Living History
The Brisbane River:
Maiwar
The Brisbane River has been the lifeblood of Queensland's capital for thousands of years. Long before European arrival, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples called this river Maiwar — meaning "place of the Queensland blue gum tree." They relied on its waters for sustenance, transportation, fishing and ceremony.
In 1823, explorer John Oxley navigated the river and recommended the site for a new settlement. The waterway became the gateway to the colony — wharves lined its banks, ferries became the primary mode of transport, and by the 1850s the river was a bustling commercial highway.
The iconic Story Bridge, completed in 1940, connected Brisbane's northern and southern suburbs and became the city's most beloved landmark. The river has also witnessed its defining challenges — devastating floods in 1893, 1974 and 2011 that reshaped the city and its relationship with the Maiwar.
Today, the Brisbane River stretches 344 kilometres from the D'Aguilar Range to Moreton Bay, with approximately 15 kilometres winding through the Brisbane CBD. From the historic Howard Smith Wharves to vibrant New Farm and Teneriffe, the river continues to define Brisbane's identity.
🌊 Turrbal & Jagera Country
The Brisbane River — Maiwar — has been the spiritual and practical centre of Turrbal and Jagera peoples' lives for over 5,000 years, and remains a place of cultural significance today.
🌉 Story Bridge — Opened 1940
Designed by Dr John Bradfield (who also designed the Sydney Harbour Bridge), the Story Bridge used 7,600 tonnes of steel and employed 1,400 workers during the Depression era.
🚢 Kookaburra Queen — Since 1986
Built in Brisbane from Queensland ironbark, white spotted gum and white beech, the Kookaburra Queen has hosted millions of guests and helped bring Brisbane's World Expo 88 to life.
📏 344 Kilometres of River
The Brisbane River is one of the longest rivers in South East Queensland, flowing from the D'Aguilar Range through the CBD before meeting Moreton Bay at the Port of Brisbane.
🌊 Historic Floods: 1893, 1974, 2011
Three devastating floods shaped modern Brisbane — the 2011 flood reached 4.46 metres above sea level at the City Gauge and prompted billions in flood mitigation investment.
