Post Code: 4010 Distance to CBD: 5 km
Albion is a North Eastern Brisbane suburb with diverse ethnic groups. The population is a patchwork of indigenous people, Chinese, Italian, English and New Zealanders. The suburb housing is a contrast of a few magnificent mansions and several small workers’ cottages. The suburb is a haven for the working class
The suburb has a harness racing club, the Albion Park Paceway and a greyhound racing track complex, the Albion Park Raceway Greyhoung Racing Track. The complex houses the Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club.
Albion Famous Landmarks:
o Albion Fire Station
The building was constructed in the 1920’s as part of a plan to put up a network of fire brigades in Brisbane. It is designed by the Department of Public Works. Its foundation stone bears the inscription ‘Ready Aye Ready’ which signifies the commitment of the Fire Brigades to their task. The building is a rare example of an early 20th centrury fire station which specifically defines the architecture and design of a fire station of the period. The building is the only surviving brick fire station constructed during that period. The building is preserved for its significance in Brisbane’s history, in its aesthetics and in its architecture. The building offers a rare glimpse of the detailed brickwork typical of a public work building during its era.
The building is now the home of the Queensland Family History Society.
o The Temple of the Holy Triad
The building was constructed in 1885 by the Cantonese Chinese settlers. It is an important historical piece of the development of the Chinese community in Brisbane. It is also a rare example of 19th century Chinese Temple in Queensland. The building was constructed by local Chinese artisans. Its terracotta tile roof was imported from China. It was opened in January 1886 and it remained the center of the Chinese community activities for the next 60 years. However, it was followed by a period of neglect and disrepair. In 1965, the Chinese Temple Society was formed and undertook renovations on the temple.
The temple is a rectangular brick structure with a complex triple roof. The tiled roof features the glazed ceramic representations of Chinese mythological beings. The temple houses an elaborately carved altar with the statues of Chinese gods.
The renovation effort removed the damaged and vandalized original interior decoration which were either been salvaged or replaced. The view of the Breakfast Creek was lost due to the construction of the Breakfast Creek Hotel and the Albion Park Racecourse.