Take a close look at Queensland’s flag fluttering above Brisbane’s King George Square and you’ll spot a single star on the state’s official banner.
The star honours Sir Thomas Brisbane, the New South Wales governor and avid astronomer who lent his name to Queensland’s capital and its river in the 1800’s. His moniker also features in the city’s popular Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.
City Hall houses a number of artistic and historical items – in particular a bronze bust and timber door – that relate to Sir Thomas’ passionate interest in the cosmos. Learn the stories behind them on a guided tour.
You can also visit the excellent Sir Thomas Brisbane display at the Planetarium. And did you know there’s an asteroid named for Brisbane City? The Planetarium’s curator, Mark Rigby, successfully lobbied for the honour. It joins a crater on the moon also bearing the name Brisbane in its official title.
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-tha
3403 2578
brisbane.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/arts-culture/sir-thomas-brisbane-planetarium
