Toowong Cemetery Brisbane
Brisbane's historic Toowong Cemetery, a vast 44-hectare resting place with over 120,000 residents, offering historical insights and a unique, atmosphe...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Toowong Cemetery Brisbane
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Brisbane's historic Toowong Cemetery, a vast 44-hectare resting place with over 120,000 residents, offering historical insights and a unique, atmospheric experience.
"A definite must-see if you are into Australian history or just like cemeteries."
🚶♀️ Explore After Dark
Enter via Asian or Veterans sections after hours; security is lenient if you're respectful.
🤝 Join a Guided Tour
Friends of Toowong Cemetery offer insightful tours, especially ghost tours for a unique experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mayne Family Plot
Central area
An impressive and grand family plot, showcasing the historical significance of prominent Brisbane families.
Chinese Section
Eastern side
A unique and atmospheric section with distinct burial markers, often described as 'creepy af' by visitors.
War Graves
Near the main entrance
A solemn and well-maintained area honoring fallen soldiers, often a site of reported paranormal activity.
City View Bench
Top of a hill
An unmarked grave with a frangipani tree offering a peaceful spot with a tremendous city view.
Planning Your Visit
Nighttime Visits & Etiquette
Navigating the Vast Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore After Dark
Enter via Asian or Veterans sections after hours; security is lenient if you're respectful.
🤝 Join a Guided Tour
Friends of Toowong Cemetery offer insightful tours, especially ghost tours for a unique experience.
Can you visit Toowong Cemetery at night?
🔎 Find a Grave
Use the BCC database or visit the Sexton's Office for help locating specific graves.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is vast with steep hills; good footwear is essential for exploring.
Anyone keen to visit toowong cemetery?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore After Dark
Enter via Asian or Veterans sections after hours; security is lenient if you're respectful.
🤝 Join a Guided Tour
Friends of Toowong Cemetery offer insightful tours, especially ghost tours for a unique experience.
🔎 Find a Grave
Use the BCC database or visit the Sexton's Office for help locating specific graves.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is vast with steep hills; good footwear is essential for exploring.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a peaceful walk with your pet.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Toowong Cemetery is a vast, historic site offering a peaceful yet sometimes eerie experience. Visitors praise its immaculate upkeep, historical significance, and the impressive scale of its grounds. Some note unrepaired damage from weather events, but overall, it's considered a well-maintained and worthwhile destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a unique walk.
"Settled amongst some steep cliffs edges and a gully sits this historic and beautiful old Cemetery.
The stones within here are vast moments to loved ones who have been buried here since the 1800s.
Different denominations are buried amongst this cemetery, including a section for fallen soldiers.
It is a definite must-see if you are into Australian history as numerous politicians, public speakers, and female activists are buried within. Or if you just like cemeteries, put this on your bucket list."
Tee Pie
"An interesting place to visit but make sure you take a friend with you, as some parts may unsettle you. With over 120 000 residents on 44 hectares, beautiful big trees and some very steep hills, it is currently waiting for the remaining "land holders" to eventually arrive, they are not selling any further plots. The entire cemetery is immaculate. A job well done to the staff and council members for the work done, and continue doing. Lots of historical information and some of our early leaders in Queensland's dating back over 150 years. These are the people who made Queensland what it is today. I can strongly recommend having a look 😊."
Ruth Mavroleon
"Some of the best real estate in Brisbane. People are just dying to get in. I liked it, but not quite that much. The cemetery was well looked after and very interesting and plenty of historical information is available. Sadly, the Museum was closed when I went there. My fault, I just turned up without doing any research. I didn't even realize they had a museum The restrooms were nice and clean. There were places to have a rest here and there. The only negative I would mention is, that probably due to some of the floods and storms, there is a fair bit of unrepaired damage at the cemetery. Hopefully Brisbane Council or whom ever is in charge of such things, might see the value in restoring the damage. Still it was a lovely walk, a little challenging in spots, but well worth the effort. Just remember it's all down hill on the way back. Also, it is dog friendly, so take your best friend along with you."
West Huffman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Toowong Cemetery is accessible by car, with parking available. Public transport options include buses that stop nearby. For those seeking a more adventurous entry after hours, Reddit users suggest discreet access points like the Asian or Veterans sections.
Officially, the gates close at 6 PM for car access. However, many visitors and locals report being able to enter and explore after dark through specific sections, provided they are respectful.
