Townsville Audio Tour: Heritage and Culture Trail

Now, let’s dive into its story! The Queensland Building at 104–106 Flinders Street is a piece of Townsville's rich heritage, designed by Mark Cooper Day and constructed from 1890 to around 1971 by John Petrie & Son. Originally known as the North Queensland Insurance Building, it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. This building was erected as the headquarters for Burns, Philp & Co. Ltd’s subsidiary insurance company. These folks were major players in the commercial world, setting up shop in Townsville, which was established in 1864 by John Melton Black and Robert Towns. Thanks to its strategic location and improvements to its port, Townsville quickly became a bustling hub of international and coastal trade. James Burns, who moved to Townsville in 1872, went on to create an empire with Robert Philp. Their company, Burns Philp and Company Limited, became so influential that it practically formed the backbone of North Queensland's trade. And get this: their shipping business was so vast that the North Queensland Insurance Company, created in 1886, was born primarily to handle their own maritime interests. Our current star, the Queensland Building, was constructed on land purchased by the company's founders near the busy Burns Philp wharves. Designed by Sydney-based architect Mark Cooper Day and brought to life by Brisbane builders John Petrie and Son, it was a masterpiece that showcased exceptional craftsmanship.

The Burns Philp Building, located at 108–124 Flinders Street, is more than just a pretty face! This heritage-listed office building, designed by McCredie Brothers and constructed by G.S. Gordon in 1895, was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 27 August 1993. In its heyday, this imposing masonry structure served as the headquarters and warehouse for Burns, Philp & Company Ltd, one of North Queensland's most thriving trading enterprises. The story begins with James Burns, who launched a general retail business here in 1872. Robert Philp, who later became a twice-serving Queensland Premier, joined forces with Burns in 1876. While Burns eventually moved back to Sydney due to health issues, Philp remained to oversee the enterprise's Townsville operations. Their company flourished, focusing on the importation and wholesale of general merchandise, and had its fingers in many pies, including shipping, insurance, and even exploration. By the late 19th century, they were a force to be reckoned with both locally and throughout North Queensland, aiding in the development of trade, communications, and more. Interesting fact: Burns Philp & Company Ltd owned an entire fleet of small trading vessels and were trailblazers, establishing networks throughout North Queensland, New Guinea, and the South Pacific. Talk about making waves! Although the structure saw various modifications over the years, including extensions and the unfortunate event of a fire that gutted the warehouse interior, it remains a testament to the company's significant historical impact. The building was finally sold off in 1977, but it continues to stand proudly, sharing stories of its illustrious past.

Now, let me tell you a fun story about this landmark! The Bank of New South Wales Building, built in 1887, is a heritage-listed marvel right here in the heart of Townsville. Known also as the Australian Meat Industry Employees Union (Queensland Branch), it’s like this fine old dame that's seen quite a lot in her days. Back then, the cost for constructing this grand structure was a whopping £7,500, which was quite a fortune. The collaboration turned architectural party was led by Denis Kelleher, with design work possibly by Sydney's John Smedley and supervised by Townsville’s WM Eyre. Interestingly, the Bank of New South Wales was one of the first banks in Townsville, immensely boosted by Sydney businessman Robert Towns. His investments and partnerships spurred the need for bank branches in new North Queensland settlements, including Townsville. The initial bank building was plagued by heat and mosquitoes, driving the need for a new, more suitable location. So, this new site on Flinders Street was purchased, and after several years and some hiccups in designs and locations, the grand Bank of New South Wales building you see here was finally born in 1887. It served not just as a bank, but also provided a cool, breezy escape from the town's heat—a perfect sanctuary for finance and comfort.

