toowong cemetery Archives

Anzac Day Architect Canon David John Garland Remembered at Toowong Resting Place

Brisbane’s historic Toowong Cemetery is the final resting place for Canon David John Garland, the influential clergyman widely regarded as the primary architect behind the Anzac Day traditions Australians honour each year.

Architect of Anzac Day

Known as the “architect of Anzac Day,” Canon David Garland was crucial in establishing today’s commemoration. Working as a chaplain at Enoggera Army Barracks during World War One, Garland saw rising casualties from campaigns like Gallipoli. Sources state he proposed a national day to honour the sacrifice of fallen soldiers.

He rallied community support and was central to establishing the Anzac Day Commemoration Committee of Queensland. Garland served as its secretary from 1916 to the present. He is credited with creating the original framework for Anzac Day commemorative services.

Garland worked tirelessly to gain acceptance for the day from military, religious, political, business, and community groups. The first Anzac Day was marked on 25 April 1916 with ceremonies in Australia, a march in London, and events in army camps overseas.

Shaping the Commemoration

Beyond proposing the day, Canon Garland initiated many specific ceremonies and rituals that became central to Anzac Day. These included the Anzac Day march, the luncheon for returned soldiers, the solemn two minutes’ silence, wreath-laying ceremonies at memorials, and special church services. He also started a trust funded by the sale of Anzac Day badges – featuring the winged lion of St Mark because the saint’s day coincided with Anzac Day – to care for soldiers’ graves.

Garland actively promoted these ceremonies, which were adopted in other Australian states and significantly influenced commemorations in New Zealand and Great Britain. He used his extensive network of contacts with politicians, business leaders, military chiefs, and clergy across Australia and New Zealand to harmonise the approach to marking the day. He successfully persuaded the public, industry leaders, and clergy of all backgrounds to support this special day of remembrance.

His relentless campaigning was key to achieving government legislation establishing Anzac Day as a public day for solemn commemoration in Queensland by 1921, contributing to federal harmony by 1930. Sources indicate that he initially ensured the organising committee remained civilian-led.

A Life of Service

Born in Dublin, David John Garland originally trained for the law before moving to Australia and joining the Church of England ministry in 1889. His clerical career took him to New South Wales, Western Australia, and finally Queensland. In WA, he successfully organised parishes and campaigned for religious education in state schools, leading to changes in the Education Act.

In Queensland, from 1902, he served as a rector, canon, and archdeacon, and he led the successful campaign for the Bible in State Schools referendum in 1910. His service as a military chaplain began in the late 1890s in Western Australia with soldiers preparing for the Boer War. During World War One, he was a senior chaplain for troops in Queensland before serving overseas in the Middle East from 1917 to 1919. He established clubs for the Australian forces, developed special burial services, and raised funds for memorials and soldier support there.

Upon returning, he became rector of Ithaca Parish in Brisbane, broadcasting Sunday services from St Barnabas’ Church at Red Hill for many years until his death. He was also involved in immigration programs and led the New Settlers’ League.

Enduring Legacy in Toowong and Beyond

*Canon Garland Overpass*
*Photo Credit:* *Monument Australia*

Canon Garland’s energetic work and organisational skills left a lasting mark on Australian society, particularly through the establishment and enduring nature of the Anzac Day commemorations. His central role was recognised during his lifetime; acting Queensland premier W. N. Gillies reportedly described him in 1924 as the “life and soul” of the Anzac Day committee. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1934.

Canon David John Garland passed away in 1939 and was buried in Toowong Cemetery, a place connected to his work, including his role in establishing the Cross of Sacrifice memorial. His contributions are remembered through memorials such as plaques and a road overpass dedicated to the “architect of Anzac Day.” His former church, St Barnabas’, is also noted for its connection to this significant figure in Australia’s history.

Published Date 07-April-2025

Toowong Cemetery Holds the Forgotten History of Susan McGowan

Toowong Cemetery, one of Brisbane’s historic resting places, holds the remains of Susan McGowan, whose short and turbulent life reflects the harsh realities of 19th-century Australia.

