CAUTHE 2025

Social Program

WELCOME RECEPTION

Our Welcome Reception will be held at Brisbane's Customs House, one of Queensland's most significant heritage and cultural icons. Originally constructed in the mid-19th century, this iconic landmark has served various functions over the years, from collecting customs duties to housing government offices. Today, the Brisbane Customs House stands proudly on the banks of the Brisbane River, welcoming visitors with its grand facade and timeless elegance. Renowned for its stunning architecture and scenic location, it continues to be a hub of cultural activity, hosting events, exhibitions, and gatherings that celebrate Brisbane's past and present.

DATE | Tuesday 11 February
TIME | 6 pm - 8pm
VENUE | Customs House

DRESS CODE | Come as you are
DELEGATE TICKET | Included in registration
GUEST TICKET | $80

Canapes and drinks included

CONFERENCE DINNER

Brisbane City Hall stands tall as an emblem of the city's enduring spirit and architectural grandeur. Completed in 1930, this iconic landmark has served as a focal point for civic activities, cultural events, and community gatherings throughout its storied history. With its striking clock tower and majestic facade, Brisbane City Hall is a symbol of pride for residents and visitors alike. This enchanting setting provides the perfect backdrop for networking, camaraderie, and creating lasting memories. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the charm of Brisbane City Hall!

DATE | Thursday 13 February
TIME | 7.00pm
VENUE | Brisbane City Hall

DRESS CODE | Tropical Glam
DELEGATE TICKET | Included in registration
GUEST TICKET | $165

Dinner and beverages included

Optional Activities

Guided Tour

Brisbane River Cruise and UQ Campus Tour

Thursday 13^th February

Start time: 7:45am at North Quay Ferry Terminal, CBD

Join us for a city cat cruise along the Brisbane River to UQ’s St Lucia campus. After a 20-minute cruise, we will walk through the lake-side gardens to UQ’s Great Court. We’ll explore some of the features and buildings in the beautiful sandstone quadrangle, hear about a gruesome murder linked to UQ’s history, and pick up a coffee at Merlo’s café (optional, own expense). Return is via City Cat.

Finish time: City Cats depart UQ every 15 minutes. Depending on the size and speed of the group, we will depart UQ either at 9am (arriving back at North Quay at 9:21am) or 9:15am (arriving back at 9:37am).

What to bring:

Comfortable shoes.
A Go Card or credit/debit card for ‘tap on tap off’ payment (no cash accepted). The fare is 50cents each way.

Self-Guided Tours

BRISBANE CITY HALL

Took 10 years to build, completed in 1930
Cost just under £1 million
Auditorium inspired by Rome’s Pantheon. Contains pipe organ with nearly 4,400 pipes.

1954 Royal Tour

Museum of Brisbane (MoB), level 3). Open daily 10:00am–5:00pm. Free

Current exhibits:

Perspectives of Brisbane
Photography Now + Then. Spans 1890- 2024

Clock Tower Tours (daily every 15 mins 10:15 – 4:45) Free.

City Hall was the tallest building in Brisbane for 30 years – could hear the clock chiming from Wynnum (approx. 20 kms away)
Ride one of Brisbane’s oldest working cage lifts to observation deck
Book through MoB website. Tour begins at MoB reception (level 3).

City Hall Tours (Mon-Sun 10:30 & 11:30. Fri - Sun 1:30). Free.

Discover the secrets of Brisbane’s heritage-listed city hall, its restoration and Brisbane’s history
Book online through MoB website. Leaves from foyer on ground floor

OLD MEETS NEW: CONVICTS & CASINOS

From King George Square, cross Adelaide St to Queen St mall. Turn right towards river.

1. Brisbane Convict Barracks

The retail hub of Queen Street hasn’t always been a nice place to visit! Convicts and prisoners were once residents here. In 1824 a penal settlement was established in Brisbane for re-offending convicts from NSW.
Multi-story convict barracks built on right-hand side (completed in 1830).
Basic accommodation for up to 1,000 convicts.

Central archway on Queen St led to a walled yard at the rear. In this archway was the flogging triangle where over 11,000 lashes were dispensed.
Queensland’s first legal execution took place in the rear yard in 1830. The convicts had escaped from the settlement; hanged for burglary.
Post-convict era the building was used as Queensland’s first parliament and courthouse (between 1860 and 1868).
Demolished in 1880 to make way for commercial development:

2. Continue up Queens St towards river.

Pass Treasury Building on your left.

Construction of ‘New Public Offices’ started in 1883
The 1897 floods completely destroy Victoria Bridge. Celebration of its reopening was held at the Treasury; it becomes a focus for major public events.
1901 proclamation of federation is read from a balcony on William St.
Government department all moved out by 1993. Opens as casino and hotel in 1995.

3. Walk left down Willims St. Cross Elizabeth St.

Pass Queens Garden (with statue of Queen Victoria) and Land Administration Building. On opposite side of William St is Commissariat

Oldest occupied building in Queensland
Built by convicts in 1829 as a storage space for provisions for military, convicts and colonists.
In 1839 the building became a land sales office and immigration depot. Then a police barracks, then government offices, now Historical Society of Qld.

4. The Star Casino

Sky Deck

Spectacular views of the city. Great place to sit with a coffee or cool drink. Free access via lifts – just follow signs to Skydeck.
Open daily 6:30 - 10:30pm (midnight Fri – Sat)

Leisure Deck

12,000 sqm open-air entertainment area for public use
Open-air cinema and chill-out space. Access via city-side tower.

Casino

Gaming area located in the city-side block at the top of the long elevator.
Operates 24/7.
Several food and beverage outlets located inside the casino itself.

Restaurants & bars

A range of restaurants are located on The Terrace, Level 4 (riverside block).

5. Regent Theatre, 167 Queen St Mall (now Visitor Information Centre)

(Mon - Fri 9-4; Sat & Sun 10-4)

Hoyts cinema group built the theatre in1929 for the new talking movies
First and only American-style picture palace to be built in Queensland
Cost over £400,000
Had a 2,500 seat theatre, 2,040 pipe Wurlitzer organ from New York (now in GoMA), a huge stage, and a bronze chandelier weighing one tonne
Theatre was demolished but still has original 1929 foyer and grand staircase

*Visitor Information Centre sells, tops up and refunds Go Cards. City Cats and trains also take debit/credit cards (tap on; tap off)

CITY SYMPHONY