Stately Toonarbin built in the 1860s is one of the district's oldest houses and predates the creation of Dornoch Terrace on which it now stands.
1880 – 1900
The Enigmatic Ebenezer Thorne
Ebenezer Thorne was a newspaper man, politician and property developer who constantly generated controversy in the colony of Queensland. However he left the best until last.
Animals on the Loose in Highgate Hill
In Highgate Hill a little over a hundred years ago there was a real risk to life and limb from loose animals.
Tennis
The first night tennis tournament in Brisbane took place in Highgate Hill in 1924
Torbreck
Since the early 1960s, the Torbreck apartment building on Highgate Hill has been a Brisbane landmark. It stands on the site of a colonial era house of the same name.
Fernando Papi Education Pioneer and Josephine Papi Community Activist
Ferdinand Papi was an early Italian migrant with tertiary qualifications who made a great contribution to Queensland education. His wife Josephine was active in community activities.
The Dornoch Terrace Bridge
The original bridge on Dornoch Terrace passing over Boundary Street was built in the 1880s. The current bridge was the first stage of a river crossing that was never built.
John Sankey and Sankey Street
Sankey Street is one of the steepest in Brisbane and is named after a Sergeant-Major with links to early Queensland military history. A house on the corner has an interesting history.
Letter to the Editor – The Postal Service
Delivery of a letter from Highgate Hill to the city by the next day was expected in 1885, preferably with the morning delivery!
Doctor A. Jefferis Turner
Doctor Jefferis Turner made great contributions to children’s health in Queensland. He was also an expert in moths.
