Originally established as a penal colony in 1824, Brisbane was opened to free settlement in 1842. This plan shows the extent of what must have existed in Brisbane at around that time.

In addition to the few buildings and roads marked on the map, there are also some fascinating natural features. For example, notice the creek that begins up in Spring Hill and flows down towards a small dam which is right on top of where the new law courts are today. This was Brisbane’s first water supply. The stream continues through a small pool at King George Square and flows to the river near Creek Street. Across the river, nothing is marked in South Brisbane except for a creek that winds through the Convention Centre and Southbank Parklands (where there are now artificial streams).

An overlay of this map should be available soon!