Yes, it's possible to walk around Toowong Cemetery at night. Reddit users mention that as long as you're not causing trouble, security generally doesn't mind, and people often exercise there after dark.
For a comprehensive experience, consider joining a guided tour, especially a ghost tour, which offers historical insights and access to areas not usually open to the public.
During daylight hours, it's a peaceful and safe place for walks. For nighttime visits, while generally safe if you're discreet, be aware of your surroundings and stick to well-trodden paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General entry to Toowong Cemetery during its operating hours is free. However, specific guided tours, such as ghost tours, will require a ticket purchase.
The cemetery gates are typically open from 6 AM to 6 PM for car access. Pedestrian access after hours is possible through certain points, as noted by visitors.
Entry to the cemetery grounds is free. Fees apply only if you choose to participate in organized tours or events.
Yes, tours are available, often organized by groups like 'Friends of Toowong Cemetery'. Ghost tours are particularly popular for a unique perspective.
While the cemetery has many paths, some areas can be steep and uneven. Visitors with mobility issues might find certain sections challenging, though the main paths are generally manageable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the impressive Mayne Family plot, the atmospheric Chinese section, the solemn War Graves, and the peaceful city view bench.
The cemetery is vast, with over 120,000 burials. You could easily spend a whole day here and still not see everything. A few hours is recommended for a good overview.
Many visitors and locals report paranormal experiences, including disembodied voices and shadow figures, particularly near the War Graves.
Absolutely! It's a photographer's paradise with historical gravestones, unique sections, and scenic views. Many visitors capture stunning images.
Yes, clean restrooms are available within the cemetery grounds, making it comfortable for longer visits.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the intricate details of old gravestones, the unique architecture of mausoleums, the atmospheric Chinese section, and the panoramic city views from the hilltops.
Yes, photography of graves is generally permitted. However, always be respectful of the site and any ongoing ceremonies or visitors paying their respects.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the atmosphere. Early mornings can also be stunning, especially with fog.
The War Graves section, the older parts of the cemetery with weathered stones, and the Chinese section offer particularly striking photographic subjects.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to be mindful of other visitors. If you plan extensive tripod use, consider visiting during less busy times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours for a more relaxed experience. While the cemetery is dog-friendly, ensure children are comfortable around animals. For a more engaging visit, look for any family-friendly historical talks or events hosted by the 'Friends of Toowong Cemetery'.
👻 Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Enthusiasts
For the best experience, book a dedicated ghost tour. These tours often provide historical context for the reported hauntings and can lead you to areas known for paranormal activity. If exploring independently at night, be discreet and respectful, as per local advice.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Genealogists
To aid your research, utilize the Brisbane City Council's grave locator database or consult with the 'Friends of Toowong Cemetery' for assistance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Brisbane's Past
Exploring Toowong Cemetery offers a tangible connection to Queensland's history. You can find the resting places of key figures who shaped the state, such as members of the Mayne family, and learn about the lives of early settlers. The diverse sections, including a dedicated Chinese burial ground, reflect the multicultural history of Brisbane. It's a place where history is not just read about, but felt and seen.
For those interested in genealogy, the cemetery is an invaluable resource. While some older graves are unmarked or overgrown, resources like the Brisbane City Council's searchable database and the 'Friends of Toowong Cemetery' group can assist in locating specific plots.
The Paranormal Pulse of Toowong
Guided ghost tours are a popular way to explore these eerie tales. These tours often share historical anecdotes and local legends, enhancing the spooky atmosphere. Visitors on these tours have reported feeling cold spots, hearing conversations, and even experiencing physical sensations like being flicked.
While the paranormal claims add an exciting layer for some, it's important to approach such experiences with an open mind and respect for the site. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the cemetery's historical significance and atmospheric setting make it a compelling place to visit, day or night.
Community Efforts and Preservation
These community efforts are vital for the upkeep of such a large and old cemetery. Grave cleaning events, often held monthly, allow volunteers to contribute directly to preserving the integrity of the headstones and plots. The funds raised from tours also go towards supporting these preservation initiatives, ensuring that Toowong Cemetery remains a significant historical landmark.
Visitors interested in contributing or learning more can connect with the FOTC through their Facebook page or website. Participating in their activities offers a unique way to engage with the cemetery's history and support its ongoing preservation.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit