When the main traffic into Brisbane was by boat, it made sense for Customs to be on the river near the wharves. Customs House was completed in 1889, and served as the main Customs office for a hundred years. The exterior of the building is sandstone from Helidon, and the roof has a large copper dome that once was a landmark visible through the city streets, but is now surrounded by office blocks. Now, after being renovated, it is operated by the University of Queensland, and hosts many cultural events and private functions.
I have a strong family connection to the Customs House - both my grandfather and uncle worked there. Unfortunately, there is also a link to one of Australia's worst rail disasters. In 1947 a special train carrying Customs House staff members and their families to a picnic at Samford crashed, causing the death of 16 people, with a further 38 being injured. Both of my grandparents and their youngest son, aged 9, were amongst those who perished that day.
The photo was taken from Queen Street, near the Adelaide Street corner.
EXIF: Nikon D70; Nikkor 12-24 mm DX; ISO 200; 1/800 sec; f8.
TFF
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