Burnett Lane

Brisbane’s oldest lane dates from convict days when the block it cuts through on the Queens Street side was the site of the Prisoner’s Cells and Barracks, and the Superintendent of Convicts residence. When four cottages were built on the Adelaide Street side, the laneway was built for access to them.

The lane takes its name from Brisbane’s first surveyor James Burnett, who died at 39 and is now profiled on the rear wall of one of the Queen St buildings. Archaeologists have pinpointed the paved Burnett Lane as having been built over the Prisoner’s Barracks Yard, where the settlement’s first hanging occurred in 1830.

Shoppers strolling down the Queen Street Mall and window shopping where the Myer/Allan & Stark building stands today would have been treated to a very different sight had the year been 1828. Then, there was a broad archway that extended about 10 metres through an open hallway in the centre of the three storey stone Queen Street Prisoner’s Barracks and within it was a ‘flogging triangle’, so placed for all convicts new and old to see. In 1828, 1,100 lashes were meted out to 200 convicts, 128 of them taking the brunt with 50 or more of these whippings.

After the penal settlement closed, the Queen Street side housed the first Town Hall which was built there in 1864 and operated until the current City Hall was built. After the barracks and other convict buildings were demolished, the late 19th century buildings which still front Queen St were constructed, including the Andrea Stombucco-designed (1881) Allan & Stark Building which was later added to by Richard Gailey. Myer purchased it in 1970 along with the building fronting Adelaide Street across Burnett Lane and during those retail years, the lane was a hive of delivery truck activity.

Appearing in 2016, Burnett Lane became home to one of Brisbane’s tiny doors, courtesy of environmental artist, Mace Robertson.

Finding these tiny doors in Burnett Lane - plus other delights just a little further along in the lane like the lone blue duck - on a discovery trail to explore the hidden gems of Brisbane's CBD is a perfect activity for children, and a great introduction to the history of Brisbane.

Ready to explore more? Check out our guide here on more of Brisbane's funky and interesting laneways.

Or, if you've worked up a thirst or an appetite, perhaps a visit to Felix for Goodness, Super Whatnot Bar, Alba Bar & Deli or Death & Taxes is on the agenda.

Image credit: Images of tiny doors by Danella Perrins