A Troubled Life Remembered

Susan McGowan, who lived from 1862 to 1891, endured an extraordinary series of misfortunes, spending much of her life on the streets of Brisbane.

Born in New South Wales, she moved to Brisbane as a young adult and found herself navigating a world that offered few protections for women in her position. Without steady work or a stable home, she turned to prostitution and became a familiar figure in Brisbane’s police courts.

Throughout 1885, Susan’s name appeared in court records at least five times as a victim of assault. She was subjected to violent attacks in public streets by both men and women.

In January of that same year, Joshua Stead assaulted her, knocking her down and kicking her, resulting in a two-month sentence of hard labour for him. Months later, Patrick Brittain and Margaret Corkery also attacked Susan in separate incidents, each leading to convictions but offering her little reprieve from danger.

Susan McGowan attacked in Brisbane — *Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

By mid-year, Susan had been assaulted in public repeatedly, including an incident in July where James Feeney knocked her down multiple times on Albert Street.

Susan McGowan was attacked by James Feeney — *Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

The Streets of Brisbane

Brisbane’s central streets in the late 1800s were notorious for petty crime and public disorder. Areas like Queen Street and North Quay were frequented by street urchins, thieves, and drunkards.

Women like Susan faced an even harsher reality, as their perceived social status often left them vulnerable to both violence and harsher judgment in the legal system. Historian Anastasia Dukova noted that women in Susan’s situation were often policed more strictly than men, with little chance for reform.

By 1890, Susan’s health had deteriorated severely. She lived in Lower Albert Street’s “Nine Holes” in an area known as Frog’s Hollow, a low-lying neighbourhood notorious for its poor sanitation and frequent flooding.

Flooding on Albert Street in 1890
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Medical reports from the time described it as a hazardous place, rife with disease. Living in such conditions took a toll on Susan, who appeared less frequently in court as her health declined.

A Tragic End

Susan died at the age of 28 in April 1891 while en route to a hospital. The official cause of death was listed as phthisis, or tuberculosis, and exhaustion. Her final resting place at Toowong Cemetery is marked by the simplicity of the grave, reflecting the hard life she endured. Despite her struggles, her burial in one of Brisbane’s most historic cemeteries underscores the connection between her life and the city’s complex early settlement past.

Susan McGowan’s story, while tragic, is a window into the lives of many marginalised women in Australia at that time. Today, her grave at Toowong Cemetery serves as a silent witness to a life shaped by resilience in the face of relentless adversity.

Published 3-Jan-2025

Exploring Irish Heritage: Toowong Cemetery Tour for St Patrick’s Day

In preparation for St Patrick’s Day festivities, the Queensland Irish Association has joined hands with Friends of Toowong Cemetery to present an enriching Irish History Tour.

Read: Stalled Development at Toowong Site Sparks Community Debate

Scheduled for Sunday, 10 March 2024 10:00 a.m., the guided tour promises an insightful walk through the final resting places of notable Irish figures, including founding members of the Queensland Irish Association.

Participants can anticipate captivating narratives during the two-hour exploration. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable, enclosed shoes and attire suitable for the weather. The meeting point is set at the flagpole located at the Frederick Street/main entrance to the cemetery. Parking is available within the cemetery premises, with convenient bus stops nearby.

Donations in cash are welcomed on the day to support the preservation efforts of Friends of Toowong Cemetery.

EVENT DETAILS

St Patrick’s Day Parade Participation

As the countdown to St Patrick’s Day begins, preparations are also underway for the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, slated for Saturday, 16 March 2024 10:30 am.

The Queensland Irish Association extends an open invitation to all enthusiasts willing to partake in the parade and represent the Association. Participants will be honoured to march behind the QIA float, carrying none other than Saint Patrick himself.

*Photo Credit: Queensland Irish Association*

Those interested can simply assemble at the City Botanical Gardens on Alice Street gates from 10:00 a.m. onwards on the event day.

