Old Windmill Brisbane
Brisbane's oldest convict-built structure, a 1828 tower mill with a dark past, now a historical landmark in a serene park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rare interior access
Old Windmill Brisbane
Best Time
Rare interior access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Brisbane's oldest convict-built structure, a 1828 tower mill with a dark past, now a historical landmark in a serene park.
"A captivating piece of history, offering a unique glimpse into Brisbane's past with a picturesque backdrop."
Check for Open House Events
:admission_tickets: Interior access is rare; look for Brisbane Open House for tours.
Morbid History Insights
:skull: Learn about convict treadmills & executions; it's not just a pretty building.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Old Windmill Structure
Wickham Terrace
Brisbane's oldest convict-built building, a stark reminder of early colonial hardship and ingenuity.
Convict Treadmill History
Exterior interpretation
Learn about the brutal treadmill system used to power the mill when wind failed, a chilling glimpse into penal life.
Panoramic City Views
Surrounding parkland
Enjoy picturesque vistas of Brisbane's cityscape from the serene park setting around the windmill.
Planning Your Visit
Understand its Morbid Past
Access and Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Open House Events
:admission_tickets: Interior access is rare; look for Brisbane Open House for tours.
Morbid History Insights
:skull: Learn about convict treadmills & executions; it's not just a pretty building.
Geocaching Hotspot
:magnifying_glass: Popular geocaching location for treasure hunters.
Photography Backdrop
:camera: Great spot for photos, especially with blooming jacarandas.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Open House Events
:admission_tickets: Interior access is rare; look for Brisbane Open House for tours.
Morbid History Insights
:skull: Learn about convict treadmills & executions; it's not just a pretty building.
Geocaching Hotspot
:magnifying_glass: Popular geocaching location for treasure hunters.
Photography Backdrop
:camera: Great spot for photos, especially with blooming jacarandas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Old Windmill as Brisbane's oldest convict-built structure, offering a picturesque historical backdrop and pleasant city views, especially when jacarandas bloom. While interior access is limited, its historical significance and unique past, including its convict-powered treadmill, are compelling. Some find it a brief visit with 'not much to see' beyond the exterior, but others recommend it for history enthusiasts, particularly during special open house events.
"Visited Brisbane's oldest building, the Tower Mill, and half expected Doc Brown to pop out shouting, "Great Scott!" Built in the 1820s by convicts, it's seen more transformations than a superhero—grain grinder, signal station, timekeeper, and even a TV broadcast site. Talk about a multitasker! While you can't climb inside, the exterior offers a picturesque backdrop, especially with the jacarandas in bloom. A quick visit, but a delightful detour into history."
Anna Dudek
"Not much to see other than an old building. Nothing special but if you jave time to kill, its a quick 15 mins walk to see this building."
David Cy
"It’s great that this heritage place has been retained. It only takes a few minutes to look at and unfortunately it’s not possible to go up the stairs of the windmill. However, it’s still interesting. It’s even more interesting if you can find out a bit about the history. I did a tour as part of the annual Brisbane Open House. The tour was long (over an hour) and looked at several sites nearby as well as this one. Because of BOH there was also some interesting information signs about the reservoirs and their history. I’d recommend this or similar tours for those interested in history."
Sattie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Windmill is located on Wickham Terrace in Spring Hill. You can reach it by public transport; buses stop nearby, and it's a walkable distance from the CBD. For navigation, remember that female street names (like Charlotte St) run north-south, and male names (like Edward St) run east-west in Brisbane's city grid.
Limited street parking may be available in the Spring Hill area, but it can be competitive. Consider public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the Brisbane CBD to the Old Windmill, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. The area is generally well-signposted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Old Windmill is primarily viewed from the exterior, and the surrounding parkland is free to access. Interior access is very limited and usually only available during special events like Brisbane Open House.
As the windmill is a historical structure viewed from the outside, there are no set opening hours for the exterior. The parkland is generally accessible during daylight hours.
Typically, you cannot go inside the Old Windmill. However, keep an eye out for events like Brisbane Open House, which occasionally offer guided tours of the interior.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the historic windmill structure itself, Brisbane's oldest convict-built building. The surrounding park offers a peaceful setting and views of the city.
The Old Windmill is rumored to be haunted, with tales of shadows seen from outside and its history of public executions. It's considered a spot for paranormal enthusiasts. +1
Viewing the windmill from the outside is accessible. However, if interior tours are available, they may involve narrow and steep stairs, making them difficult for those with mobility issues.
Built in 1828 by convicts, it was intended to grind grain but rarely caught enough wind. It was later powered by a convict treadmill and has served as a signal station and timekeeper.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the windmill's rustic facade against the city skyline. The surrounding park, especially during jacaranda season, provides beautiful natural backdrops.
The elevated position of the windmill offers good vantage points for sunset views over Brisbane, making it a pleasant spot for evening photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Dark Colonial Past
The tower's grim history was further cemented in 1841 when it became the site of Queensland's first public execution. This dark past contributes to its reputation as a potentially haunted location, with anecdotal reports of shadows and paranormal activity.
While interior access is rare, special events like Brisbane Open House sometimes allow visitors to explore the inside. These tours often delve deeper into the windmill's multifaceted history, including its later use as a signal station and timekeeper, and even a site for early television broadcasts.
Brisbane Tuff: The City's Foundation
Stone extracted from these cliffs was crucial for constructing many of Brisbane's earliest and most significant buildings. Alongside the Old Windmill (opened 1828), the Commissariat Store (opened 1829) also utilized this distinctive local stone.
The enduring presence of these structures highlights the durability and importance of Brisbane Tuff in shaping the city's architectural heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit