Brisbane City Hall & Clock Tower Brisbane
Ascend Brisbane's iconic Clock Tower for free, offering breathtaking city views and a journey through history via a manual elevator.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier booking
Brisbane City Hall & Clock Tower Brisbane
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier booking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Brisbane's iconic Clock Tower for free, offering breathtaking city views and a journey through history via a manual elevator.
"Don’t miss out on this beautiful clock tower! Take the 95-year-old lift to the top for a breathtaking view."
🎯 Book Clock Tower Tour Online
Free tours fill up fast! Book your spot online in advance to guarantee your ascent. :ticket:
🏛️ Explore the Museum
The Museum of Brisbane inside City Hall offers free, engaging exhibitions. :museum:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Clock Tower Ascent
Brisbane City Hall
Ascend the historic clock tower for panoramic city views. A truly iconic Brisbane experience.

Museum of Brisbane
Brisbane City Hall
Discover fascinating free exhibitions that showcase Brisbane's unique stories and art.

Historic Architecture
Brisbane City Hall
Admire the stunning architecture of this heritage-listed building, a landmark in King George Square.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Clock Tower Tour in Advance
Explore the Museum of Brisbane
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Clock Tower Tour Online
Free tours fill up fast! Book your spot online in advance to guarantee your ascent.
:ticket:🏛️ Explore the Museum
The Museum of Brisbane inside City Hall offers free, engaging exhibitions.
:museum:🚶♀️ Free City Greeters Tour
Join a free Brisbane Greeters tour for local insights and hidden gems.
:walking:📸 Capture the Views
The clock tower offers fantastic photo opportunities of the city skyline.
:camerawithflash:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Clock Tower Tour Online
Free tours fill up fast! Book your spot online in advance to guarantee your ascent.
:ticket:🏛️ Explore the Museum
The Museum of Brisbane inside City Hall offers free, engaging exhibitions.
:museum:🚶♀️ Free City Greeters Tour
Join a free Brisbane Greeters tour for local insights and hidden gems.
:walking:📸 Capture the Views
The clock tower offers fantastic photo opportunities of the city skyline.
:camerawithflash:🕰️ Learn Clock Tower History
The guided tour explains the workings of Australia's largest analogue clock.
:clock1:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the free Clock Tower tour, highlighting the breathtaking views and the unique experience of riding a historic elevator. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are frequently praised for enhancing the visit. The adjacent Museum of Brisbane also receives positive mentions for its engaging, free exhibitions.
"Don’t miss out on this beautiful clock tower! Take the 95-year-old lift to the top for a breathtaking view. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will make your visit even more enjoyable. Booking is easy online, and the tour happens every 15 minutes.
Afterward, you can explore the museum. If you’re in the city, don’t skip this experience!"
Y T
"We took two groups of adults with disabilities as part of an outing program. The staff whilst checking in for the tour was exceptional, she noticed someone was hesitant to join, and she brought over a visual informative sheet to explain and he joined right away! The guide we had was lovely and she explained the history beautifully and answered some questions and comments they had. All participants and staff were very appreciative of the city hall staff and we loved our tours! Highly recommend."
Amelia Volk
"Well worth booking a tour for! It goes by quite quickly (each tour is 15 mins) but the view of the city is lovely and the explanations for how the elevator and clock work we quite interesting. This is the biggest analogue clock in Australia and one of the oldest still-working manual elevators."
Sarah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brisbane City Hall is centrally located in King George Square, easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short walk from the City Botanic Gardens bus station. The nearest train station is Roma Street, about a 10-15 minute walk away.
While there isn't dedicated parking at City Hall, several public car parks are located within walking distance, including the King George Square Car Park and the Secure Parking complex on Albert Street. Consider public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and DiDi are a convenient option. You can set Brisbane City Hall as your drop-off point.
Brisbane City Hall is generally accessible. The Museum of Brisbane has accessible exhibition spaces. The clock tower tour involves a historic elevator, and staff are known for their helpfulness with visitors who may have hesitations.
The area around City Hall is very walkable. You can easily explore King George Square, the Treasury Casino, and head towards South Bank via the Victoria Bridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower tour is completely free! However, due to high demand and limited capacity, booking your spot online in advance is highly recommended.