EVENT DETAILS

Grand St Patrick’s Eve Dinner at Brisbane City Hall

Mark your calendars for the most anticipated St Patrick’s Day celebration event – the St Patrick’s Eve Dinner hosted by the Queensland Irish Association at the grand Main Auditorium of the Brisbane City Hall. Members are encouraged to secure their spots early for the event, which promises an unforgettable evening filled with merriment and tradition.

Priced at $160 per person, the dinner includes a generous five-hour drinks package featuring beer, Guinness, red and white wines, and soft drinks, served from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Guests will also indulge in a delectable three-course dinner, courtesy of Epicure at Brisbane City Hall, accompanied by lively entertainment provided by the QIA Dancers and the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band.

The event will feature a toast to Australia Our Nation proposed by Father Frank Brennan SJ AO, alongside esteemed Irish and Australian guests. The evening will culminate in a heartwarming community sing-along of Irish favourites.

For booking enquiries, email stpatricksevedinner@hotmail.com

EVENT DETAILS

About the Queensland Irish Association

The Queensland Irish Association (QIA) traces its roots to March 23rd, 1898, emerging from the collective resignation of Irish volunteers in response to government interference. Led by former commandant Major PJ Stephens, ex-members joined forces with the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society to establish the association, embodying the principles of its predecessors.

Despite facing financial challenges and declining membership during wars and economic downturns, the QIA remains Queensland’s longest continuously operating national association. Non-sectarian and non-political from its inception, the QIA aims to unite Irish individuals and their descendants, fostering national freedom and community.

Over its century-long existence, membership has evolved to include women and has expanded to encompass various cultural activities such as a library, pipe band, dancers, singers, and theatre groups. The association hosts annual dinners and events, attracting prominent figures including Irish presidents and ambassadors.

Today, the QIA continues to be a beacon of Irish culture and heritage, guided by the vision of its founding fathers and embraced by Irish Australians who uphold its traditions. Stay connected to the QIA to celebrate Irish identity and heritage.

The Curious Case of ‘The Temple of Peace’

In the heart of Toowong Cemetery, a grand and enigmatic mausoleum stands, occasionally referred to as the “Temple of Peace,” defying the Australian tradition of modest gravesites.

Read: Toowong to West End Green Bridge Design Phase to Start Soon

It is a truly imposing sight, characterised by a towering structure adorned with a concrete urn and its walls adorned with stained glass. The heritage-listed memorial, located at the corner of Frederick Street and Mt Coot-tha Road was designed and built by Richard Paul Carl Ramo.

Upon initial inspection, the Temple of Peace appears to be a heartfelt homage to a father’s departed sons and a beloved pet. Welcoming visitors is a lintel bearing the same title, along with marble plaques inscribed with the names Fred, Gordon, Victor, Henry, and “I.”

Inside the chamber, one encounters marble tablets, whilst the ceiling bears the names and places of death of two of Richard Ramo’s sons. A statue of a little dog guards the entry, signifying a painful loss brought on by deliberate poisoning, and stained glass panels at the back honour Victor’s passing.

Recent investigations, however, have uncovered a complicated history for this extraordinary mausoleum. Although Richard Ramo did not leave any writings behind, it is now thought that many claims made about the monument are either untrue or misleading.

The absence of their real names from the tomb suggests that Ramo may have made up the existence of three of his alleged sons who died in World War I. He did have two other sons, Percy and Cecil. The latter enlisted whilst the former did not; however, neither died during the War.

Intriguingly, there are hints of a connection between Ramo and the Industrial Workers of the World and the Rationalist Society, suggested by references to the Red Flag and other inscriptions.

Read: St Ignatius School Unveils Two New Murals, Celebrates 120 Years

On December 6, 1924, the Temple of Peace was dedicated in a ceremony attended by thousands, primarily from socialist and pacifist communities. A casket said to contain the remains of Ramo’s “adopted son” Fred, who had tragically taken his own life, was placed inside the mausoleum. The dedication was presided over by the president of the Rationalist Association.

