It was once the finest home in the colony of Moreton Bay, boasting a reputation for hosting lavish parties, it was considered the place to be – the heart of Brisbane’s social life. Over the years it was occupied by some of the city’s most influential colonial figures, including Patrick Leslie, Captain John Clements Wickham, and George Harris as well as many other curious characters. The house was expanded and transformed over time into the grand home you see today.

Built in 1846, nearly two centuries ago, it tells the story of early colonial life in Brisbane. It began as a simple two-storey Georgian cottage to Scottish settler and future politician Patrick Leslie and his wife Catherine (Kate) who ventured to Australia in 1843 in search of posterity. In 1847 they sold the home to Police Magistrate Captain John Clements Wickham and his wife Anna and Newstead House became something of an unofficial Government House.

By 1862, George and Jane Harris moved into Newstead House and modernised it, moving the main entrance to face the road, creating a formal entrance hall, adding rooms, and extending the verandah to wrap fully around the house. This is Newstead House as we know it today – spacious, breezy, and lavishly appointed in the eclectic mood of Victorian interior design. Newstead House had entered its lavish party era.

Today Newstead house is a living museum and offers a captivating journey through time, drawing locals and visitors alike through its doors. As you explore its rooms and beautiful verandah, looking out across Newstead Park and Brisbane River, it’s easy to follow the footsteps of its early residents, imagining them standing in the same place, enjoying the same views and wandering through the surrounding gardens.

Newstead House is more than just a building; it breathes life into Brisbane’s past. Every room is furnished to reflect the Harris period (1862-1890), carefully curated to offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived beneath its roof of the grand house and downstairs in the engine room of the house, the Lower Floor, where the servants resided.

Every Friday and Sunday, the house opens its doors to the public, inviting them to explore its beautiful rooms and stunning views. For those looking to dive deeper into its storied past, guided tours are available on these days, offering a more intimate look at the lives of its former residents and the historical context in which they lived. This beautiful heritage home also offers the perfect setting for your next event or wedding and is available for venue hire.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or looking for the perfect location for your event, Newstead House promises an experience that is both enriching and unforgettable.

To learn more about Newstead House, visit newsteadhouse.com.au, for venue hire enquiries please contact [email protected]