The A-Z of Old Brisbane -Albion

From a bush hotel on the way to the beach to an inner-urban suburb.

In 1864, Thomas Hayselden advertised for a Publican’s License to turn his property on the Sandgate Road into an “Inn or Public House” under the sign of the Albion Hotel.

Sandgate was a popular seaside hamlet, but it was a deuced long carriage ride from Brisbane – around twenty miles on the Sandgate Road. A place to stay on the way, or at least dine on the way, was sorely needed. Thomas Hayselden saw the need, and “the Albion” became the hotel, and eventually, the name for the area.

The Albion Hotel in 1866 (E. Hudson had taken over the licence by then).

In 1865, land sales used proximity to the Albion Hotel and Sandgate Road as an incentive.

The hotel and land sales led to the establishment of Wheeler’s General Store, seen here in 1868.

Throughout the next decade, the area around the hotel was colloquially known as “the Albion.” Country estates were built there, notably “Whytecliffe” and “Moolooburrum.”

By 1880, residents of Lutwyche and Albion were petitioning to be recognised under the Local Government Act.

How the area around Stoneleigh Street looked in 1884, and in 2024 (right).

Brisbane’s expansion, the addition of the tramway stops, and the racecourse helped create the Albion we know today.

Life in Albion in Pictures

Left: Mr J Jordan’s residence in Stoneleigh Street. Right (top): Floods at Albion. Right (bottom): Albion Park Racecourse in flood in 1890.

Queenslander-style house in Albion. Top right: The Albion Baptist Church Bellringers. Bottom right: The Albion branch of the Queensland National Bank.

Main photo: Jas. Campbell & Sons Sawmill. Top right: Shops in Albion, turn of the century. Bottom right: Provisions Store in Albion, late 19th century.