Queen Street

As you wander through the city, you’ll soon realise that getting lost in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD—the Central Business District—is almost inevitable. First, it’s really big. Second, all streets look quite similar, aside from a few skyscrapers. So, to find your way around, you’ll have to rely entirely on street names—which follow a royal theme. All streets running northwest are named after kings, such as William, George, Albert, and Edward. Whereas those running northeast bear the names of queens, like Ann, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Margaret, and, of course, Queen. Wait a minute—isn’t that the very street you’re standing on? As the city’s main road, Queen Street started out as just a simple track running through the heart of Brisbane’s penal settlement. However, when the area was opened to free settlers around 1840, a street grid was established. While most roads in the city are about 20 meters wide, Queen Street is unique— with four metres more than average. That distinction is exactly why it is Brisbane’s main avenue. Now, you can better understand why it’s home to a vast array of shops, hotels, offices, and shopping centers, all nestled between some beautiful heritage landmarks.