Cressbrook Homestead, Heritage pastoral homestead in Somerset Region, Australia
Cressbrook Homestead is a pastoral station with multiple structures in the Queensland countryside, including a principal house, chapel, dairy complex, and worker quarters. The various buildings were arranged to support the practical needs of cattle and sheep operations.
David Cannon McConnel established this cattle station in 1841 as the first permanent settlement in Brisbane Valley. It later developed into a major operation focused on raising Shorthorn cattle.
The chapel on the property was designed in 1901 by architect Robin Smith Dods to serve workers of different faiths. It reflects how the homestead community supported religious diversity.
The property contains several specialized buildings such as stables, storage facilities, and dairy areas that show how operations worked. Plan to spend time exploring the different zones to understand the full layout.
Mary McConnel, a family member at the station, documented life on the property through detailed memoirs while also helping to establish one of Australia's first children's hospitals. This connection reveals how the property extended beyond its rural role to hold national significance.
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