About Brisbane's Secret Places
Uncovering the hidden side of our beautiful city since 2015
Our Story
How we began revealing Brisbane's best-kept secrets
Brisbane's Secret Places began as a casual conversation between friends at a hidden café in West End back in 2015. Sarah Thompson, a lifelong Brisbane resident, was showing her friend Michael Chen, who had recently moved from Sydney, some of her favorite lesser-known spots around the city. After taking Michael to a secluded lookout in Mt Coot-tha that wasn't on any tourist maps, he asked why these amazing places weren't better documented.
That single question sparked an idea that would grow into a passion project and eventually a full-time pursuit for both of them. They began by creating a simple blog documenting 12 hidden locations around Brisbane, complete with photographs and historical information they'd researched at the State Library. Within months, the blog had gained a following among locals who were discovering new aspects of their own city.
By 2017, what started as a hobby had evolved into a community of Brisbane explorers. Sarah and Michael began organizing small guided tours for those who wanted to experience these hidden gems firsthand. They connected with local historians, indigenous elders, and long-time residents to ensure their information was accurate and presented with proper cultural context.
Today, Brisbane's Secret Places has grown into a trusted resource for both residents and visitors seeking authentic experiences beyond the tourist brochures. Our team has expanded to include photographers, researchers, and local guides who share our passion for revealing the hidden character of this beautiful river city.
Our Mission & Values
The principles that guide our exploration and sharing
Our Mission
To reveal the authentic character of Brisbane through its hidden places, fostering a deeper connection between people and the city while preserving the integrity and stories of these special locations.
Our Values
Authenticity
We believe in sharing genuine experiences that reflect the true character of Brisbane, not manufactured tourist attractions.
Respect
We approach every location with respect for its history, cultural significance, and the communities connected to it.
Sustainability
We promote responsible visitation that ensures these special places remain intact for future generations to discover.
Community
We build connections between people who share a love for Brisbane's hidden side, creating a community of respectful explorers.
Meet Our Team
The passionate locals behind Brisbane's Secret Places
Sarah Thompson
Founder & Head Explorer
Born and raised in Brisbane's western suburbs, Sarah has spent over 15 years exploring the city's hidden corners. With a background in local history and photography, she brings both knowledge and visual storytelling to each location. Sarah leads our research team and personally verifies every spot before it's featured.
Michael Chen
Co-Founder & Community Director
After moving to Brisbane in 2015, Michael fell in love with the city's hidden character. His background in community development and digital media helps us build connections between locals and visitors who share our passion. Michael manages our events and partnerships with local businesses and cultural organizations.
Olivia Nguyen
Cultural Researcher
With a PhD in Australian cultural geography, Olivia ensures that our content acknowledges the diverse cultural histories of each location. She works closely with Indigenous elders, migrant communities, and historical societies to uncover the stories behind Brisbane's secret places and present them with appropriate context and respect.
Jack Williams
Lead Guide & Environmental Specialist
A former Queensland Parks ranger with over 20 years of experience, Jack brings expert knowledge of Brisbane's natural environments. His understanding of local ecosystems helps us identify pristine spots for wildlife watching and nature appreciation while promoting conservation ethics. Jack leads our small-group explorations and trains our volunteer guides.
Our Achievements
Milestones in our journey of discovering Brisbane's hidden gems
200+ Secret Locations
We've personally verified and documented over 200 hidden spots across Greater Brisbane, from secluded natural wonders to urban curiosities tucked away in plain sight.
15,000+ Community Members
Our community of local explorers has grown to over 15,000 Brisbane residents who actively share their own discoveries and participate in our monthly events.
Tourism Queensland Recognition
Named "Best Local Experience Provider" in the 2025 Tourism Queensland Awards for our contribution to authentic, sustainable tourism experiences.
Preservation Partnerships
Established formal partnerships with 12 environmental and heritage organizations to ensure our work contributes to the preservation of Brisbane's special places.
Educational Program
Developed a local history curriculum now used by 28 Brisbane schools, helping students connect with their city's hidden stories and significant places.
What People Say About Us
Feedback from our community members and partners
"As a third-generation Brisbane resident, I thought I knew every corner of this city. Brisbane's Secret Places has shown me dozens of hidden gems I'd never discovered in my 70 years here. What makes them special is their respect for the history and significance of each location. They're not just showing pretty spots – they're revealing the soul of Brisbane."
Eleanor Jenkins
Paddington resident, Community Member since 2017
"The work Brisbane's Secret Places does to document and share our city's hidden historical sites is invaluable. Their meticulous research and respectful approach has helped preserve stories that might otherwise be lost. Our partnership with them has significantly increased public interest in local history and heritage conservation efforts."
Dr. Robert Thornton
President, Brisbane Historical Society
"When I came to Brisbane as an international student, I was looking for experiences beyond the typical tourist attractions. Brisbane's Secret Places guided tours helped me discover the authentic character of the city and connect with locals. Three years later, I still join their monthly explorations and have made lifelong friends through their community events."
Maya Rodriguez
International Student & Regular Tour Participant
Glimpses of Our Explorations
Moments captured while discovering Brisbane's hidden treasures
Ready to Discover Brisbane's Hidden Side?
Join our community of local explorers or get in touch to learn more about our guided experiences and resources.