Brisbane Archives

Canberra Hotel passed away in 1987 on the corner of Edward and Ann Street. Born in 1929, Canberra Hotel was renowned for welcoming 400 guests and and attracted around 450,000 people. Canberra Hotel was famously conservative, abstaining from serving alcohol. This was obvious in The Lamplight Bar that was specialized in serving exotic non-alcoholic drinks. Perched at the top of Edward Street, Canberra Hotel stood tall taking advantage of the city’s skyline and becoming in 1935 Australia’s largest hotel. Because of these characteristics, Canberra Hotel attracted regional Australian fans, as often being referred to as “city hotel for country people”. Bill Wittaker from Mackay stayed there with his parents. Lyn Walsh’s great uncle would come down from North Queensland for business and stay there.
Canberra Hotel also supported local businesses by having 13 specialty floors at its ground floor. Brent Chapman remembers the fresh juice store at the corner, while Chris Coalfoals remembers the milk bar. Canberra Hotel accommodated for different social groups in the large hall on the ground floor level such as the Brisbane Bushwalking Club, and Church Youth Club.
This hall along with the non-alcoholic policy would attract many school dances and weddings. Ken Smith had his wedding there. Lorraine Patterson attended a cousin’s wedding. Ironically, Sir Joh Bjelke Petersen’s wedding was held there.
In 1985, Canberra Hotel changed stances toward alcohol allowing intake in different clubs. Morticia’s Nightclub, and The Tankstand were some of the bars that benefited from this change as Paul Lynch and Mark Raguse remember.
Canberra Hotel was survived by a hole for 17 years and was replaced by an 8-storey office building.