SITE PARTNER:   lexus of brisbane is valued partner of Must Do Brisbane

Avalon

New Farm

Updated: Aug 20, 2024

Avalon was one of the first block of flats to be built in Brisbane (in 1929) and was the start of a trend that saw New Farm’s sprawling Victorian villas replaced with art deco and Spanish Mission flats. The architects of the English style rough cast rendered brick and red tiled block were Hall and Prentice, designers of the Brisbane City Hall.

Within are 26 flats which are lettered from A-Z rather than numbered, and consisting of a room with a bathroom and kitchen. Throughout the years the tenants have been a motley crew of pillars of society, drug dealers, gentry and artists and the building became the subject of a fascinating book (‘Avalon: Art & Life of an Apartment Building’ by Ricardo Felipe) about the characters who have left their stamp on the place.

One story goes that in the 1990’s when it was an artists co-op the corner below was where streetwalkers piled their trade. One of the artists had sculpted an angel which was silhouetted in his window and this was said to have given comfort to the working girls who saw it as a kind of guardian angel.

 

Avalon  

538 Brunswick St 

New Farm

Map

538 Brunswick St New Farm

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Park Vibes returns to Victoria Park on Saturday June 7
Find career opportunities for all ages at the Careers & Employment Expo
Clydesdales great and small will descend on Boonah
Experience the magic of a European winter in Brisbane
Get ready to slay because PrideFest is back baby
Rumolution brings together the best rum producers & rum lovers!
RACQ's MotorFest is the ultimate car lover's day out
Paws up Brisbane! It’s a Pop-Up Pooch Party!
QPAC’s much-loved festival for children 8 years and under is back
MUST VISIT

Redlands Coast

With the glorious sunshine days of autumn and winter upon us, there's never been a better time to visit the beautiful Redlands Coast
Redlands Coast
The monster returns to QPAC
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT