Fairy Knoll

Fairy Knoll is a two-story brick building in Eastern Heights, Ipswich, with a pyramid-shaped roof and lantern that illuminates a central staircase through large stained glass windows. The structure combines functional design with ornamental elements characteristic of its construction period.

Built between 1897 and 1901 for timber merchant Thomas Hancock Junior, the house reflects where successful families chose to settle in Ipswich. Later it served for decades as a maternal and child health center before transitioning to heritage preservation.

The building displays intricate decorative brickwork and slender columns typical of late 19th-century Australian homes. Its ornamental timber screens and fine details reflect the craftsmanship valued by wealthy local families during that era.

The site sits on elevated ground offering views across Ipswich and its surroundings. Visitors should take time to observe the decorative brickwork and windows from different angles, as their appearance shifts with the light and perspective.

During World War II, the elevated position of this building made it useful as a spotting tower to monitor activities across Ipswich and surrounding areas. This wartime function reveals how the site's architecture proved valuable for purposes beyond its original design.

Location: Queensland

GPS coordinates: -27.62680,152.77000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:42