The question of how Ramo, who was not considered wealthy, financed this grand monument remains a puzzle. Ramo’s story concluded with his death in 1951, and his ashes were interred alongside the ”alleged” sons he had honoured.

Published 9-September-2023

Silent Waters, Silent Secrets: The Tragic Fate of Elizabeth Dale at Toowong Cemetery

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

On one fateful day in February 1905, grieving widow Elizabeth Dale was found lifeless, floating in a creek at the Toowong Cemetery.

Before the ill-fated day, the creek in the cemetery had been dammed to provide water for the beautiful flowers and grapes in Portion 10. The installation of taps to control the dam’s water level was in progress when destiny intervened.

Every day, Elizabeth would faithfully pay a visit to her late husband’s grave, following a familiar routine. Clad in a heavy black mourning gown and a veil, she walked along a path now referred to as Elizabeth Dale Walk.

Making her way across the walkway spanning the dam wall, she eventually reached the vicinity of the Blackall Monument. From there, it was a short distance to her brother’s burial site.

Her brother, Henry Harris Dodd, rests in Portion 11. One day in early 1898, Henry, who worked as a warder at St. Helena switched shifts with another warder, William James Downie. As fate would have it, while unlocking a cell door, a prisoner named William Archer mistakenly stabbed him, causing his untimely death. The prisoner had actually intended to harm the other warder.

During the summer, Elizabeth would occasionally pause at the water’s edge, leaning over to scoop up a handful and refreshingly splash it across her face before proceeding uphill to her brother’s final resting place.

Tragically, on one fateful day, it is believed that Elizabeth met her demise. Unable to swim, especially burdened by the weighty attire she wore, she met an untimely end after inadvertently falling into the water.

Elizabeth Dale, a resident of Rosalie’s Baroona Road, was born in Dublin. She was forty years old when she died.

Although the newspapers neglected to mention Elizabeth’s husband’s first name, they did disclose the anniversary of his passing. They recounted that Elizabeth visited the cemetery to commemorate the eleventh anniversary of her husband’s demise.

Interestingly, within the grounds of Toowong Cemetery, two individuals by the surname of Dale were buried in 1894. Among them was Thomas Dale, laid to rest on 2 February. It was on this very date, eleven years later, that Elizabeth would also be interred, sharing the same grave with her husband.

Eyewitnesses shared the chilling discovery of Elizabeth’s lifeless body. Constable Walsh, along with visitors John Littlechild and Kenneth Cooper from New South Wales, noticed her floating in a pool. They quickly alerted the cemetery attendants, who promptly arrived at the scene.

Thomas Francis Dodd, Elizabeth’s grief-stricken brother, identified her body.

As the investigation unfolded, peculiar details emerged. Grace Thomson, a trusted friend from the Salvation Army, revealed that Elizabeth’s departure that morning seemed unremarkable. However, she had experienced unconsciousness just two nights before, hinting at a hidden fragility beneath her brave facade.

Subsequent enquiries into her life and death revealed that Elizabeth had a frail disposition. She had delicate health, poor eyesight and was prone to fainting spells. An official report revealed traces of morphine in her system, likely from her dependence on Kay’s Compound, a medicinal tonic containing morphine.

Thomas Henry Brown, an assistant overseer at Toowong Cemetery, recounted the eerie moment he discovered Elizabeth’s body. After receiving reports of something amiss in the pool, he retrieved her lifeless form. The cold, stiff body lay approximately twenty feet from the pathway, adding to the enigmatic circumstances surrounding her demise.

In the annals of Toowong Cemetery’s history, Elizabeth Dale’s story stands as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the eternal bonds that connect us to our loved ones, even in death.

Published 14-June-2023

Who Should Fix Damaged Headstones at Toowong Cemetery?

Observations of damaged headstones at Toowong Cemetery have raised questions about who is responsible for fixing them after some locals called on authorities to intervene in repairing them.

