As you're walking and approaching stop number 2, look to your right. You'll see the striking General Post Office (GPO) ahead. This heritage-listed building stands out with its sandy-colored sandstone façade, a grand arched entrance, and deep verandahs supported by classical columns. The edifice has a stately presence, accentuated by the lush greenery and palm trees flanking it, which make it quite a picturesque spot.
The GPO is located at 261 Queen Street and stretches all the way to Elizabeth Street. This grand building was originally constructed in 1872, with an extension added in 1908. And guess what? It's still in use by Australia Post today. Now picture this: across from you is Post Office Square, a charming little oasis in the heart of the city.
Let’s travel back in time! J. E. Barney was Brisbane's first full-time postmaster, appointed in 1852, which was a whopping 20 years before the GPO as you see it was built. In 1862, Thomas Lodge Murray Prior took on the role of the first Postmaster-General in Queensland. The postal service started out in a tiny building from the convict era, which must’ve been a bit of a drag being far from the telegraph office.
The site for the new post office, where you're standing now, was chosen for its central location. Fun fact: the building that once stood here housed women convicts until it was demolished in 1871. The materials to build this grand structure, freestone and bricks, were sourced locally. The GPO officially opened its doors on 28 September 1872.
Did you know the Queensland Museum was housed here in the GPO from 1873 until 1879? Ever the multitasker, this building also included a new wing built by John Petrie, which allowed the telegraph office to move in-definitely a win for business customers of the time.
Check out the entrance, and you'll spot a clock in the pediment above. This clock was originally lit by gas before going electric. And in 1892, this GPO introduced the first typewriter used in any Australian post office-how’s that for historical geekery?
Once bustling with customers coming for stamps and money orders through exterior windows, today this grand building is a quiet reminder of Brisbane’s rich history. It's proudly listed on the Brisbane City Council Heritage Register. Soak in the blend of history and modernity right before you!
