Victoria Park Draft Master Plan
A message from Lord Mayor Graham Quirk
As Lord Mayor of Brisbane, I am committed to having a clean, green, inclusive and accessible
City. Part of that commitment includes encouraging active and healthy lifestyles. Our subtropical
climate, open spaces and natural areas make Brisbane an ideal location for residents and visitors
to enjoy.
Parks and open spaces are an important part of Brisbane’s identity and need to be preserved for
future generations. These natural assets protect our city’s history, provide space to enjoy the
outdoors and nature, allow residents and visitors to come together and experience the unique
offering of Brisbane.
The area we now know as Victoria Park was officially named in 1875 and is one of Brisbane’s
most historic and valued parks. The park covers more than 50 hectares and is home to the
Centenary Pool and the Victoria Golf Complex. The master plan is being developed for the 20
hectare parkland area between Gilchrist Avenue and Gregory Terrace.
Victoria Park currently provides the local community with a beautiful place to visit and enjoy,
offering a playground, picnic facilities, fitness stations, a dog off-leash area and bikeways that
connect to a network of neighbouring suburbs and the city centre.
Recently, residents had their say about Victoria Park through the Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan
and the proposed Queensland Government BaT (Bus and Train) project at Spring Hill. This
Victoria Park Draft Master Plan is based on that feedback and we now invite your comments to
help inform the final master plan.
The aim of this draft master plan is to focus on enhancing the park to provide more areas for
residents to enjoy, while protecting its many values and rich history. I encourage all residents to
get involved and have your say on the Victoria Park Draft Master Plan. Your views will help shape
the future of this valuable and historic park. I welcome your comments and feedback.
Graham Quirk
Lord Mayor
Victoria Park will be enjoyed for its diversity in activity, its connection to the
past and its contribution to Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle.
Formally reserved as a park in 1875, Victoria Park is a significant inner-city park for Brisbane. As
the city developed, Victoria Park also experienced significant changes. There are a number of
historical features onsite that make Victoria Park unique; from being a significant place for
Aboriginal people, to its role in providing temporary accommodation during and after World War
II. Today we have the opportunity to reflect on the park’s role within our city, while connecting
with and respecting its rich history.
York’s Hollow
The low-lying area of Victoria Park was once a creek line with a series of waterholes that flowed
down towards Enoggera Creek. This area is officially named York’s Hollow and is the heartland of
the Turrbal People.
It was named after the head of the Turrbal People known as the ‘Duke of York’ (it is believed his
Aboriginal name was Daki Yakka). The Turrbal People used the land for ceremonies, to hunt, fish
and perform corroborees until the 1850s1.
Military connection
The military had a presence in the park until after World War II. Buildings constructed to
temporarily house the military were removed in the 1970s.
Queensland centenary celebrations
In 1959, Queensland celebrated its centenary and Victoria Park was part of these celebrations,
which included the construction of the popular Centenary Pool and other events such as the
planting of 1000 eucalypts by local students.
Historical trees
The park contains many historical trees that have been planted as part of beautification programs
carried out between the late 1800s and now.
Harry Oakman
Harry Oakman was one of the pioneers of landscape architecture in Australia and he helped
design and plant many of the trees that can be seen in the park today.
The Victoria Park Master Plan will balance existing environmental and
cultural heritage values, while providing a family-friendly destination away
from the city. It will offer flexible spaces for recreation, exploration, learning
and play. Brisbane City Council will shape the future of Victoria Park through
the delivery of four core themes.
Accessible and connected
Introduce diverse opportunities for leisure and recreation, providing spaces that foster community
cohesion.
Leafy and green
Deliver an open space that enhances Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle and contributes to
Brisbane’s profile as a clean, green and vibrant city.
Active and healthy
Provide a range of formal and informal recreation spaces to meet the needs of a growing
community.
Meaningful and enriching
Strengthen community connections to history and place and provide opportunities to engage with
the cultural and environmental values of the park.
Tell us what you think
Master planning involves Council and the community working together. Council invites your input
on the Victoria Park Draft Master Plan and will consider all feedback received by 5pm Monday 13
October 2014.
To have your say on the future of Victoria Park:
Visit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search for ‘Victoria Park Master Plan’
Email: CPS-VP-masterplan@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Call: Council on (07) 3403 8888
Write: Victoria Park Master Plan
Natural Environment, Water and Sustainability branch
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001