Read: Historian Asks For Preservation Of Burial Sites In Toowong Cemetery

With a history dating back to 1875, Toowong Cemetery is now already home to around 117,000 graves. Many of the headstones at the cemetery have fallen and a number of the grave surrounds have collapsed.

Finding graves at the cemetery can also be extremely difficult. Since most of the graves at the cemetery are quite old, the majority of headstones do not have numbers markings on them. This is due to the fact that the practice of marking numbers on headstones was not introduced until the late 1900s.

Under the Queensland Cemeteries Act 1865, the burial rights holder and their descendants are responsible for maintaining individual graves.

There are locals who believe this law should be updated; however, others believe taxpayers’ money would be put to better use providing housing for the ‘living’ instead of being spent on graves.

Jack Sim, a historian and member of Friends of Toowong Cemetery, noted that repairing and maintaining headstones can be very expensive, highlighting the fact that the cemetery is home not just to hundreds but thousands of headstones needing repair.

Mr Sim, who is famous for his ghost tours at Toowong Cemetery and other cemeteries across the city, said in 2021, that restoring deteriorating burial places would require Brisbane City Council to have an emergency fund, since the cost of repinning a headstone is estimated to be around $3,000.

Meanwhile, Council has made it clear that maintenance of headstones and plaques, including the restoration of old and dilapidated headstones, is the responsibility of the family and descendants.

BCC currently maintains 12 cemeteries across the city and this includes Toowong Cemetery.

Whilst Council is working with community groups like Friends of Toowong Cemetery to improve the cemetery’s condition, they are only responsible for maintaining the cemetery grounds.

Read: What You Need To Know About the Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour

Council’s responsibility for the cemetery, according to law, only includes mowing, whipper snipping, tree care, topping-up dirt levels in graves, lifting and levelling subsided plaques, and cleaning-up old and unwanted flowers off gravesites.

Historian Asks For Preservation Of Burial Sites In Toowong Cemetery

Photo credit: Peter Bowring/Google 360 View

A Queensland historian is calling on authorities to restore the deteriorating burial places at Toowong Cemetery, in honour of Brisbane’s past and the people buried there.

Read: Toowong Local Named Finalist For Prestigious Women In Technology Awards

Jack Sim, a member of the voluntary organisation Friends of Toowong Cemetery believes Brisbane City Council would need an emergency fund to promptly repair the broken sites, as the cost of repinning a headstone is estimated to be around $3,000.

Jack Sim after donating funds to restore the graves at Toowong Cemetery in 2014 (Photo credit: Haunted Heritage/Facebook)

Whilst some headstones survive, many have been smashed and there are slabs that have been cracked open. Some graves have been overrun with weeds. With thousands of dollars needed for one headstone alone, the extent of damage at the cemetery could amount to multi-millions of dollars.

Yet under the Cemetery Act 1865, a grave and its monuments belong to the dead person’s family. Although the Council is in charge of Toowong Cemetery, they cannot touch damaged graves regardless of whether the damage is because of time, nature or human activity.

BCC maintains 12 cemeteries, including the one in Toowong and whilst they allocated $12 million in the financial year for the maintenance of the cemeteries’ lawns and gardens, they will not pay to fix the graves.

There are approximately 117,000 people buried at Toowong Cemetery, including politicians, sporting legends, poets, soldiers, and celebrities.

The heritage-listed cemetery contains the war graves of 270 Commonwealth service personnel of World War I and 117 from World War II, besides two sailors of the Dutch Navy from the latter war.

Grave of Walter Vardon Ralston (1846-1920), general manager of the Queensland National Bank (Photo credit: Vic Bushing/Google Maps)

One of the most notable graves here is where Sir Samuel Walker Griffith rests. Sadly, the crucifix on his monument was left broken. He is one of the founding fathers of Australia’s Federation, author of the Constitution. Aside from being a former Queensland premier and first chief justice of Australia, he’s known for being one of the greatest jurists produced by Australia in the 19th century.

Grave of Bancroft family, who are among Queensland’s most notable medical families (Photo credit: Toni Hughes/Facebook)

It also serves as the final resting place of John Petrie, first mayor of Brisbane, who was buried with his wife in their plot in the cemetery.