Now, let’s dive into the history! The Atkinson & Powell Building is a heritage-listed former pharmacy located right here at 181–183 Flinders Street. This architectural gem was designed by Willoughby Powell and built back in 1887. Interestingly, it was initially created to house chemists Atkinson & Powell. The architect’s brother, a partner in the firm, must have received the family discount on design! Townsville, founded in 1864, grew rapidly as the port started welcoming international ships by 1873. By the mid-1880s, Townsville was buzzing with construction, giving way to buildings made of stone, masonry, or metal, like this one. Willoughby Powell’s only known work in North Queensland, this building originally boasted a large frontline shop and a back surgery room. Upstairs was a warehouse accessed by an outside stair and a small lift. Talk about a multi-purpose building! The structure has seen various tenants throughout the years, from dentists and watchmakers to restaurants and offices. Its versatility kept it lively, earning it the nickname Matchbox Theatre for a spell! A fun fact: a drawing of the completed building found its way into the Christmas issue of the Townsville Herald in 1887. Clearly, this place has been turning heads for quite some time!

Stanton House has an interesting history. It’s located at 197–203 Flinders Street and was built between 1885 and the 1930s. Also known as Hof's Building, it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. The building was constructed in 1885 for John Frederick Hof, a man with an adventurous spirit who came to Queensland via the goldfields of Victoria. Townsville itself has a vibrant history, established in 1864 and quickly becoming a significant port by 1873. John Hof contributed to this bustling town by purchasing land and replacing old timber shops with this sturdy structure we see today, utilizing bricks from his own Brunswick Brick and Tile Works. Originally, the premise housed various shops and offices, including a notable piano showroom with live demonstrations. Ah, those were the days when even buying a piano came with a show! Through the years, tenants ranged from insurance companies to the Main Roads Commissioner. In 1933, the building was named after George Henry Stanton, the first Bishop of North Queensland, when it became the Diocesan Registry. Despite several changes in ownership, it continues to be used for commercial purposes. Even today, the charm of its original architecture is visible.

Let's get a glimpse into its fascinating history. The Howard Smith Company Building is a heritage-listed treasure located at 224 Flinders Street in Townsville CBD. It was masterfully designed by the dynamic duo, Charles Dalton Lynch and Walter Hunt, and built between 1910 and 1911 by Hanson & Sons. Over time, it became known by various names – Paterson Reid & Bruce Ltd Building and Agora House among them. In October 1992, it rightfully earned its place on the Queensland Heritage Register. This two-storey commercial gem was initially created as the new offices for the Townsville branch of the substantial Australian coastal shipping company, the Howard Smith Company Ltd. Captain William Howard Smith founded the firm back in the early 1850s in Melbourne. It extended its reach to Central Queensland by 1870 and to Townsville in 1882, making notable economic contributions through trade and shipping. By the 1890s, a Townsville branch had been established, initially leasing a single-storey brick building on Flinders Street before constructing this very building in 1910-11, which they moved into in March 1911. It was lauded for its progressive construction techniques, notably its innovative waterproofing of its concrete roof!

Now let's dive into its fascinating history in a fun way! Welcome to the T. Willmetts & Sons Printery, a place where the clackety-clack of printing presses once filled the air! This heritage-listed former printing house, designed by Waggepetersen & Bevan, was built in stages between 1883 and 1886 for the ever-thankful Thankful Willmett—a man whose name seemed pre-destined for gratitude! Originally constructed as Willmett’s stationery shop and printing house, this three-storey masonry marvel became a hub of activity and innovation. Imagine the hustle and bustle as paper, books, and music sheets flowed through its doors, keeping the town’s literary culture alive and kicking. Why, in 1883, this building even hosted Townsville’s first telephone call—now that’s a call you'd want to answer! Despite a fiery setback in 1885 which destroyed much of the shop, Willmett's resilience shone through as the printery survived and continued to thrive. By 1886, the current structure we see today was standing tall, incorporating not just a printery but also warehouse space, offices, and a retail shop. This wasn't just any printery. From account books to cookbooks, including the bestseller "Mrs. Maclurcan's Cookery Book," this place had it all. It was a family affair, too, with Willmett’s offspring joining the business over the years, expanding its reach and keeping the presses running well into the 20th century.

