Yungaba Migrant Hostel

Yungaba is a two-story brick building in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, with symmetrical wings, a central entrance loggia, and two three-story towers overlooking the Brisbane River. The floor plan separates married quarters on the ground level from gender-divided dormitories upstairs.

The building was constructed in 1885 based on John James Clark's design and initially served as an immigration depot. It later functioned as a military hospital and became central to Queensland's early settlement period.

The name Yungaba comes from the Gubbi Gubbi Aboriginal language and means 'place of sunshine'. This naming reflects how the building connected European settlement with the local Indigenous heritage of the region.

The building sits along the Brisbane River in an easy-to-reach location in Kangaroo Point. Visiting is best done during daylight hours to appreciate the riverside setting and architectural details.

The first residents arrived in 1887 on the Duke of Buccleuch ship, marking the start of a new chapter in Queensland's development. This early arrival shows how important this place was in shaping the region's population and economy.

Location: Queensland

GPS coordinates: -23.39660,150.49600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09