Mowbray Park in East Brisbane is a historic park with a long and storied history. Acquired by the South Brisbane City Council in 1903, the park has been developed with entrance gates, a stone retaining wall, a kiosk and cottage, a bandstand, and an East Brisbane War Memorial. Now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, the park is recognized for its built and landscape heritage. As the Council works to create a shared vision for the park, a draft concept plan is expected to be released in mid-2021. Check it out here
Acquisition and Establishment
South Brisbane City Council acquired Mowbrays Paddock in 1903-04 for public park purposes. Rev. Thomas Mowbray had purchased the land in the 1850s, and the initiative for the park’s acquisition was attributed to Alderman George Blocksidge, the Mayor of South Brisbane. Entrance gates were erected in 1904 and the park was officially named in September of that year. Thereafter, multiple amenities were added to the park, such as a stone retaining wall, a kiosk and cottage, a bandstand, and a jetty. The East Brisbane War Memorial was also erected in Mowbray Park in 1917. The park is now heritage listed, and revitalization plans, community engagement, and conservation efforts are underway to ensure its historical significance and to facilitate future developments.
Amenities and Features
Mowbray Park in East Brisbane is a beautiful leafy park along the Brisbane River, offering amenities such as play equipment, BBQ facilities and toilets, as well as a stunning view of the river and Story Bridge. During the night, the park is lit up with twinkling lights, making it a magical place for families to enjoy.
A Leafy, Brisbane Riverside Park
Located in East Brisbane, Mowbray Park is a leafy, picturesque park situated along the banks of the Brisbane River, providing a range of amenities and features for visitors to enjoy. For those looking to get active, the park offers playground equipment, while BBQ facilities are available for those wanting to cook up a picnic. Toilets are also provided for visitors’ convenience. Visitors can also take in the excellent Brisbane River views while enjoying the night lights of the park. Mowbray Park offers something for everyone, making it the perfect spot for a day out.
Lights All Over the Trees Make This a Special Place
Featuring stunning river and Story Bridge views, Mowbray Park is home to numerous trees, a large playground, picnic tables, a BBQ area, and even night lights that make it a special place to visit. The park creates a beautiful nighttime ambiance, allowing visitors to enjoy the panoramic views with the added bonus of nature immersion. Families can also take advantage of the many family-friendly activities the park has to offer such as a large playground, barbecue areas, and picnic tables. The park further encourages community engagement through its inviting atmosphere and the presence of night lights. Mowbray Park offers a truly unique experience for all to enjoy.
East Brisbane War Memorial
The East Brisbane War Memorial, located within Mowbray Park, was erected in 1917 to commemorate those who served in World War I. It included a honor roll, a statue of an Australian Light Horseman, and a metal railing fence around the memorial. The memorial was unveiled by Lady Goold-Adams, wife of Queensland Governor Hamilton Goold-Adams. In 1929, the metal railing fence was replaced with stone kerbing. Commemorative events are held at the memorial to honor those who served. The memorial is regularly maintained and restored to preserve its significance and design. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and a tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives.
Heritage Status
Mowbray Park and East Brisbane War Memorial have been listed on the Queensland Heritage Register since 1992, marking the site’s historical significance and cultural heritage. Preservation efforts have been made to ensure the park and memorial are kept intact for generations to come. This includes commemorative events, such as the annual ANZAC Day service, and conservation initiatives, which involve maintaining the park’s architecture and restoring the original features. The park’s design period of 1900-1914 is now recognized as a state heritage site, and due to its protected status, the park has been able to remain largely unchanged for over a century. Ultimately, the listing of Mowbray Park and East Brisbane War Memorial on the Queensland Heritage Register serves to recognize the park as a significant part of Queensland’s history.
Historical Events
Building on the legacy of its historic roots, Mowbray Park has served as a venue for a variety of events over the years. Sailing regattas were held in the 1920s and 1930s, while it is reported that a tent city for homeless families was set up during the Great Depression. In recent years, modern developments such as tree relocation, road widening, and the installation of up-lighting and free Wi-Fi have been implemented. As part of the future improvement works, the Council is undertaking community consultation to develop a shared vision and create a draft concept plan for Mowbray Park. The final concept plan is expected to be released in December 2021.
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