3-076-463 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

First Customs House on the Brisbane River, c1873. Additional Info: Brisbane's first Customs House was built in 1850 at a cost of £1000. It served until 1888 when it was demolished to make way for a larger building. On the right is R. Newton's warehouse, built in 1864. Soon after the Moreton Bay District was officially opened to free settlement in 1842, the development of wharf facilities for maritime trade commenced. In 1846 Brisbane was declared a port of entry and clearance, and a branch of the Customs Department was established.