The History of Fish Lane

Fish Lane has transformed from a gritty service laneway into a vibrant cultural hub. The traditional lands of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, this area, is known as Kurilpa.

With European settlement, this laneway existed as a track from the 1870s, providing access for residences and businesses, including the soft drink factory, Eodone Aerated Water Company, giving the laneway the name Soda Water Lane in 1885 to reflect its commercial activity.

19 years later, in 1904, this laneway was renamed Fish Lane in honour of prominent local politician and business man, George Fish, who had the Brisbane Steam Laundry business along the laneway. 

Fast forward more than 80 years, South Brisbane had a major redevelopment for Worl Expo 88 and most service lanes like Fish Lane were lost. While South Bank and the Cultural Precinct thrived, Fish Lane remained a functional thoroughfare for deliveries, car parks & rubbish bins.

Brisbane City Council identified Fish Lane’s potential as early as 2006, commissioning the first Fish Lane Master Plan, but progress on this project was slow. It wasn’t until the apartment on the corner was developed by Aria Property Group in 2014 that Fish Lane’s transformation truly began. The project introduced restaurants, bars, cafes, public spaces, lighting, art, signage, and landscaping, marking the start of its cultural resurgence. Not dissimilar from what you see around you now.

Today, Fish Lane spans over four blocks, be sure to take in the impressive murals and sculptures as you explore all that Fish Lane has to offer. 

If you’re hungry, grab a pizza from Julius Pizzeria—a local institution & Brisbane’s best Italian restaurant, otherwise continue down the lane & look out for the next prompt stop in the piazza.