About State Library of Queensland, Australia

Located in Brisbane, Australia, the State Library of Queensland’s mission is to collect, preserve and make accessible the state’s documentary heritage.

The State Library holds approximately 1.5 million photographic resources – negatives, slides, original photographs, copy prints and original albums dating back to the birth of the State of Queensland in 1859 to the present day. In 2003, the State Library launched its digital image library, Picture Queensland, with 6 000 images and now provides online access to more than 150,000 historical and contemporary images.

These images offer an insight into the many aspects of Queensland life: early pioneer and pastoral activity; relationships between Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders and Europeans; the establishment of Queensland cities and regional and rural communities; changes in the built environment, transportation, politics, fashions and recreational activities; the natural environment; and the people who shaped Queensland history.

The photographs here on The Commons are a small part of our collection. If you are able to identify people and places in these images, we would greatly welcome your input.

You are free to use these photographs without permission. We do ask that you acknowledge State Library of Queensland as the source.

To learn more about us…..

Explore the State Library of Queensland website

Read our blog

Find more photographs in our catalogue

See us on YouTube