Architecture and Buildings, Published 26 February 2026
If you’ve ever wandered through Brisbane’s CBD and wondered what once stood on the corner of Ann and Edward Streets, let us introduce you to one of the city’s most fascinating lost landmarks - The…
If you’ve ever wandered through Brisbane’s CBD and wondered what once stood on the corner of Ann and Edward Streets, let us introduce you to one of the city’s most fascinating lost landmarks - The Canberra Hotel! This alcohol‑free, proudly “temperance” hotel was once a buzzing hub of Brisbane life, long before the skyline filled with glass towers.
The Canberra Hotel officially opened its doors in the early 1930s, built by the Queensland Temperance League as a clean, safe, family‑friendly alternative to the city’s rowdier pubs. With its modernist design and prime location, it quickly became a favourite for travellers, community groups, and anyone who preferred a quieter stay in the heart of the city.
Inside, the hotel was known for its warm hospitality, bustling dining rooms, and surprisingly stylish mid-century interiors. Guests loved the rooftop views across the city - including a perfect vantage point of Brisbane City Hall’s iconic clock tower. It was the kind of place where school groups, touring performers, and everyday families all crossed paths.
But like many of Brisbane’s heritage gems, the Canberra Hotel’s story came to an end. After 58 years of operation, the building was demolished in the late 1980s, making way for redevelopment and marking the loss of yet another piece of the city’s architectural character. Its disappearance still sparks nostalgia among locals who remember its charm.
Today, nothing remains of the original structure, but its legacy lives on in old photos, memories, and Brisbane’s long list of “why did we knock that down?” stories. The Canberra Hotel may be gone, but it’s still one of the city’s most intriguing reminders of a very different Brisbane.
Do you have any memories of the Canberra Hotel? Leave a comment below!
Original public-domain images courtesy of Queensland State Archives. Colourisation and digital enhancements by Dave Malou Channel.
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