Parliament House Queensland

About Parliament House Queensland

Parliament House Queensland is the meeting place of the Parliament of Queensland, located in Brisbane. The building occupies a prominent position on the corner of George and Alice Streets in the CBD, overlooking the Brisbane River. It was constructed in stages between 1865 and 1989, reflecting changing architectural styles and the colony's growth. The original wing was designed in the French Renaissance Revival style. It remains an active parliamentary building and continues to serve as the seat of Queensland's democratic government.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What's inside

The complex contains the Legislative Assembly chamber, the Legislative Council chamber, and various offices for members and staff. Visitors may observe the parliamentary chambers where debates and law-making occur. The building retains historical features alongside modern additions from later expansions. The original 1865 wing contains heritage elements including timber panelling and decorative plasterwork. Public galleries in both chambers allow observation of parliamentary proceedings when the house is sitting. The grounds include formal gardens and monuments significant to Queensland's political history. Tours may change or be cancelled at short notice. Tours start in the Parliamentary Annexe Foyer on Alice Street, opposite William Street.

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How long to spend

A self-guided exploration of the public areas typically requires approximately forty-five to seventy-five minutes, depending on visitor interest in historical detail and architectural features. Those attending parliamentary proceedings may stay for the duration of the sitting, which varies according to the parliamentary schedule. Visitors with strong interest in Australian political history or nineteenth-century public architecture may wish to allocate additional time. The building's layered construction across different eras rewards careful observation of changing materials and design approaches throughout the complex. General public guided tours are free and require no advance booking.

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Season and crowds

Parliament House Queensland operates as a working government building with visitor access subject to parliamentary schedules and security requirements. Parliamentary sitting dates are published on the official Queensland Parliament website but may change at short notice. Visitors hoping to observe proceedings should verify sitting times independently. No tours operate on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. Free guided tours run Monday–Friday at 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00. No tours operate on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. The Legislative Assembly public gallery opens to visitors on sitting days, subject to capacity.

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Tickets

Entry to Parliament House Queensland for public gallery seating and general building access is typically free of charge, consistent with practices at Australian parliamentary buildings. Special tours or educational programmes may have different arrangements. Visitors should verify current access policies directly with Queensland Parliament before visiting. Group bookings and school visits may require advance arrangement. General public guided tours are free and require no advance booking. Ground-level wheelchair access is available. Public areas have lift or ramp access. An accessible toilet is available in the Parliamentary Annexe. A hearing loop is available in the Legislative Assembly gallery.

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Getting there

Parliament House Queensland stands at the corner of George Street and Alice Street in Brisbane's central business district. The location is accessible by multiple bus routes along George Street and nearby corridors. The CityCat ferry terminal at QUT Gardens Point lies within walking distance across the Brisbane River. Enter for tours through the Parliamentary Annexe on Alice Street, opposite William Street. The closest named public-transport stops are Central or South Bank railway stations, Charlotte Street Stop 52 near Edward Street for buses, and QUT Gardens Point for CityCat services. Parliament House has no visitor parking. A passenger set-down area is available in front of the Parliamentary Annexe, and another is at the QUT turnaround at George and Alice Streets.

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What to watch out for

Security screening applies to all visitors entering Parliament House, with requirements comparable to other government buildings. Photography restrictions may apply inside chambers and certain offices. Parliamentary sittings can generate protest activity and media presence around the building perimeter. The building contains active workplaces; visitors must remain in public areas unless accompanied by authorised staff. Mobile telephones should be silenced when observing proceedings. Ground-level wheelchair access is available. An accessible toilet is available in the Parliamentary Annexe. A hearing loop is available in the Legislative Assembly gallery.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Photography

Photography policies inside Parliament House Queensland are subject to parliamentary regulations and may differ between public areas and working spaces. The exterior presents significant photographic interest, particularly from the Brisbane River and Botanic Gardens vantage points. The French Renaissance Revival facade and later additions offer varied architectural subjects. Night photography of the illuminated building is possible from Alice Street and the riverfront. Tripod use on parliamentary grounds may require permission. A hearing loop is available in the Legislative Assembly gallery. Certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs are permitted with the required identification; other assistance animals require a Translink Assistance Animal Pass or prior written approval.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Where it is

• 1 hour

  3 min walk

  QUT Art Museum

  • Must see
  • Art and culture venue
• 1 hour

  4 min walk

  City Botanic Gardens

  • Must see · Heritage site
  • Nature site
• 45 min

  6 min walk

  Streets Beach

  • Must see
  • Historic monument

External links