Kurilpa and the Cemetery
Next tour available for bookings
Local stories from South Brisbane’s earliest neighbourhoods
Step into South Brisbane Cemetery for Kurilpa & the Cemetery – a guided afternoon tour revealing the curious, heartfelt and surprising lives of those who once called Kurilpa (now West End, South Brisbane, and Highgate Hill) home.
With local historian Paul Granville as your guide, you’ll encounter individuals whose lives reflect the spirit and transformation of Brisbane’s inner south – from runaway sailors to pioneering authors, and scandalous breakaways to soft drink royalty.
Among the stories you’ll hear:
A sailor who deserted his ship for love – and never looked back
The quiet writer who penned Queensland’s very first novel
A family exile who built a new home within sight of the old
The entrepreneurial couple behind Tristram’s beloved fizzy drinks
Whether you’re a longtime local or just discovering the area’s past, Kurilpa & the Cemetery offers a walk through time with characters who helped shape the suburb – in ways both bold and bittersweet.
Because the past still whispers beneath our streets.
All of our tours are not-for-profit, with all money raised going to our cemetery history and maintenance projects.
Prices
- Single bookings: $10 per person.
Walking difficulty
- Moderate (Grade 3) – Please be aware, given the ageing nature of the cemetery, this tour involves walking [slowly] up hills predominantly over generally modified terrain [hardened earth, less than 1200mm wide], mostly clear of intrusions & obstacles. Please advise us of any relevant medical concerns prior to attending the tour.
Duration
- 1½ hours [tour times can vary, depending on levels of customer interaction during the tour].
Age level
- This tour is suitable for ages 6 years and up.
Private and Easy Access Tours
We can organise a Private Access tour just for your own group of friends. We also run Easy Access tours for groups with mobility issues. You can select any available tour type you want. Minimum cost is $225 for up to 15 people (extra people $15 per person).
All of our tours are run by the Friends of South Brisbane Cemetery (Inc.), under license from the Brisbane City Council.
Please contact tours@fosbc.au with your queries.
The Kurilpa and the Cemetery tour is a not-for-profit event, that respects historical accuracy and cemetery values.