Toowong

Why is it called “Patterson’s Folly”? Well, we are standing right here at the heart of Toowong, on High Street. This unusual median strip has puzzled residents and visitors alike for over a century. And it all started with a man named Charles Patterson. Now, Charles was a visionary. As the first mayor of Toowong, he dreamt big. He imagined a grand, divided highway, stretching all the way to Ipswich. Toowong was growing rapidly. And Charles believed this ambitious road would cement its place as a modern hub. In the early 1900s, he set his plan in motion, beginning with this very median strip. However, fate, as it often does, had other plans. The cost and logistical challenges of such a massive project proved too great. The grand vision of a divided highway never materialized, leaving behind this curious island of greenery. Locals, with a touch of good humor, dubbed it “Patterson’s Folly”. But was it truly a folly? While it may not have fulfilled its original purpose, it has become a beloved local landmark. The trees that line this “folly” provide a welcome bit of shade on hot Brisbane days. It stands as a testament to Charles Patterson’s ambition and the ever-changing landscape of Toowong.