Brisbane Once Had Its Own Naval Defence Force!

If you've ever wandered along Edward Street, you may have walked past one of Brisbane's fascinating heritage buildings without realising the remarkable history behind it.

The former Naval Offices at 3 Edward Street were constructed in 1900–1901 as the first purpose-built headquarters for naval forces in Queensland. The building was commissioned for the Queensland Marine Defence Force (QMDF), established in 1885.

Before Federation, Australia's colonies were responsible for their own defence, and Queensland maintained its own naval defence force, consisting of vessels and personnel who could be called upon for service.

The building appeared at a remarkable moment in Australian history. Construction began while Queensland was still a self-governing colony, but Australia became a federation on 1 January 1901.

The timing was extraordinary. The Naval Offices were completed in 1901, only months after Federation. But by then, the building's role had already changed. On 1 March 1901, Australia's separate colonial naval forces were transferred to Commonwealth control and combined to form the new Commonwealth Naval Force.

Queensland contributed several vessels to the new Commonwealth force, including the gunboats Gayundah and Paluma, the torpedo boat Mosquito and the picquet boat Midge. These former Queensland vessels continued in naval service, including training and other duties.

The building's location was no accident. It stood within the Town Reach precinct of the Brisbane River, an important maritime and government area close to the Port Office and other government departments associated with shipping and river administration. The surrounding area included the Government Shipping Office, Marine Board Office, Harbours and Rivers Department and Shipping Master's Department.

Although Commonwealth authorities took control of Queensland's naval forces in 1901, the Naval Offices building itself remained Queensland property until 1911, when it was transferred to the Commonwealth.

Then came another major milestone. On 10 July 1911, King George V granted the Commonwealth Naval Forces the title Royal Australian Navy.

From 1911 and throughout both World Wars, the Naval Offices remained an important centre of naval administration in Brisbane. The building continued in naval use until 1975, when it became redundant as defence properties were rationalised.

Architecturally, the building is fascinating too. Designed by Queensland's Department of Public Works, it is a fine example of Federation Free Style with Arts and Crafts influences, featuring high-quality face brickwork, stucco and rendered detailing, decorative eaves, tall chimneys and an ornate entrance incorporating a sculpted naval coat of arms.

And then there's Captain William Rooke Creswell - one of the most important figures in Australian naval history.

Creswell became Queensland's Naval Commandant in 1900, after previously commanding the South Australian Naval Forces. When the South Australian gunboat Protector was sent to China as part of Australia's contribution to the suppression of the Boxer Rebellion, Creswell took command of her and sailed for China in August 1900.

After returning to Australia in 1901, Creswell became the first commander of the newly formed Commonwealth Naval Force and a leading advocate for a unified Australian navy. In February 1904, he was appointed Naval Officer Commanding the Commonwealth Naval Forces and went on to become one of the principal architects of Australia's national navy.

Today, the former Naval Offices remain a remarkable reminder of a time when Queensland maintained its own naval defence force — and when this stretch of Edward Street formed an important part of Brisbane's maritime world.

The building was eventually returned to Queensland Government ownership in 2011 and, since 2012, has been leased for commercial use.

Even more remarkably, the heritage assessment identifies the building as the only naval headquarters building constructed by the Queensland Government.

Have you ever noticed this historic building? We'd love to hear your memories or see your old photos in the comments!