Robert, the "Vine/Tree" you mentioned is a Strangler Fig (AKA: Moreton Bay Fig Tree. They can grow independently, however the seedlings are usually parasitic, using existing trees as support until they can support themselves.
Hey Rob! Subscriber since your first year. Congratulations on a brilliant channel. I grew up in Brisbane in the late 70’s through the late 90’s and find your historical tours without par. Keep it up 😊
Victoria Park where the golf club was, was also one of Brisbanes first rubbish dumps. I used to know someone years ago that would go out there late at night and dig for bottles, and other artefacts. Archeologists would have a field day today of what is under the ground there
my grandmother and her mother lived in temporary housing blocks in vic park shortly after WW2! she had no where to live because her dad and his brother died/was critically injured in the war. she said the conditions were dreadful.
it was a similar case here in holland park and greenslopes.. people occupied the vacated US military hospital huts, no running water no electric.. meanwhile the immigration started .. applorable conditions
'driving range', not a 'putting range', is still in use, with a very high fence for protection of passers-by! A great asset for the people to enjoy; sadly upgrading plans to go on hold for the next ten years because of that international fortnight of chest-beating known as The Olympics!
Hi Rob. My wife and I are loving your videos. Keep up the great work . Especially the miny outtakes. Regarding the copper statue of the snake being supported being two men. It represents the passing of knowledge. The snake is the rainbow serpent, the creator. The kids are picking up the eggs of the serpent, whick denotes the passing of knowledge from the creator, through the men to future generations. I know this as it was passed to me from my great Uncle.
I lived at Victoria Park in 1949 . I was about three years old at the time. My parents lived in one of the Army huts with many other people due to the shortage of housing shortage.
Great video Rob 👍 I used to work on the golf course as a greenskeeper for a couple of years in the mid 90s and vividly remember the mangroves down along where the ICB now runs. They took a chunk of land out of that part of the course for it. There used to be a homeless man in his 70s living in there and I don't know how he could coz the stench from the mangroves was so gross, which didn't help for his smell either. He was shy, kept to himself and we didn't bother him at all. Another example of people living there. 👍
Very good video Rob. Thanks. I played golf there when I went to Kelvin Grove High School as a foundation student. The Qld Medical Research Institute started in one of those huts the Americans built. They are in a lovely building in RBH now. Many children who lived with their families in those huts used to go to Kelvin Grove State School where I went. The old museum on Bowen Bridge Road was originally the first town hall. The Qld Medical Orchestra held many concerts there before they moved to bigger premises. Dr Ryan Williams has been the conductor for many years. He is a wonderful man and a very good doctor.
@Ron Smith thanks indeed Ron, I always look forward to your feedback. One correction though, the Old Museum on Bowen Bridge Road was never used as the city's Town Hall. The old convict barracks on Queen Street served as the first town hall until a purpose built one was constructed, also in Queen Street, in 1864. As far as I know the Old Museum was never used as a town hall.
Hey Rob. Thanks for the video. I live just down the road form Vicky park in Kelvin Grove. The park has changed a fair bit in the last 10 years when I first learned to play golf there. Your comment about the "nature" of the park is very true. I don't think I would call that environment natural at all even though it is quiet a beautiful in its own respect.
Those stairs you came across early in the video look very similar to some other depression era public works walls and stairs. Given the date of 1936, id be willing to bet that that’s what it was. The Great Wall of Manly is a perfect example of one of the walls that were built under these public works programs
The mystery stairs and caddy ramp (10:06) were up to the golf tee. I think second. There was another set in the gardens just to the north, but they were unfortunately demolished to make a new bus shelter as part of the STARS development.
Hi Rob, this video triggered a memory I heard from my mother. She lived in a camp of military hut in Chermside in the late '40s - early '50s in Marchant parl or 7th Brigade park. They ended up in a Housing Commission home in Nielson St. Her early memories were of her mother in despair of their situation and of them walking to the Chermside State School. Whilst alot more North that normal for you, I think it may make an interesting video. Doesn't seem to be much written of these camps
ok, my new fave. I'll keep saying this. That's the Ekka carpark. Seriously though, it's had the "Culpabilty Brown" makeover hasn't it? The English landscapijng job. I had zero clue it was now not a golf course. What a wonderful video and it's really helped me re-align so I can kinda swivel away from this rediculous dependence on the river-city view situation that I want to divest from somewhat as Rob you know the story.
Another great history lesson. We spent an enjoyable half day last year exploring the park but still cranky you discovered a few oddities in the nearby environs we missed! I’m looking forward to seeing what they do with it as it has great views of the city. I thought where the Indigenous sculpture was is all that’s left of the original waterholes of York’s Hollow. When I worked at the Med School in Herston we used to come over to the cafe/ bar at the golf club for lunch or after work drinks some times.
