Discover the unbelievable reason behind Brisbane's iconic road curve - it's so Aussie!
- Replies 5
Australia is a land of quirky tales and unique landmarks, and Brisbane, the sun-soaked capital of Queensland, is no exception. Among its many attractions, there's a story that captures the true Aussie spirit, and it's all about a curve in an iconic road.
When you think of Australian bridges, the Sydney Harbour Bridge might immediately come to mind, with its grandeur and the famous bridge climb that has attracted celebrities from around the globe. But let's travel a bit further north to Brisbane, where the Story Bridge offers its own adventurous climb and an even more intriguing tale.
The Story Bridge is a heritage-listed steel cantilever bridge that spans the Brisbane River, connecting Kangaroo Point to Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley. It was constructed in 1935 and officially opened in 1940, just eight years after its Sydney counterpart. Climbing to the top of this bridge is popular, offering breathtaking views across Brisbane, Moreton Bay, the Glasshouse Mountains, Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane Forest Park, and Lamington National Park.
But there's more to this bridge than just the panoramic vistas. As you stand 80 meters above the river, you might notice an unusual curve in the road on the Kangaroo Point side. The reason behind this deviation is as Australian as it gets – it was all to save a local pub.
During the bridge's construction, workers made it clear that they would not stand for the demolition of the beloved Kangaroo Point Hotel. This pub was a staple for the community, a place where workers would gather for a cold beer after a long day. The solution? The entire bridge was repositioned to accommodate the pub, which was later renamed the Story Bridge Hotel in honour of the landmark it helped shape.
Thanks to the determination of those workers, the Story Bridge Hotel still stands, continuing to serve up beers and a slice of history to locals and tourists alike. On the opposite side of the bridge, you'll find Howard Smith Wharves, a vibrant precinct with modern bars and restaurants boasting incredible views of the Story Bridge and the city skyline.
For those staying in Brisbane, like at the Park Regis North Quay, the CityHopper ferry service is a delightful way to explore. This free inner-city ferry service travels along the Brisbane River, connecting various points of interest. It's not only a charming experience for tourists, especially during the Brisbane Festival, but it's also a practical one, as you can tap on with a debit or credit card for just 50 cents.
Brisbane is a city that's rapidly evolving. Once considered 'a big country town,' it's now bustling with a booming dining scene and significant construction projects. With the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, the city is preparing to welcome the world. The Star Brisbane, a new entertainment and hotel complex, has recently opened, and Brisbane Airport is undergoing the largest makeover in its history, part of a $5 billion investment to transform the entire airport.
And if you're a foodie, Brisbane won't disappoint. For instance, at Augusta, located near the Park Regis North Quay, you can indulge in authentic Brazilian cuisine, including a cheese-laden parma that might just rival the Aussie pub staple. With dishes like bolinho de bacalhau, dadinho de tapioca, and the traditional dessert brigadeiro, your taste buds are in for a treat.
This writer's journey to Brisbane, as a guest of Visit Brisbane, Park Regis North Quay, and Virgin Australia, revealed a city full of surprises, where even a curve in the road tells a story of local pride and the Aussie way of life. So, next time you're in Brisbane, take a moment to appreciate the curve in the road – a testament to the city's character and the enduring love for a good local pub.
When you think of Australian bridges, the Sydney Harbour Bridge might immediately come to mind, with its grandeur and the famous bridge climb that has attracted celebrities from around the globe. But let's travel a bit further north to Brisbane, where the Story Bridge offers its own adventurous climb and an even more intriguing tale.
The curve in the road of the iconic Story Bridge in Brisbane was created to preserve a local pub that was refused to be demolished by workers. Credit: Brisbane City Council
The Story Bridge is a heritage-listed steel cantilever bridge that spans the Brisbane River, connecting Kangaroo Point to Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley. It was constructed in 1935 and officially opened in 1940, just eight years after its Sydney counterpart. Climbing to the top of this bridge is popular, offering breathtaking views across Brisbane, Moreton Bay, the Glasshouse Mountains, Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane Forest Park, and Lamington National Park.
But there's more to this bridge than just the panoramic vistas. As you stand 80 meters above the river, you might notice an unusual curve in the road on the Kangaroo Point side. The reason behind this deviation is as Australian as it gets – it was all to save a local pub.
During the bridge's construction, workers made it clear that they would not stand for the demolition of the beloved Kangaroo Point Hotel. This pub was a staple for the community, a place where workers would gather for a cold beer after a long day. The solution? The entire bridge was repositioned to accommodate the pub, which was later renamed the Story Bridge Hotel in honour of the landmark it helped shape.
Thanks to the determination of those workers, the Story Bridge Hotel still stands, continuing to serve up beers and a slice of history to locals and tourists alike. On the opposite side of the bridge, you'll find Howard Smith Wharves, a vibrant precinct with modern bars and restaurants boasting incredible views of the Story Bridge and the city skyline.
For those staying in Brisbane, like at the Park Regis North Quay, the CityHopper ferry service is a delightful way to explore. This free inner-city ferry service travels along the Brisbane River, connecting various points of interest. It's not only a charming experience for tourists, especially during the Brisbane Festival, but it's also a practical one, as you can tap on with a debit or credit card for just 50 cents.
Brisbane is a city that's rapidly evolving. Once considered 'a big country town,' it's now bustling with a booming dining scene and significant construction projects. With the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, the city is preparing to welcome the world. The Star Brisbane, a new entertainment and hotel complex, has recently opened, and Brisbane Airport is undergoing the largest makeover in its history, part of a $5 billion investment to transform the entire airport.
And if you're a foodie, Brisbane won't disappoint. For instance, at Augusta, located near the Park Regis North Quay, you can indulge in authentic Brazilian cuisine, including a cheese-laden parma that might just rival the Aussie pub staple. With dishes like bolinho de bacalhau, dadinho de tapioca, and the traditional dessert brigadeiro, your taste buds are in for a treat.
After a day of exploring, dining, and perhaps enjoying a climb over the Story Bridge, guests at the Park Regis North Quay can retreat to rooms with stunning city and river views. Many, like myself, may choose to leave the blinds open to bask in the cityscape's glow.
.png){kind=icon}
