event for Disability Community

Queensland’s music scene is set to take a giant leap towards inclusivity and accessibility as Spinal Life Australia joins forces with the Queensland Music Festival (QMF) to present a groundbreaking event, “Sweet Relief,” in Hamilton.



Despite the thriving cultural landscape in Queensland, accessibility and inclusivity often remain overlooked aspects of event planning, leading to social isolation for individuals with physical, sensory, and emotional disabilities. A recent survey revealed that people with disabilities aged 15–64 are twice as likely to experience social isolation (17%) compared to those without disabilities (8.7%). Additionally, a significant portion (39%) of people with disabilities feel a sense of unbelonging and dissatisfaction in their local communities due to the lack of accessibility.

Sweet Relief, a flagship event of the Queensland Music Festival and part of the Qld Music Trails, is set to change this narrative by pioneering innovative accessibility solutions in the music scene. Spinal Life Australia, a disability services and support organization, is collaborating with QMF to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities to enjoy cultural events as everyone else. 

The historic event will take place on Saturday, 16 Sept 2023, at the Maritime Green in Northshore Hamilton. The festivities kick off at 12:00 p.m. and continue until 10:00 p.m. 

Some of the groundbreaking accessibility inclusions at Sweet Relief include:

  • Tactile Sensory Silent Disco: A Queensland-first experience designed to cater to neurodiverse and audio-sensitive audiences.
  • ConcertCare: On-ground support staff, including social workers, counsellors, nurses, and mental health peers, will be available to address attendees’ diverse needs.
  • Accessible Viewing Platform: A front-and-centre platform providing prime vision for individuals with disabilities.
  • Auslan Interpreters: Interpreters on-stage with fixed cameras to ensure that both the music and its lyrical essence are accessible to all.

Dane Cross, Spinal Life Australia’s Access and Advocacy Consultant, who himself lives with quadriplegia, expressed his enthusiasm for these pioneering accessibility measures. 

“Arts, music, and events are a huge and important part of our culture, so it can be frustrating for the disability community to have limitations on what they can attend. These innovations and inclusions that Sweet Relief are championing aren’t about ticking a box; it’s about creating a sense of belonging and ensuring Brisbane, and the wider community, is welcoming of all,” Dane said. 

When Dane was 21 years old, he experienced an injury that resulted in him living with quadriplegia. Instead of allowing this accident to define the end of his world, it propelled him onto a journey of advocacy and enhancing accessibility. This journey has culminated in a transformation of the music and event landscape in Queensland.

“We’re very proud and excited for Sweet Relief to represent a major step forward in creating exceptional audience experiences for everybody,” said Daryl Raven, QMF Chief Operating Officer. “QMF has a strategic focus towards diversifying our audience mix, and we hope to extend these initiatives across all Qld Music Trails events.”



For more information about Spinal Life Australia’s work in the accessibility space, please visit Spinal Life Australia’s Website

Published 14-Sept-2023

Hamilton Could Soon Have a Sky Forest on Kingsford Smith Drive

A ‘sky forest’ is poised to redefine Hamilton’s skyline, as architecture firm Myers Ellyett reveals plans for a groundbreaking apartment building on Kingsford Smith Drive.



The firm describes the planned 14-level tower at 92 Kingsford Smith Drive as a gateway project that offers a “unique approach to urban living.” The development application (DA A006311523) was filed in July 2023.

sky forest kingsford smith drive
Photo Credit: DA A006311523

The proposed site sits at the junction of the Brisbane River and Breakfast Creek, affording unobstructed panoramic views.

The architectural wonder will comprise 62 apartments, encompassing an array of 20 two-bedroom units and 42 spacious three-bedroom apartments.

Each of the 62 apartments will feature entry through sky gardens, providing open-air passages and private green havens.

The crowning glory of the structure will be a sprawling rooftop oasis spanning 1,048 sqm, adorned with a swimming pool, spa, gym with sauna, yoga lawn, private dining area, wine room, and barbecue space.

sky forest kingsford smith drive
Photo Credit: DA A006311523

On the other hand, the lower levels will accommodate 148 car spaces, 78 bicycle spaces, and commercial tenancies, creating a holistic living experience. 

sky forest kingsford smith drive
Photo Credit: DA A006311523

The firm’s design philosophy draws inspiration from the subtropical surroundings of Brisbane, where indoor and outdoor living merge seamlessly. The edifice, soaring 14 levels above ground, has been conceptualized as two distinctive entities: the “trunk” and the “treehouses.”

The apartment building’s design reflects the fusion of indoor and outdoor living that is characteristic of homes in subtropical Brisbane , fostering a lifestyle surrounded by greenery and gardens.

sky forest kingsford smith drive
Photo Credit: DA A006311523

The visionary behind the project is Industry Corp, with local entrepreneur Dennis Tomasel at the helm.

Mewing Planning Consultants, in their Town Planning Assessment, commended the project’s alignment with Brisbane’s subtropical ethos. They described the development as an embodiment of urban consolidation, catering to the demand for high-density residential spaces in a central location.

“92 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton, embraces the region’s climate and leverages the site’s exceptional amenity and vistas. It exhibits a scale that complements and distinguishes itself from the surrounding urban landscape,” stated the consultants.



Wild Studio, renowned for landscaping, will shape the lush surroundings. Their vision entails creating a thriving forest that harks back to the site’s original landscape, offering residents enchanting outdoor spaces that celebrate the healing power of nature. 

Supporting the city’s “Buildings That Breathe” initiative, the project sets out to establish new standards for eco-conscious urban living, infused with native greenery. 

Published 29-Aug-2023

Dickson Terrace Residents Say No to Tycoon’s Extravagant Rebuild

A tycoon’s plans to rebuild a home on Dickson Terrace has been met with strong opposition from fellow residents in the exclusive Hamilton neighbourhood.


Read: Hamilton’s Eldernell Terrace Named Most Expensive Street In Brisbane For 2023


The development application, which received approval in August 2022, entails the construction of a three-storey house designed by architects at Joe Adsett. The project has faced strong objections from local residents who are concerned about the potential impact of the build on their neighbourhood.

The main points of contention raised by fellow residents are the excessive height proposed for the development, which is beyond the height limit for residential areas, and the resulting overshadowing caused by said height.

Photo credit: Joe Adsett

According to the Dwelling House Code, the acceptable maximum building height for the area is two storeys and should not exceed 9.5 metres above ground level. The planners, on behalf of the applicant, argue that the proposed height aligns with the existing building heights of other structures in Dickson Terrace and the surrounding area.

Photo credit: Joe Adsett

One resident expressed shock and disappointment over the approval of a development on a neighbouring property that clearly breaches the established codes.

“In carrying out our due diligence in purchasing our property we researched the codes applying to our residential zone and took some comfort in understanding from these codes the limitations on developments that neighbouring properties could undertake,” the local wrote on a formal submission to Brisbane City Council.


Read: Heritage-Listed Cremorne in Hamilton Sells for Record-breaking $8-M


Planning documents reveal that Gail Coyne, the wife of former State of Origin player Gary Coyne, is the primary applicant for the project. Mr Coyne, after retiring from his sporting career, made a name for himself as a restaurant owner, with at least nine McDonald’s franchises.

Published 12-July-2023

Hamilton Heart Helpers: Join this Free Walking Group for a Healthier, Happier Lifestyle

Did you know that walking for an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke by 35% percent and Type 2 diabetes by 40%? Hamilton Heart Helpers is a FREE walking group that promises a socially engaging experience to help people navigate their fitness journeys together.


Read: Northshore Hamilton Welcomes First Needle-Free Vaccine Patch Facility In Australia


Spearheaded by volunteer Walk Organiser Natasha, this group is rapidly gaining popularity as locals recognise the combined benefits of physical activity and community engagement.

Hercules Street Park (Photo credit: Jonelle Alvarez Reynolds/Google Maps)

Every Sunday at 8:00 a.m., members of the Hamilton Heart Helpers gather in the picturesque surroundings of Hercules Street Park on Remora Road. The meeting point not only provides a scenic backdrop for the walks but also ensures convenience for participants with its ample parking space. 

