Old Windmill Observatory: The Tower Mill
1820s tower mill, the oldest convict-built structure in Queensland, in a serene park setting.
Member Reviews
No member reviews yet — be the first!
Google Reviews (5)
Not much to see other than an old building. Nothing special but if you jave time to kill, its a quick 15 mins walk to see this building.
Visited Brisbane's oldest building, the Tower Mill, and half expected Doc Brown to pop out shouting, "Great Scott!" Built in the 1820s by convicts, it's seen more transformations than a superhero—grain grinder, signal station, timekeeper, and even a TV broadcast site. Talk about a multitasker! While you can't climb inside, the exterior offers a picturesque backdrop, especially with the jacarandas in bloom. A quick visit, but a delightful detour into history.
It’s great that this heritage place has been retained. It only takes a few minutes to look at and unfortunately it’s not possible to go up the stairs of the windmill. However, it’s still interesting. It’s even more interesting if you can find out a bit about the history. I did a tour as part of the annual Brisbane Open House. The tour was long (over an hour) and looked at several sites nearby as well as this one. Because of BOH there was also some interesting information signs about the reservoirs and their history. I’d recommend this or similar tours for those interested in history.
The old windmill in Brisbane is a captivating piece of history, standing tall with its rustic charm. The weathered blades and sturdy structure transport visitors to a bygone era, offering a unique glimpse into Brisbane’s past. The panoramic views from the windmill provide a picturesque backdrop of the cityscape, making it a must-visit landmark for history enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape within the urban landscape.
Definitely worth a visit during the open house weekend. Absolutely not for anyone with a mobility issue though, as the stairs are narrow and steep and this can be fairly difficult. This was visited during Brisbane Open House. Once you get to the top you have great views of the city and beyond.
Reviews sourced from Google Maps