Imagine stepping back in time to when the Turrbal tribe called this place Binkinba meaning ‘place of the land tortoises’. That’s New Farm, a suburb steeped in history and brimming with stories.
Today we explore New Farm a unique blend of past and present. This inner northern riverside suburb lies just two kilometers east of Brisbane’s CBD. New Farm occupies a large bend in the Brisbane River. It is surrounded on three sides by water.
In the early days of Brisbane New Farm earned its name quite literally. Commandant Patrick Logan established a new farm here in 1827. It was part of the Moreton Bay penal colony. Convicts worked the land. You can still see remnants of lime kilns from the 1870s along the riverbanks.
Over time New Farm evolved. Politician and judge Samuel Griffith built his house called ‘Merthyr’ here in 1870. Horse-drawn trams once served the area starting in 1885. Electric trams replaced them in 1897. They ran until 1969. Today buses keep New Farm connected.
New Farm State School opened its doors in 1901. The suburb saw more development in the early 20th century. The Catholic Church established the Holy Spirit Church in 1930. The Holy Spirit School followed soon after.
During World War II New Farm hosted a marine base. Wealthy merchants and lawyers called this place home. However New Farm later gained a different reputation. In the late 1980s it was known for street prostitution and a drug-fueled culture. Andrew McGahan’s novel Praise captured this era.
Since then New Farm has transformed. Gentrification and new developments have reshaped the suburb. Yet New Farm retains its diverse character. It’s known for its Anglo-Saxon and Italian communities. Many restaurants and cafes thrive here. Hence New Farm is also known as Brisbane’s Little Italy.
New Farm boasts several heritage-listed sites. There are residences on Abbott Street and Balfour Street and Feniton at 388 Bowen Terrace. Village Twin Cinemas Wynberg and New Farm State School are also listed. You can also find Langshaw Marble Lime Works Julius Street Flats and the former CSR Refinery. Bertholme Glenugie and Santa Barbara add to the list. Glenfalloch Apartments The Moorings New Farm Park and Amity are other notable places.
New Farm offers many amenities today. New Farm Park is one of Brisbane’s oldest and largest parks. It attracts over 18000 visitors each week. The Brisbane Powerhouse is a repurposed arts center next to the park.
Getting around New Farm is easy. CityCat ferries stop at Sydney Street and New Farm Park. Buses also serve the suburb.
Notable residents have called New Farm home. Sir Samuel Griffith judge and politician once lived here. Thomas Welsby politician and businessman also resided here. Jim Soorley and William Villiers Brown are other well-known figures.
New Farm continues to evolve. It has a population of over 12000. It’s home to one of Queensland’s largest LGBT communities. As we conclude our visit remember New Farm’s rich tapestry. It is a suburb that honors its past while embracing the future.