A rare survivor of Queensland’s convict era, this Georgian storehouse stands as the birthplace of the colony and the oldest occupied building in the state.
At a glance
Built between 1828 and 1829, the Commissariat Store served the Moreton Bay penal settlement as a permanent supply depot. One of only two surviving convict-era buildings in Queensland and one of four remaining commissariat structures in all of Australia, it has continuously sheltered important institutions for nearly two centuries.
History
Designed by William John Dumaresq, the store was constructed by convict labour under the direction of Captain Logan. It emerged as the colony’s essential supply centre, supporting the operations of the remote penal settlement. The building marks the physical origin point of Queensland’s European settlement and governance. In 1992, it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register, recognising its exceptional historical value. Today it houses the Royal Historical Society of Queensland, a museum, the Welsby Library, and function spaces—making it the oldest continuously occupied building in the state.
What you see
The structure exemplifies Georgian colonial design, with solid construction befitting a government storehouse. Its fortress-like character reflects the security demands of a penal settlement, while its enduring masonry testifies to the quality of convict-era craftsmanship.
Cultural significance
The Commissariat Store embodies Queensland’s convict heritage and colonial origins. Its rarity—standing as one of only two surviving structures from the penal period—makes it irreplaceable evidence of the state’s foundational era. The building’s ongoing use as a cultural and educational hub ensures its story remains alive for contemporary visitors.
Key facts
- Country: Australia
- Location: Brisbane, Queensland
- Coordinates: −27.4732, 153.0242
- Built: 1828–1829
- Architect: William John Dumaresq
- Construction: Convict labour, directed by Captain Logan
- Current occupant: Royal Historical Society of Queensland
- Heritage listing: Queensland Heritage Register (21 October 1992)
Practical information & getting there
The Commissariat Store is located at 115–127 William Street, Brisbane City, bordered by William Street, Queen’s Wharf Road and the Brisbane River. It remains an active cultural space; check the Royal Historical Society of Queensland website for visiting hours, museum exhibitions and event details.
Sources & resources
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