Public Art and Contemporary Design

Brisbane is a city that links people, places and creativity. Did you know that we are one of the world’s great public art cities? Here’s a taste of what’s on display in Australia’s new world city … our Greeters can take you there! Experiences may include:

This trail showcases some of the highlights of the artworks by private and public development sectors. The trail has captured a 1.8km walk from Kurilpa Bridge through the north quarter of the city, via the iconic Reddacliff Place and Queen Street Mall, along Burnett Lane and Albert St towards the Botanic Gardens.

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the magnificent Brisbane River, with some cultural infusions along the way. The Art and River Trail is a 2.4km walk that meanders along the river’s edge on the Kangaroo Point Boardwalk. The trail tells the story of the river’s maritime and industrial history. It includes sculptures that evoke memories of World Expo 88, and artworks that celebrate the grandeur of the Brisbane River.

Take a leisurely stroll through the city’s historic plazas and squares, with a focus on artworks and memorials that commemorate Brisbane’s history or depict historical figures or events. Starting at King George Square and finishing at St Stephen’s Cathedral on Elizabeth St, the trail is a mix of historic, heritage-listed and contemporary artworks and monuments, each contributing to Brisbane’s story.

City laneways trail

Brisbane boasts some marvellous and mysterious laneways around its city centre. Burnett Lane, Eagle Lane and Hutton Lane are the latest inner-city locations to be revitalised under Brisbane City Council’s Vibrant Laneways program.

Take a look at just how far we’ve come … and didn’t World Expo 88 help us on our merry way! Twenty-five years on from Expo, as you take this beautiful stroll around South Bank and the CBD, you will be left in no doubt that Brisbane keeps evolving as Australia’s new world city. Apart from discovering or re-discovering some of World Expo’s legacy, including a treasure trove of public art, these trails uncover our city’s heritage journey and some of our very latest delights.