1893 flood, Brisbane River

Photographs of the Brisbane River during the 1893 flood. Collection of Fryer Library, University of Queensland.

‘When in March, 1890, the citizens of Brisbane gazed with astonishment and awe at the encroaching waters of the largest flood known to the memory of white man, it was little anticipated that within three years another flood would overlap its predecessor, and wreak more appalling havoc. The first Saturday of February 1893, has proved the most memorable in the calendar for many years past; we hope it will remain the most memorable for many years to come. On every vantage ground around Brisbane crowds gathered yesterday to witness the imposing and fearsome sight … The produce of many a hard-working farmer went hurrying down the turbid waters. Hundreds of wooden houses, once the happy homes of owner or occupier, careered upon the flood often remaining whole till they struck Victoria Bridge, when they crashed like matchboxes and broke away into shapeless masses of wood and iron … Steamers were driven ashore or laid on the tops of wharves…’

The Brisbane Courier, 6 February 1893