# Brisbane from the air

Brisbane from the Air.
FOREWORD.
THE views contained in this booklet are reproduced from the first photographs ever taken of Brisbane from an Aeroplane. The pictures were secured by F. W. Thiel during a 40 minutes flight over the Metropolis of Queensland, made on behalf of the Courier and Queenslander in the Peace Aeroplane, piloted by Flight-Commander F. R. Smith in September, 1919. The ideal weather conditions enabled the photographer to obtain excellent negatives from a height of nearly 2,000 feet. These novel views of Brisbane show the city from quite a new aspect, and the clearness of the pictures makes it easy to pick out familiar landmarks, even though seen from an unfamiliar point of view. Acknowledgments are due to the Peace Loan Committee and also Capt. F. R. Smith for assistance rendered in making the special flight necessary to obtain the photographs.
Description of No. 1
This photo shows the city proper, as seen from a point above New Farm. The full length of Queen Street stretches along the left margin, with the Custom House in the foreground, and the extreme end of Victoria Bridge in the background. Next to the right comes Adelaide Street, then Ann Street, with the Central Station showing in the centre. Wickham Terrace forks off to the right of the Station, and winds its sinuous way up the hill past the Observatory, leaving Wickham Park and the Roma Street Railway Market Sheds on the left. The white roadway running diagonally across the right corner is Boundary Street, and Leichhardt Street branches off from it in a curve to the left. The first street running across the picture is Wharf Street. It is visible running from Queen Street up to Leichhardt Street. The street running up at the far end of the station is Edward Street. Following this is Albert Street. Then comes Roma Street branching off from Ann Street and running past the Markets. The Brisbane River is also visible in the top left hand corner.
Description of No. 2
Another view of the city is presented in this photograph. It was taken from a point about over the South Brisbane coal wharves and River Terrace. Victoria Bridge appears in the foreground to the left, with the Government Offices flanking it on the right, the new Savings Bank building being especially prominent by reason of its height. A little further to the right is Perry Brothers' tall building, at the corner of Albert and Elizabeth Streets, and the flat roof of the Stadium is visible close by. George Street and Albert Street are leading features in this view, and the extensive produce sheds in the neighbourhood of the Roma Street Railway Station bulk largely on the left. The Courier Building rears its massive proportions near the right centre, and near it the narrow frontage of the Kodak buildings rears its six stories. Further back is the Central Station, with the broad expanse of Upper Edward Street to the left, running up on to Wickham Terrace.
Description of No. 3
This view was taken from above Spring Hill, and embraces the northern portion of the City, the whole of the New Farm "Pocket," the tongue of Kangaroo Point, and the Brisbane River, from the Garden Reach down to Hawthorne, a distance of about 3 miles. The bend of the River is clearly shown, as it winds round Kangaroo Point and New Farm "Pocket." Norman Creek is also visible at the top right hand corner of the picture. Leichhardt Street runs along the foreground. The white roadway branching off from it is Boundary Street, which runs through the centre to the wharves at Circular Quay. Wharf Street also branches off in this vicinity, and runs down to Queen Street. The wharves are clearly discernable as they stretch from the Custom House round to New Farm. The Custom House is also visible. All Hallow's Convent and St. Ann's School are to be seen at the back of Howard Smith's Whaves. The large clear space in the distance is New Farm Park, with its circular white pathway showing up brilliantly. The Sugar Refinery and the New Farm Wharves lie to the left of this. Beyond are the heights of Galloway's Hill and Hawthorne on the other side of the River.
Description of No. 4
South Brisbane is seen in this picture. The "Pocket" occupied by the Domain forms the foreground, and beyond the River is the Dry Dock, with a steamer in it undergoing an overhaul. A steamer is visible travelling up the River towards the Victoria Bridge, and a large steamer is also seen at Birt & Co.'s Wharf. The Railway Wharves fill in the left section of the picture, while the commanding position of St. Laurence's School, "Cumbooquepa," and the South Brisbane Town Hall on the heights of Vulture Street, make them conspicuous objects in the landscape. The South Brisbane Technical College and the Fire Brigade Station also stand out clearly. Vulture Street runs diagonally through the view, and is intersected by Hope Street from the left. Running from the River, in order from the left, are Dock Street, Tribune Street, Sidon Street, and Russell Street. A portion of the Queensland University and the Central Technical College Buildings are visible in the bottom right hand corner.
Extract from the "Brisbane Courier" of September 17th, 1919 :—
    "When the plates were developed it was found that 100 per
    cent. success had been achieved—eight excellent negatives
    being obtained." ​
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS PUBLICATION
BY
F. W. THIEL
BRISBANE'S LEADING
Outdoor, Flashlight & Commercial
PHOTOGRAPHER
Corner Adelaide and Creek Streets, Brisbane
Phone 5546
Wholly set up printed, etc., in Australia by Jones & Hambly, 116 Edward Street, Brisbane.