Photo credit: Paz Avalos/Google Maps

The walks, lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, are deliberately designed to be slow-paced, accommodating individuals of varying fitness levels. The inclusive nature of the group extends to pets and parents with strollers, making it an ideal outing for families as well.

Photo Credit: Heart Foundation – Walking

The Heart Foundation advises that “all adults aged 18-64 years should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.”

If you’re walking five days a week, that’s 30 minutes per day to be considered ‘moderate.’ The exertion will require some effort but you should still be able to comfortable hold a conversation while doing it.

“When it comes to walking for heart health, some is better than none (and more is even better). If you’re not physically active, start by doing 10 minutes of brisk walking, and gradually build up to the recommended amount. Visit your GP or health professional for advice on how to safely build up your movement.”

Heart Foundation

You could break up the times as necessary but once you’ve already “found your 30,”consider upping the frequency or the duration gradually.

“Walking with guidance or supervision is an important part of cardiac rehabilitation programs, and for people diagnosed with heart disease or recovering from a heart attack. But it’s important to speak with your GP to learn how to safely build up your activity.”

Heart Foundation

Beyond the physical benefits of walking, the Hamilton Heart Helpers walks also offer a unique opportunity for participants to engage with their neighbours and foster meaningful connections. By sharing experiences, stories, and laughter, members develop a support network that transcends the boundaries of the walking group. 

To get involved with the Hamilton Heart Helpers, all you need to do is show up at Hercules Street Park on Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. Whether you are a seasoned walker or someone taking their first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, this inclusive group will provide the support and encouragement needed to make walking a regular part of your routine. 


Read: Stanwell To Supply Brisbane Airport With 100 Per Cent Renewable Energy


For those interested, Natasha can be reached via email at n7487304@qut.edu.au for any queries or additional information. You may also visit the Heart Foundation’s website to learn about other walking groups in your area.

Published 9-July-2023

Northshore Hamilton Welcomes First Needle-Free Vaccine Patch Facility In Australia

Did you know that Northshore Hamilton now has a state-of-the-art biomedical manufacturing facility producing Australia’s first needle-free vaccine patch?

Queensland biotechnology company Vaxxas plans to manufacture millions of needle-free vaccines at the new facility where cutting-edge technology produces patches that allow vaccines to be administered through the skin’s surface in a matter of seconds. This breakthrough innovation positions Queensland as a leading player in the globally competitive Asia-Pacific biomedical industry.

The facility is expected to boost the state’s economy and create up to 200 local and skilled jobs. The State Government provided funding and operational support to Vaxxas, aiding the transformation of an existing warehouse at Northshore into the manufacturing facility. 



With completed human clinical trials and ongoing studies for COVID-19, influenza, and other vaccine targets, Vaxxas’ needle-free vaccine patch technology is progressing rapidly toward commercialization. David Hoey, Vaxxas CEO, expects the first commercially available vaccine patches to be manufactured and distributed from the Queensland facility within the next three to five years.

Photo Credit: Vaxxas

The government’s commitment to supporting local biomedical start-ups and fostering innovation has contributed to Queensland’s growing reputation as a research and innovation hub.

The establishment of the Vaxxas facility aligns with the Queensland Government’s Biomedical 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, which aims to further develop the biomedical sector in the state. Currently contributing $2.1 billion to Queensland’s economy and employing over 12,000 people, the biomedical industry is set to attract more interstate and international businesses through the upcoming Queensland Biomedical Business Attraction Program.

Deputy Premier Steve Miles expressed his excitement about the facility’s opening on 19 June 2023 and highlighted the importance of expanding Queensland’s capability in vaccine development, manufacturing, and delivery. He emphasized the vital role that Vaxxas’ needle-free technology could play in pandemic preparedness by enabling the quick and easy deployment of vaccines to communities.



Published 20-June-2023

ArtForce Brisbane: Pockets of Art In Hamilton

All around Hamilton, vivid (and sometimes whimsical) pieces of art can be seen on the streets, a collection of captivating artworks made through the ArtForce Brisbane project by talented Brisbane locals. The stories behind the subjects of the pieces also provide insights into the artists who made them.



Brisbane Cats River Ride

One of the standout artworks, titled “Brisbane Cats River Ride,” showcases a vibrant and playful depiction of cats riding down the city’s iconic river. Created by the talented local artists of Ascot State School, this imaginative piece captures the essence of Brisbane’s unique charm and love for its feline inhabitants. The artwork has quickly become a favourite among residents and tourists alike, prompting smiles and joy as they stroll past it.

Location: Racecourse Rd & Kent St

ArtForce Brisbane
Photo Credit: ArtForceBrisbane

Just Breathe

“Just Breathe,” another mesmerizing artwork submitted through ArtForce Brisbane, invites viewers to pause and embrace the tranquillity of nature. This masterful creation by Margaret Lipinska portrays a solitary figure surrounded by lush greenery, reminding us of the importance of taking a moment to connect with the natural world. The artwork serves as a powerful reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us in our busy lives.

Location: Kingsford Smith Dr & Crescent Rd

ArtForce Brisbane
Photo Credit: Google Maps
ArtForce Brisbane
Photo Credit: ArtForceBrisbane

Sunset on the Water

For those who yearn for the beauty of sunsets and the serenity of water, “Sunset on the Water” from artist Shanaia Singh, offers a breathtaking visual experience. With its vivid colours and meticulous brushstrokes, this artwork transports viewers to a serene lakeside, where they can almost feel the gentle breeze and hear the peaceful sounds of nature. The artist’s skill in capturing the tranquillity and ethereal qualities of a sunset has garnered well-deserved admiration.

Location: Kingsford Smith Dr & Racecourse Rd

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Among the Trees

The allure of lush forests and their ability to evoke a sense of wonder and exploration are showcased in “Among the Trees,” by artist Gemma Nyssen. This artwork entices viewers to immerse themselves in a world of towering trunks and dappled sunlight, representing Hamilton Forest.

Location:  Kingsford Smith Dr & Alison St

Photo Credit: ArtForceBrisbane

Hamilton Forest

The aptly named “Hamilton Forest” piece, from artist Shari Indriani, encapsulates the enchanting beauty of the local woodland, capturing its unique atmosphere and inviting viewers to explore its hidden treasures. The intricate details and vibrant colours bring the forest to life, creating an immersive experience for art enthusiasts.

Location: Kingsford Smith Dr & Oxford St

ArtForce Brisbane
Photo Credit: ArtForceBrisbane
ArtForce Brisbane
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Hamilton Forest Community

The artwork “Hamilton Forest Community” is a vibrant and heartwarming piece that portrays a diverse group of people coming together amidst the forest, reflecting the strength and unity of the local community. It serves as a reminder of the powerful connections that can be formed when people embrace their natural surroundings and share common values. It’s from artist Russell Hall.

Location: Nudgee Rd & Hants St

Nudgee Rd and Hants St
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Hamilton Forest Community
Photo Credit: ArtforceBrisbane

Gumnuts

The delicate beauty of nature is celebrated in “Gumnuts,” an artwork from Ash Taylor that captures the essence of Australia’s unique flora. Viewers are transported to a world of native Australian gum trees, as they admire the intricate details of gumnuts, leaves, and blossoms. This piece not only showcases the artist’s skill but also honours the country’s rich natural heritage.

Location: Kingsford Smith Dr & Riverview Tce

Gumnuts
Photo Credit: ArtforceBrisbane

Visitors and residents alike have been captivated by the skill, imagination, and emotion captured within each piece. ArtForce Brisbane provides a showcase of the natural splendour of the city and the community spirit that has further solidified its reputation as a vibrant and inclusive cultural hub.

Published 29-May-2023

Brookfield Proposes Innovative Built-to-Rent Development at Portside Wharf, Hamilton

In an effort to provide more housing solutions to a waiting market, Brookfield has submitted a groundbreaking development application for a dual-tower, built-to-rent residential project in Portside Wharf, Hamilton. 

The proposal, designed by renowned architectural firm Fender Katsalidis, aims to revolutionize the rental market by offering 560 purpose-built apartments alongside a range of non-residential amenities. 

Located at 11 Macarthur Avenue, the project seeks to create a vibrant and sustainable community within the picturesque riverfront site with two 23-storey towers standing at a maximum height of approximately 85 meters. This would be the first built-to-rent (BTR) project in Northshore Hamilton, demonstrating Brookfield‘s commitment to innovative housing solutions. 



The apartments will range from studios to three-bedroom units for low-income households, students and vulnerable populations.

Brookfield Hamilton build-to-rent
Photo Credit: DEV2023/1402

Aside from high-density residential units, the key features of the development include a café, a shop with a dog-grooming salon, a sizable co-working space, and a gymnasium. Whilst primarily intended for residents, the non-residential spaces are also open to the broader community, fostering inclusivity and social interaction.

The proposed food and drink outlets are designed with their own unique layout to accommodate diverse retail concepts. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, while the café provides a space for coffee and light meals. 

Brookfield Hamilton build-to-rent
Photo Credit: DEV2023/1402

The office spaces are meant to cater to the needs of various businesses, with different sizes and configurations, including meeting rooms, conference facilities, and workstations. Additionally, the development will feature a parking station with multiple levels, designated spaces, and separate areas for motorcycles and bicycles to ensure convenient and secure parking for residents and visitors.

Brookfield Hamilton build-to-rent
Photo Credit: DEV2023/1402

To promote a sense of community, the development will offer ample communal space, including a sizable recreation zone on the podium level. This area has outdoor pools and spas, seating areas, garden lawns, a residents’ lounge, wellness and spa facilities, a wine library, private dining areas, a dog lawn, BBQ areas, and a games room.

Brookfield Hamilton build-to-rent
Photo Credit: DEV2023/1402

The proposed development is also committed to sustainability, targeting a 4 Star Green Star ‘Buildings’ rating. The apartments will aim for exceptional performance in the Green Star ‘Energy Use’ category, achieving an average NatHERS 7-star rating across the development and a minimum rating of 5.5 stars. 

The project will incorporate a car share scheme and electric vehicle charging facilities, along with dedicated solar panel zones on the rooftop to supply common areas with electricity.



The development application, #DEV2023/1402, was submitted to the State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning on 18 May 2023 and is currently under review. 

Published 25-May-2023

Hamilton’s Eldernell Terrace Named Most Expensive Street In Brisbane For 2023

Did you know that Eldernell Terrace in Hamilton is the most expensive street in Brisbane for 2023? Here is some of the latest information about the street, based on data from property research firm Suburbtrends.


Read: Eldernell Hill: From 19th Century Aboriginal Camp to Blue-Chip Hamilton Location


Eldernell Terrace came out on the top spot of Suburbtrends’ Top 100 Streets in Brisbane for 2023. According to the report, the median price for houses at Eldernell Tce is around $3.86 million on average. 

Hamilton dominated the list with a total of 21 streets on the list. It’s followed by Ascot and Tenerrife, both with 18, and New Farm with 11. Besides Eldernell Tce, here are other streets in Hamilton which made it to the top 100:

StreetMedian house price estimate
Markwell Street  $3,804,000 
Dickson Terrace$3,704,000
Mullens St$3,702,500
Riverview Tce$3,466,000
Perry St $3,465,000
Lawes St$3,395,000
Quarry St$3,369,000
Hillside Crescent$3,355,000
Windermere Road$3,321,000
Langside Rd$3,301,000
Ludlow St$3,214,000
Killara Avenue$3,210,000
Annie St$3,073,000
Atkinson St$2,948,000
Grays Rd$2,826,500
Hipwood Rd $2,824,000 
Whyenbah St $2,794,000
Crescent Rd$2,766,000 
Prospect Tce $2,726,500

Suburbtrends founder Kent Lardner said this ranking highlights how much the city and riverside suburbs still represent some of the highest priced streets across greater Brisbane.

“The prestigious suburbs of Hamilton and Ascot dominate our top 100 list. It is no surprise to see most of the streets are located close to the city and along the Brisbane river,” said Mr Lardner.

Eldernell Terrace
View of the river from Eldernell Terrace (Photo credit: Google Street View)

“What did surprise was the high value per square metre in the streets of New Farm and Teneriffe, which is some of the most expensive land in Australia.”

