Local Business History, Published 11 January 2026
A Brief History of the Big Boot!
The Big Boot didn’t begin its life at the Car Mine dealership in Deagon (QLD). It was originally located in Paddington at the old Morris Boot Factory on Caxton Street. When the factory closed, the building was transformed into the Spaghetti Emporium and later the Brisbane Underground nightclub (late 1970s–1990). After the building was demolished in the 1990s, the boot was rescued and relocated.
Its next home was Chermside, where it became a well‑known landmark outside Boots Camping on Gympie Road. For decades, it served as a quirky navigation point for locals — “turn near the big boot.”
When Boots Camping eventually closed, the boot’s future became uncertain. Local history groups proposed returning it to Paddington, but Brisbane City Council chose to keep it in Chermside.
When the Car Mine dealership took over the site, they inherited the boot. In 2020, the Gympie Road property was redeveloped, prompting Car Mine - and the boot - to relocate to 166 Braun Street, Deagon.
The team at Car Mine restored the Big Boot to its former glory, and it now stands proudly on display for everyone to enjoy.
For more information on The Car Mine: https://thecarmine.com.au/
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