Read: Dovercourt: Stunning Heritage Landmark in Toowong to Undergo Makeover

Mr Sim, who has been donating funds for Toowong Cemetery’s grave restoration through the years, believes Toowong Cemetery deserves to be preserved because cemeteries are all about our history and our people.

Toowong Cemetery Open House: Learn the Mystical Stories of Brisbane’s Largest Burial Site

If you’re curious about the mystical stories of the Toowong Cemetery then here’s your chance to hear about it from those who know it best. On Saturday, the 12th of Oct 2019, the Council is sponsoring an open house and a bus tour of Brisbane’s largest burial site.

Cemetery staff will be sharing what they know of the Toowong Cemetery’s rich and fascinating history, from tales told and passed down to them for generations. Happening from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., this event should be an unforgettable weekend of fun, what with Halloween celebrations coming up soon!

Since this massive burial ground on Frederick Street opened in the mid-1800s, there have been hundreds of stories about the Toowong Cemetery. Some are true and some don’t make a lot of sense, whilst the rest have become urban legends that should be interesting to hear directly from the workers.

The tour will also highlight the burial grounds of notable personalities in Queensland, which includes politicians, sportsmen, war heroes, and even notorious murderers.

The open house is free for all but you’ll need to register for tickets ahead of the event.

The guided tour is part of Brisbane City Council’s intiative to showcase significant sites that celebrate the architecture, engineering and history of the city. Follow this link to find other walking tours during the open house, which has been carried out since 2010.

Did You Know that the Toowong Cemetery is the Largest Cemetery in Queensland?

Toowong Cemetery has been and remains to be an icon in the suburb. Established in 1866 and formally opened in 1875, it is currently the largest cemetery in Queensland.

The heritage-listed cemetery is a prominent landmark in Queensland not only because of its size but also for the history it carries and the personalities buried in the premises.

History of Toowong Cemetery

Brisbane General Cemetery (Toowong) – General plan, 8 July 1909 Photo credit: CC-BY/Queensland State Archives/Flickr

The Toowong Cemetery has quite an interesting beginning. Initially, Augustus Gregory, the Surveyor-General in 1866 did not particularly favour the Toowong site. However, he found it to be the only locality to present the necessary requirements for a general cemetery. Actually, the choice of that particular parcel of land was made by default rather than by design.

The appropriateness of the Toowong site for the purpose of a general cemetery was an issue that was actively contested for around two decades after the choice was announced. Its isolation and doubts about its suitability plus the lack of access to public transport fuelled the dissent and debate. Although the cemetery was already established, the public continued to use the cheaper, more accessible familial grounds at Milton.

In 1868, a further portion of Crown land, some 53 acres in the area north of the cemetery reserve was added to fulfil of the Trustee’s requirement for the entire cemetery to be surrounded with public roads.

The cemetery reserve of 250 acres 1 rood was gazetted and the Cemetery Trust was established in October 1870. Its honorary trustees were amongst Brisbane’s most prominent political and business figures including James Cowlishaw, John Hardgrave, William Pettigrew, Samuel Walker Griffith, George Edmonstone, Alexander Raff, John Petrie (Chairman), Michael Quinlan, and Nathaniel Lade.

Read: How Toowong Got Its Name

Brisbane General Cemetery Grounds

Photo credit: Vic Bushing / des.qld.gov.au

In December 1870, trial sinking at the cemetery found the ground to be unsuitable, but this did not prompt the government to secure a more appropriate location. Queensland’s second governor, Samuel Wensley Blackall had been a supporter of the Toowong site. In his ill health, he indicated his desire to be buried there.

Samuel Wensley Blackall. Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image number: 147063

Governor Blackall was buried on the highest knoll on 3 January 1871. His memorial is the largest and most prominent in the cemetery with commanding views of the city and surrounds.

The Surveyor General, the Trustees, and the Colonial Secretary still haven’t favoured the Toowong Site. Even after the burial of Governor Blackall on its most prominent peak, the Trustees still sought other more suitable prospects for a cemetery site.

