Unofficial: Boggo Road Gaol

The first section of our database of deceased Boggo Road officers and staff can be viewed here. Further information will be added to the page soon. Thanks to Stephen Gage for his work in compiling this information.

Boggo Road Deceased Staff Database A list of officers who served at Boggo Road, Queensland.

On this day 20 years ago, a historical marker was unveiled in section 6B of South Brisbane Cemetery, marking the area where 42 people were interred after ex*****on by hanging at Boggo Road prison, during 1883-1913. The project was a collaboration between the Brisbane City Council and the Boggo Road Gaol Historical Society, and this documentary tells the story of the plaque project and how it came about.

The Plaque: The historical marker on the graves of executed prisoners in South Brisbane Cemetery A documentary about the installation of a historical marker in South Brisbane Cemetery, on the graves of the 42 prisoners executed at Brisbane's Boggo Road G...

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/24/berrima-gaol-nsw-prison-redevelopment

Progress or preservation: the bitter fight over plans to redevelop historic Berrima Gaol A property developer plans to turn the old jail into one of the largest hospitality venues in the NSW southern highlands but some locals want the landmark to stay in community hands

In July 1993 the recently-closed 1 Division of Boggo Road hosted 'Jailhouse Rock Live!', a triple header concert with Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs; the Divinyls; and Rose Tattoo. A new band called Powderfinger were further down the bill. As you can see from this picture the crowd was huge. Were you there?

The old Boggo Road 'A Wing', in the original No.1 Division which was built in the 1880s and demolished in the 1970s. (BRGHS)

The laundry room at Boggo Road's female division, shortly after it opened in 1903. As was usual in photos like this, the prisoners faced away from the camera to protect their identities. The prison matron, Sarah Browne, is dressed in the dark dress here. This room was the first office of the Boggo Road Gaol Historical Society back in 2002.

On the tennis courts, inside No.1 Division (now demolished), Boggo Road, late 1980s.

Hello everyone :)

One of the most popular cemetery/arts event of 2023 is back for two shows this weekend, and there’s still time to book your places!

On Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July, Doctor Leah Cotterell and Mistress Narelle McCoy will be welcomed back to the beautiful and historical environment of the South Brisbane Cemetery with their ‘Whistling Past the Graveyard’ show, sharing music and stories from their written memoirs and academic research, shining a light on what matters to us about death, dying and funerals – from the strange and sad to the sublime and uplifting.

Beautiful music is supplied by the world-class talent of guitarist Jamie Clark in company with the finest of fiddlers.

And the musical materials are as eclectic as the subject matter, ranging from classical and folk songs to emblematic pop.

‘Whistling Past the Graveyard’ is part of the Anywhere Festival, and places can be booked at this link: https://anywhere.is/event/whistling-past-the-graveyard/

Please contact the Friends of South Brisbane Cemetery with any attendance queries.

Whistling Past the Graveyard - Anywhere Festivals On a winter's day, among the old stone monuments, two talented raconteurs share fascinating reflections about funerals and the end of life.

Outside No.1 Division, Boggo Road, August 1965. (Queensland State Archives)

Learn all about how and why Boggo Road prisoners of the 1970s made and deliberately swallowed metal hooks that lodged in their digestive system. It's pretty amazing stuff!

When Prisoners Swallow Metal Learn all about how and why Boggo Road prisoners of the 1970s made and deliberately swallowed metal hooks that lodged in their digestive system.

Prisoners watch TV in M Wing yard, 1 Division, Boggo Road prison, 7.20pm, 15 July 1990. (Image: BRGHS)

Some history about the first prison buildings to open at Boggo Road, in the 1880s.

The First Boggo Road Prison (1883) Learn about the first prison to open off Boggo Road in Woolloongabba, Brisbane. The year was 1883 and the single cellblock housed just male prisoners.