Re the American Military Connection. During the G20 Summit in 2014, part of the park was used for US President Obama’s Marine 1 landing. He was transferred from Amberley RAAF Base to the Park via helicopter, to his motorcade. Part of the park was close to the Brisbane busway which they used to get him into Brisbane’s Marriott hotel.
mate, so good to see you do this part of town over the past month or two its my regular morning walk from the valley, its such a good walk and some good hills around that area to get the heart working
Great show Rob I loved the inanimate “art” structure doing its thing. There’s so much we in the 21st century have no idea of thanks mate for your shows.
The section of the Victoria Park golf course bounded the Inner City bypass, Victoria Park Road and the Inner Northern Busway was acquired by Transport and Main Roads (TMR) from the Brisbane City Council in the 70’s for the now defunct Northwest Freeway. It is still controlled by TMR. The statue is at the waterholes still known as Yorks Hollow.
Victoria Park "temporary buildings" was at best called slum huts, unfortunately a few of my family members lived there while waiting for other accommodation to become available.
So fascinating history again especially about the American Army staying in Brisbane. Had no idea they had such a big presence here. But I was captivated by that stunning sculpture hidden away with the Inner City Bypass behind it. It's so beautiful, I need to go have a look. Thanks for a great video again.
@Sandra Mackin when you go visit the sculpture, head along Gilchrist Ave and then look to your left when you get to the end of it. It's not terribly easy to find.
I have very fond memories of having a round of golf at Vic Park with my father…He was a very keen golfer .. thanks once again for another interesting video and uncovering more of Brisbane’s history
This is my favourite of your walks, Rob! I have a special place in my heart for Victoria Park and surrounds, having lived nearby (and right next to) it a number of times over the years, Spring Hill is my absolute favourite inner city 'burb. While living across the road I joined the gym at Centennial Pool and would jog/skate/bike the park regularly! Back when the Brisbane Zombie Walk was running (raising money for the Brain Foundation of Australia), it would traverse through the park and became quite a popular event! So much has changed over the years and the new development plans sound fascinating. Thank you so much as always for your detailed thoroughness in your videos! ☺
Rob. I've been to the Ekka, I've been to the RBH, I've been on the train Line and the ICB,,, many times. I went to Kelvin Grove Primary, years 3, 4 and 5. But I've never been to Victoria Park. Once again, very interesting! By the way, the tree climbing up the palm tree is a Strangler Fig.
Rob that was a great tour of Victoria Park, next time when i have time i too will explore the former Golf Course i was unawares it was free to walk it. your right its very sterile, perhaps the housing crisis of today in 2023 Victoria Park being devoid of much trees and its history for housing the homeless at times. Maybe ts the answer the Qld Gov needs to temporarily put demountable and houses on silts that you see alnong the Bruce between Morayfield and Caboolture here whilst they fix the housing crisis. cheers
Excellent video Rob! Would have loved to hear you define Barrambin meaning 'windy place' in the Turrbal language. The concrete thing you were wondering about is Brisbane Parkour Park. The sculpture of the indigenous people in the pond should be moved to a place where it can be appreciated. I believe it’s the story of the serpent and her eggs, part of the Turrbal people's Dreaming. Would have loved to have seen you talking about the Queen’s Jubilee walk, Expo 88 artwork trail, Quarry street (Spring Hill Quarry 1858 plaque would be a great talking point) and the Gundoo Memorial Grove at Victoria Park. Keep up the incredible work!
@spoonbang thanks indeed! Really appreciate the feedback. I've never heard of Parkour parks but now am in the know. Wish I'd known before I went there. I did include a shot of a sign that explains the meaning of Barrambin. As such, I felt it would be redundant to mention it when it was already on camera. As for Quarry Street, it is well outside of the York's Hollow area and therefore not included.
@Gavin Warry The main camera I use is a DJI Osmo Action sports camera. For B roll footage (for when the DJI is recharging or I need to zoom in on something) I use my iPhone 13 Pro Max. I also sometimes use a Canon EOS R10.
……the 2032 Olympics’ Equestrian Eventing (XCountry) will be coursed in Victoria Park. The horses’, & riders’ will come from reconstructed stables at the RNA Showgrounds………
I enjoyed your presentation to answer your question on the stairs will be the caretakers residence that’s a first set of stairs because it would be a The sign that you saw the second sign blown to the people you seen on the sign they be they were resident within the second house of park
Hi rob I was wondering if you could look up and find the naval reserve base on the Brisbane river I was in the naval cadets in the mid 60’s and caught the new farm tram to get there I think it’s all gone now
Rob , perhaps Obama’s secret landing for G20 deserved a mention. Love your stuff , I remember yourself upstairs at Indooroopilly . Very fastidious. That stuff was way over priced 😊.
Rob he’s referring to the hoo ha over President Obama (at the time) landing by helicopter in Victoria Park for the G20 summit. There’s a few news articles about it. He and entourage transferred to helicopters at Amberley which landed in the park but wasn’t much of a secret by the time it happened.
