State Library of Queensland Tours and Activities

State Library of Queensland
State Library of Queensland
State Library of Queensland
State Library of Queensland
State Library of Queensland


Enjoy modern architecture, delve into history, explore many literary genres or attend a concert or screening at this surprisingly eventful central Brisbane landmark.

As its name suggests, the State Library of Queensland (SLQ) is the main reference and research library for the state of Queensland, but it’s also much more than that. Overlooking the Brisbane River on cultural South Bank, this is a popular venue for art exhibitions, festivals and public events. Providing a tantalizing combination of learning and entertainment, it is an Aladdin's Cave of artistic and literary resources.

Arrive here along the Knowledge Walk of South Bank’s Cultural precinct, which opens up in a central plaza to give you a good overview of the library. Head to the welcome desk for directions to your area of choice.

Young kids will love The Corner, where they can try out the interactive displays and participate in group activities.

Get an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander culture in kuril dhagun, SLQ’s indigenous knowledge center.

Move up to the second level, where the SLQ gallery shows regularly rotating exhibits. Events, film screenings and performances often take place in the library’s auditoriums, even at night. Take in the view of the city and river from The Red Box before moving up a level.

Go in depth on Level Three by immersing yourself in one of the varied collections. The Music Collection is a magnet for music lovers with its sheet music and music score collections. Catch up on news from home and around the world in the quiet Tim Fairfax Reading Room.

On the next level, the John Oxley Library houses items that chronicle Queensland’s history and culture, while the Australian Library of Art Showcase and the Talbot Family Treasures Wall display unique artworks.

Learn how all of the library's many possessions are preserved with the Preservation Wall display on the top level.

Finally, get plugged in at The Edge, housed in a separate building it is the library's creativity and technology center.

Before you leave the State Library of Queensland, enjoy a drink or lunch in the Library Café. Finish with a visit to the Library Shop to purchase a unique souvenir, or maybe even a book.

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Popular places to visit


Top State Library of Queensland Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Star Grand Brisbane

The Star Grand Brisbane

5 out of 5
33 William Street, Brisbane, QLD
The Star Grand Brisbane
Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street

Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street

4 out of 5
40 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, QLD
Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street
Capri by Fraser, Brisbane

Capri by Fraser, Brisbane

4.5 out of 5
80 Albert Street (Cnr Mary St), Brisbane, QLD
Capri by Fraser, Brisbane
Treasury Brisbane

Treasury Brisbane

5 out of 5
130 William Street, Brisbane, QLD
Treasury Brisbane
George Williams Hotel Brisbane

George Williams Hotel Brisbane

4 out of 5
317 - 325 George Street, Brisbane, QLD
George Williams Hotel Brisbane
W Brisbane

W Brisbane

5 out of 5
81 North Quay, Brisbane, QLD
W Brisbane
Great Southern Hotel Brisbane

Great Southern Hotel Brisbane

3.5 out of 5
103 George Street, Brisbane, QLD
Great Southern Hotel Brisbane
Amora Hotel Brisbane

Amora Hotel Brisbane

5 out of 5
200 Creek Street, Spring Hill, QLD
Amora Hotel Brisbane
Hyatt Regency Brisbane

Hyatt Regency Brisbane

5 out of 5
33 Burnett Lane, Brisbane, QLD
Hyatt Regency Brisbane
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near State Library of Queensland

The State Library of Queensland is a fantastic spot for visitors, offering a serene reading corner for book lovers. Nearby, you can explore vibrant shopping areas and enjoy various entertainment options, making your trip both relaxing and engaging. Whether you’re diving into a good book or browsing the shops, the library's location provides a perfect blend of culture and leisure in Brisbane.

Shopping

Queen Street Mall, located 644m from the State Library, offers a vibrant mix of shops and eateries, perfect for gifts. North Quay, only 483m away, provides a family-friendly atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, explore the Brisbane Riverside Markets, 1.1km away, for unique finds.

Recreation

At The Gabba, soak in the electric atmosphere of live sports events, just 3.2km from the library. For a musical escape, Tivoli offers vibrant concerts nearby, while the Victoria Park Golf Complex, only 1.6km away, invites you to enjoy a leisurely round of golf amidst lush greenery.

Adventure

Embark on the Araucaria Walk Trailhead, located 9.7km from the library, for a scenic hike surrounded by adventure vibes. Alternatively, explore the Gold Creek Reservoir Walking Track Trailhead, 12.9km away, or tackle the Spotted Gum Circuit Trailhead, 20.9km distant, both offering stunning outdoor experiences.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife near the State Library of Queensland with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Queensland Theatre, both offering captivating shows. For a touch of adventure, hop on the Wheel of Brisbane, where you can enjoy stunning views and create unforgettable family memories.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near State Library of Queensland

When visiting the State Library of Queensland in Brisbane, make sure to explore nearby attractions like the Brisbane Square Library and the Central Library. Enjoy the vibrant culture and family-friendly experiences offered in urban parks and modern university settings around the area. The library itself showcases a wealth of information, making it a must-visit for those interested in local culture and history.

  • Suncorp Stadium: Experience the thrill of live sports and concerts at Suncorp Stadium, a renowned venue that captures the essence of entertainment. With its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly vibes, it's a great place to enjoy a game or event with loved ones, located 1.1km from the library.
  • Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre: This premier event space, situated 805m away, is perfect for those interested in conferences, expos, and business events. Its modern facilities and professional vibes make it a hub for innovation and networking in the heart of Brisbane.
  • Roma Street Parkland: A stunning urban oasis located 966m from the library, Roma Street Parkland offers lush gardens and walking paths. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this park provides a serene escape amidst the bustling city.

Best time to go to State Library of Queensland

The best time to visit State Library of Queensland can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around State Library of Queensland falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around State Library of Queensland falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January76.6°F (24.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
March74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May65.3°F (18.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August62.2°F (16.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September66.2°F (19.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October69.3°F (20.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
December75.0°F (23.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for State Library of Queensland

To save money during your visit to the State Library of Queensland, consider travelling in January to February or April when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to filter for budget-friendly, eco-certified options and sort by price to find the best deals. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can yield significant savings. For public transport, Brisbane has an efficient bus system, making it easy to explore the city without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around State Library of Queensland are January to February and April, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and November to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around State Library of Queensland is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around State Library of Queensland is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your State Library of Queensland hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.