Windmill Hill, or as it became later, Wickham Terrace, afforded townsfolk an outstanding view of Brisbane Town. Several photographers stood more or less on the same spot and recorded the view through the 19th and early 20th centuries in a series of panoramas. In the process, they recorded enormous growth, historic buildings under construction, and a few oddities.
The 1862 panorama – wide, open spaces.
Above: the shots that made up the panorama. (The Petrie Terrace Gaol is visible in the distance of the last panel.)
The 1875 panorama – signs of growth.
The economic horrors of the 1860s were a distant memory, and Brisbane was acquiring some serious public buildings.
The 1884 panorama: urban progress on washing day.
The photos that made up the panorama:
Detail from the panorama: St Stephen’s was complete, and buildings were becoming more substantial.
The 1896 panorama – growing into a city.
The People’s Palace under construction (left). Mrs Smith of Spring Hill had clearly learned her lesson about washing day photos (right).
The 1920 panorama: familiar buildings and busy streets.
Left: Rothwells – your go-to for Stetson Hats and masonic regalia. Right: The People’s Palace and the Prohibition League in one handy location. The complete opposite of a party precinct.
1929 – a view from above.
Moreton Bay and More 