Trustee George Edmondstone’s property on Enoggera Creek was identified as being most suitable, however, the Colonial Treasurer could not reach an agreement on price. Because of this, the Toowong site was finally accepted as the Brisbane General Cemetery grounds.

Read: Three Historical Memorials in Toowong Cemetery

Notable People Buried at the Toowong Cemetery

Headstone of Walter Thomas Porriott, a possible Jack the Ripper suspect. Photo credit: Rocketrod1960/Wikimedia Commons

Being one of the most prominent burial grounds in Queensland, it is no surprise that the Toowong Cemetery is now home to several notable personalities. These include, but are not limited to, a Prime Minister, two Queensland Governors, 13 Queensland Premiers, 11 Queensland Labor leaders, at least 15 Brisbane Mayors, and many other prominent political, religious, sports, arts, and business figures.

As a general cemetery ground, Toowong cemetery has been the burial place of individuals from all walks of life. Interestingly, it has been rumoured that this is also where the notorious Jack the Ripper was buried.

Read: Is It Really Jack the Ripper’s Grave in Toowong Cemetery?

Toowong Cemetery Now

Toowong Cemetery – War Memorial from South-East (2015). Photo credit: Vic Bushing/des.qld.gov.au

Toowong Cemetery is still an operating cemetery. It currently features a number of cultural areas, historical trails, and memorials.

Today, Brisbane City Council has been working with the Friends of Toowong Cemetery (FOTC), a voluntary organisation of people with a special interest in the historic landmark to maintain and improve the cemetery’s condition.

The FOTC holds guided walks in the cemetery every first Sunday of the month at 10:30 a.m. (except January). On their upcoming Toowong Cemetery Heritage Walk, they will be exploring the political and non-political events of one hundred years ago at the graves of some of the people who were involved.

The “1919, The Year of Peace?” heritage walk will be on Sunday, 3 February 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and meeting point for participants is at the flagpole, Canon Garland Place, Toowong Cemetery.

Apart from the historical walks, Toowong cemetery is also popular for its weekly ghost tours. The Original Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour features a two-hour visit highlighted by thirteen ghost stories of real haunted graves within the cemetery.

Another ghost tour is The Other Side Tour which also lasts for two hours with a similar format. However, the tour starts at a different location, follows a different route, and has a different set of ghost stories.

However, locals are warned of unlicensed ghost tours without proper permissions and insurances to hold a tour in the cemetery. As a guide to those who are interested to bravely tour the cemetery at night, only Brisbane Ghost Tours, Friends of Toowong Cemetery, and Friends of South Brisbane/Boggo Road Historical Society are licensed to conduct tours in the Toowong cemetery.

Read: Beware of Unlicensed Ghost Tours in Toowong Cemetery

Dig, Eat, & Catch An Outdoor Film At Toowong Cemetery As Part Of Archaeology Week 2018

Unearth buried headstones in the Toowong Cemetery as part of the Archaeology Week happening on 24-26 May from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The cemetery is the largest in Queensland and is heritage-listed. The annual excavation event is made possible through the partnership of the University of Queensland and Friends of Toowong Cemetery. The event is designed to recover buried headstones from the North Brisbane Burial Grounds, which is currently the home of Suncorp Stadium.

On the last day of the excavations happening on a Saturday, families and residents are encouraged to attend and be part of the digging process. Who knows what you might discover?

To keep participants energised throughout the whole day, juice, smoothies, coffee and protein bars from Juice Power will be served. If you can’t make it in the morning, you are welcome to attend in the afternoon for a sausage sizzles, scavenger hunt that will begin at 4:00 p.m.

You can also get a chance to win a family pass to the Planetarium. After that, catch The Goonies for an outdoor screening at 6:00 p.m. at Canon Garland Place within the cemetery.

BYO blankets, chairs, or rugs!

No bookings are required for this event.

Address: Frederick St, Toowong QLD 4066, Australia