No, entry to the Museum of Brisbane is free, and you typically do not need to book tickets in advance. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website for any special exhibition requirements.
Brisbane City Hall is generally open to the public during business hours, typically Monday to Friday. The Museum of Brisbane and Clock Tower tours have specific operating hours, so it's best to check the official Brisbane City Council website for the most up-to-date information.
The guided tour of the clock tower is quite brief, lasting approximately 15 minutes. It's a quick but rewarding experience.
Yes, you can explore the beautiful architecture of Brisbane City Hall and visit the Museum of Brisbane without taking the clock tower tour. The building itself is a significant heritage site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Brisbane City Hall, you can take a free tour of the iconic Clock Tower for stunning city views, explore the engaging exhibitions at the Museum of Brisbane, and admire the building's impressive heritage architecture.
The Clock Tower is home to Australia's largest analogue clock and features a historic manual elevator. The guided tour offers insights into its history and mechanics, along with breathtaking panoramic views of Brisbane.
Yes, the Museum of Brisbane often offers guided tours of its exhibitions, providing deeper context and insights. Additionally, Brisbane Greeters offer free walking tours of the city, which may include City Hall.
The clock tower tour has a limited capacity of only 4 people per session to ensure a quality experience. While it's free, booking ahead is crucial as it can get busy, especially on weekends.
From the clock tower, you'll get fantastic 360-degree views of Brisbane's CBD, the Brisbane River, South Bank, and surrounding suburbs. It's a great spot for photography.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the Clock Tower offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city skyline, perfect for capturing Brisbane's urban landscape. The grand architecture of City Hall itself, both inside and out, also makes for stunning photographs.
Yes, photography is generally allowed during the clock tower tour, and many visitors capture the incredible views. Be mindful of other tour participants and the guide's instructions.
While general photography is usually permitted in public areas of City Hall, it's always wise to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you plan on extensive photography, especially within the Museum of Brisbane's exhibitions.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful warm light for cityscapes. However, daytime provides clear visibility, and even twilight can be magical as the city lights begin to twinkle.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views from the tower. A standard zoom lens is versatile. If you're interested in details, a macro lens could be useful for the clock's mechanism if accessible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Clock Tower tour is a short but exciting adventure, especially the ride in the historic elevator. While the tour is brief, the views from the top are captivating for all ages. Staff are known to be very accommodating and helpful, making the experience enjoyable for everyone, including those with disabilities.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a free Brisbane Greeters tour or explore the surrounding free attractions like the City Botanic Gardens or South Bank. The MoB shop also offers affordable souvenirs if you're looking for gifts.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to photograph the impressive architecture of City Hall itself, both its grand exterior and elegant interiors. The historic elevator also makes for a unique shot. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Clock Tower Tour
At the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Brisbane's CBD, the Brisbane River, and beyond. It's an excellent vantage point for photography, offering a unique perspective on the city. Due to its popularity and limited capacity (only 4 people per tour), booking online in advance is essential to secure your spot.
Visitors consistently praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff who enhance the experience. The tour is not only informative but also a memorable way to connect with Brisbane's heritage and iconic landmarks.
Discovering the Museum of Brisbane
The museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions that change regularly, ensuring there's always something new to discover. These exhibitions often delve into local history, contemporary art, and the diverse communities that make up Brisbane. The MoB is also known for its free guided tours, which provide deeper insights into the current displays and the building's heritage.
Beyond the exhibitions, the MoB Shop is a great place to find unique souvenirs that go beyond generic tourist trinkets, offering locally designed products and artisan crafts. It's an ideal complement to the clock tower visit, offering a more in-depth cultural experience within the same historic building.
Architectural Grandeur of City Hall
Constructed in the early 20th century, the building showcases Palladian-style architecture with grand interiors, including the stunning Annexe and the heritage-listed Council Chambers. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and the sense of history that permeates the building. Even without taking a specific tour, simply walking through the public areas offers a glimpse into Brisbane's civic history.
The building has also been a venue for significant events and celebrations, including cultural festivals and public gatherings, further cementing its role as a central hub for the city.
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