This beauty was designed by the office of the Queensland Government Architect under Andrew Baxter Leven and was built between 1935 and 1937. It was part of a Queensland Government employment scheme during the Great Depression, intended to keep folks busy and skilled while creating something lasting. The building housed various government departments, from the Lands Department to the Department of Agriculture and even visiting ministers. Being constructed during a time of economic fervor, this building echoes resilience and community spirit. Its classic revival architectural style, with prominent keystones, eaves, and round-arched openings, has that certain flair that makes you appreciate the finer things in life.

The Customs House is a heritage-listed former customs house here in the Townsville CBD. Designed by George David Payne and built between 1900 and 1902 by Crawford & Cameron, this building has seen more than a century of history. It was officially added to the Queensland Heritage Register on February 7, 2005. This wasn't the first customs house in Townsville—in fact, it’s the fourth! Back in the mid-1860s, pastoralist John Melton Black and his Sydney business partner, Robert Towns, established Townsville as a port to service Woodstock Station. They needed a functional and impressive customs house to manage the growing trade and bustle of a burgeoning town. This current building, designed in 1899/1900, replaced earlier, more modest structures. Initially, the custom services were housed in a cramped three-room wooden structure that later expanded to meet the growing needs of the town. Over time, Townsville grew significantly, thanks to the discovery of gold at Cape River and Ravenswood, and thus the Customs Service flourished as well, eventually requiring more grand and substantial accommodations like the one you see today. The Customs House features a stunning facade and beautiful detailing, reflecting the prosperity and the pivotal role Townsville played as a port and administrative center. It was strategically located next to the harbour entrance on Ross Creek, ideal for overseeing the incoming and outgoing goods and people. So, while you marvel at its grand architecture, imagine the bustling port town in its heyday, with goods, ships, and people constantly on the move. Oh, if these walls could talk!

Now, let’s dive into the history of this architectural gem! This is the Queen's Hotel, located right here at 12 The Strand. It’s no ordinary building; it’s been around in various forms since 1872! Originally a two-storey timber structure, it’s seen numerous remodels and expansions, becoming a heritage-listed landmark by 1992. This fine establishment was once the toast of North Queensland, serving as the favorite haunt for visiting dignitaries. Imagine the clinking glasses and fabulous soirees that graced its halls! The current masonry makeover began in 1902, with architects Eaton, Bates & Polin at the helm, who must have had one eye on the blueprint and the other on impressing the Mayor! Speaking of the Mayor, John Henry Tyack, who bought the property in 1899, envisioned a proper grand hotel, and boy, did he deliver. Even as Mayor of Townsville, he had his hand in improving the Strand foreshore right in front of this hotel. It’s like he set up his mayoral office in the lobby! With numerous stages of construction extending into the mid-1920s, Tyack's grand design was fully realized even after his passing in 1913, thanks to the tenacious trustees and successive owners. The addition of luxurious rooms, towers, and vivacious brickwork ensured the Queen's Hotel remained the epitome of finery.

Let's dive into the story behind this serene place! Anzac Memorial Park is a heritage-listed memorial and park located at The Strand in Townsville CBD. Originally known as The Strand Park, it was built in 1912 and was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. Imagine this: it's the early 1860s, and the foreshore along The Strand is developing rapidly as a recreational hotspot. By 1901, the area between King and Howitt Streets was designated a reserve for public use. Fast forward to June 1912, and this slice of paradise became a permanent park extending from King Street to Cleveland Street, all thanks to the persistent efforts of John Henry Tyack, a former mayor of Townsville. In those early days, the affluent built their grand homes here, three hotels popped up, and it became a favored spot for moonlit promenades. Public demand led to further enhancements, like planting cedar, cocoa, and betel nut trees. By the late 1880s, The Strand had become a beloved promenade, especially on cool nights when the breeze from Magnetic Island swept through. One early feature was an ornamental fountain and bird-bath, established around 1905, and a drinking fountain in memory of former Mayor William Joseph Castling in 1908. Ambitions for a grand park and a charming bandstand bore fruit through funds raised by John Tyack. This bandstand, designed by Arthur Beckford Polin, added a touch of elegance to the park, complete with intricate cast ironwork from Brisbane.