It’s one of Brisbane’s most recognisable icons, a silhouette etched into the city skyline for over eight decades. Now, the Story Bridge has claimed another honour – named Queensland’s Best Landmark in the 2025 Queensland Day “All the Best” awards.
Read: Story Bridge Faces Peak-Hour Gridlock as Protestors Demand Pedestrian Access
The beloved steel cantilever bridge, which connects Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point, triumphed over some of the state’s most scenic and historic destinations, including the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island, Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands, and Castle Hill in Townsville.
More than 61,000 votes were cast across 15 categories this year, with Queenslanders proudly backing their favourites in everything from beer and events to food and travel.
Standing for 85 years, the Story Bridge is far more than a photogenic piece of infrastructure – it’s a symbol of Queensland resilience, history, and connection. Opened in 1940, it remains a vital artery for Brisbane, carrying around 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 pedestrians and cyclists daily across the Brisbane River. It’s also the centrepiece of iconic events like Riverfire, with fireworks cascading from its steel frame in dazzling displays that mark city-wide celebrations.
But even as it wins public praise, the Story Bridge is entering a new phase of its long life. In recent months, the bridge has been in the spotlight not just for its beauty, but for the urgent attention it requires.
As part of a long-term restoration program, the Council, alongside a national team of infrastructure experts, has laid out a 15-year roadmap to ensure the bridge continues to safely serve the city into the next century. This includes significant investment into structural maintenance, with work already underway to assess and repair its ageing footpaths and supports.
The bridge’s enduring appeal lies not just in its function, but in its symbolism. As Brisbane grows, changes, and modernises, the Story Bridge remains a constant – linking the past with the future, the north with the south, the heritage with the contemporary. Even amid discussions about its restoration, the bridge continues to hold a firm place in the hearts of locals.
Being named Best Landmark in Queensland is a fitting tribute to this hardworking icon. It’s a reminder that, while new attractions may come and go, some landmarks earn their place not just for their beauty, but for their everyday presence in the lives of Queenslanders.
Read: Toll Considered as Story Bridge Faces Expensive Restoration
As the Story Bridge approaches its centenary, it stands tall – rusting in parts, yes, but never forgotten – a Queensland original, and now, officially, the best of them all.
Published 9-June-2025
