Collection: Kangaroo Point Collection

Kangaroo Point is one of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs, with a history that reflects its early importance as a riverside settlement and industrial centre. Originally inhabited by the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, the area was named by early European explorers in the 1820s after the large numbers of kangaroos seen grazing on the river flats. European settlement began soon after the establishment of the Moreton Bay penal colony, with Kangaroo Point becoming a key site for quarrying Brisbane tuff, a volcanic rock used in many of the city’s early buildings. During the 19th century, the suburb developed as a working‑class area with wharves, industries, and modest housing, supported by its proximity to the Brisbane River. Over time, landmarks such as the Story Bridge (opened in 1940) and riverside parks contributed to its transformation into a more residential and recreational suburb. Today, Kangaroo Point blends its industrial heritage and historic sites with modern apartments and scenic riverfront spaces, maintaining a strong connection to Brisbane’s early development.