Mr Lardner also noted that the methodology was not about selecting streets with one or two sales of mansions or streets with very large block sizes.

Eldernell Terrace
Photo credit: Google Street View

“We have selected streets with a significant number of houses with the highest overall median prices, rather than selecting a street based on the sale of one mansion,” he said.

“Our methodology has created a very different ‘top streets’ list representing streets with a significant number of high priced properties and surrounded by the highest priced homes in the country,” he added.


Read: Why Toorak on Annie St is a House of Prominence in Hamilton


To see the list of Brisbane’s top 100 streets for 2023, visit suburbtrends.com

Tivoli Gardens Theatre: Vaudeville and Picture Shows in Early 20th-Century Hamilton

Did you know that in the early 20th century, apart from going to the races, locals from Hamilton and the nearby suburbs of North Brisbane enjoyed vaudeville and picture shows at the Tivoli Gardens Theatre for entertainment?

The first Tivoli Gardens Theatre was a tent structure that could hold over 1,000 people along Hamilton Road, now Sir Kingsford Smith Drive.

Oliver Jonker top real estate agent in Hamilton

Opened in 1907, the open-air theatre had its own dressing rooms and a large stage with decorative painted scenery as the backdrop. Seatings were set up by appointments and proved to be quite popular with the locals as many Brisbane residents, including the  Mayor and Mayoress,  would travel to Hamilton by tram to catch the shows.

Tivoli Gardens Theatre
Photo Credit: National Library of Queensland

Before and after each show, theatregoers would hang by the tables and seats in the gardens, where a brass band, the Hamilton Band Stand, would play their favourite tunes. A kinetoscope would be set up so guests can watch moving pictures. This was before the development of motion picture projectors or the cinema.

But the theatre was not open full-time. It ran three nights a week during the warmer seasons and closed during the colder months. 



Top Performers at the Tivoli Gardens Theatre 

Eva Lee (singer), Clivalli and Sport (boxing and juggling act), Bert Lambert (singer), Miriam Russell (mezzo-contralto), C.E. Morgan (tenor), and the Jolly Rovers were stage regulars at the Tivoli Gardens Theatre but Miss Isabella Maria Sutherland, or best known as Bella Sutherland, who was the theatre’s sole proprietress, was also the star performer. 

Photo Credit: Tobysimkin.com

Ms Sutherland got her start as an entertainer for the Lancashire Bellringers in Melbourne in 1864. She was a well-travelled performer who did drama and comedy skits, as well as danced and sang at a variety of minstrels shows in England, India, and New Zealand.

Miss Bella Sutherland
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

After marrying her third husband, George Gibson, in the mid-1880s, Ms Sutherland formed The Vital Spark, a theatre touring company. However, by the early 1900s, she and Mr Gibson decided to make Brisbane their home base after years of touring. They bought a house in Hamilton, where they mounted the first Tivoli Gardens Theatre.

In 1910, Ms Sutherland and her husband bought another house in Hamilton near the Hamilton Hotel, which became the second site of their vaudeville theatre. The venue ran until 1912 as the couple moved and opened the third theatre near the second site. 

Photo Credit: OzVTA.com

Ms Sutherland named her Hamilton properties as “Southdean,” suggesting a reference to her Scottish heritage. When there are no live performances, the Tivoli Gardens Theatre ran Scottish picture shows.

In 1912, the theatre presented “Cinderella” and also held concerts and fundraisers during the First World War.

After Ms Sutherland’s death in 1918, Mr Gibson managed the theater until 1921 with the help of the other performers. However, he didn’t sell the property until 1923 and died a year later. The pair is buried on the same plot at the Nundah Cemetery. 

One of the performers, Ms Lee, was presumed to have purchased the theatre equipment from Mr Gibson after she acquired and opened Arcadia Theatre on Racecourse Road.



Tivoli Gardens Theatre Today

The structures of the Tivoli Gardens Theatre have long been demolished. The first site along York and Cooksley streets is now a modern private residence. The second and third locations, which were active for more than 10 years, were along the corners of Racecourse Road and Allen St, which is now a commercial and retail precinct.

Tivoli Gardens Theatre
Photo Credit: Google Maps