3-076-532 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Toorack Hill, Newstead, c1910, taken from Bartley's lookout, 1910. Additional Info: Bartley's Hill Lookout has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The hill was originally part of land granted to early settlers, including John Bryden, Shepherd Smith, and Nehemiah Bartley in the 1850s. Nehemiah Bartley, after whom the hill is named, purchased significant elevated real estate around Brisbane during this period. In 1860, Bartley built what was described as an "elegant if unconventional house" on the hill. However, the isolated location led to it being dubbed "Bartley's Folly" after Bartley's wife refused to live there. The house was surrounded primarily by bushland and beautiful views at the time. The hill's strategic elevation made it an ideal location for water infrastructure: In 1906, the Brisbane Board of Waterworks acquired land in the area. The first concrete reservoir was completed by February 23, 1907. A second reservoir was constructed between 1918 and 1920. These reservoirs significantly improved water pressure and supply to surrounding areas, including Teneriffe, Spring Hill, and Red Hill.