Story Bridge Hotel, Brisbane: History and… cockroach races

The Story Bridge Hotel offers steaks, prime location in Kangaroo Point, verandas and plenty of history. But the Australia Day cockroach races make this Brisbane pub special.

The Story Bridge Hotel in Brisbane frequently pops up on lists of great Aussie pubs. It’s indisputably one of the most famous pubs in the country. But what makes the Story Bridge special?

Where is the Story Bridge Hotel?

Well, firstly, it’s right next to the Story Bridge. This is the bridge that connects Brisbane CBD to the Kangaroo Point neighbourhood on the other side of the Brisbane River. Rock climbers love the Kangaroo Point cliffs, and tourists love the Story Bridge Climb, which allows them to walk to the top of the bridge.

The Story Bridge Hotel in Brisbane is one of Australia’s classic pubs. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Story Bridge Hotel history

The Story Bridge Hotel also looks rather handsome. It is built over three levels, with verandas, in the classic Queensland style. This is a historic pub – it opened in 1886 as the Kangaroo Point Hotel, before renaming to coincide with the opening of the Story Bridge in 1940.

Food is another factor. The Story Bridge Hotel is a good place to eat, with several options to choose from. Deery’s Restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine, but the focus is on the steaks. The Main Street Bar and Eatery is hugely popular at breakfast, but offers the likes of fish tacos and prawn noodle stir fries for lunch and dinner. The Outback Bar and Grill is a more casual affair, with pizzas and burgers. And the Shelter Bar, built from the remnants of an old bomb shelter, leans towards sharing plates.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

The Corner Bar, however, is reserved for traditional drinking, playing pool and live music.

But the thing that takes the Story Bridge Hotel from being a good pub to being a legendary one is the Australia Day cockroach races.

Australia Day cockroach races at the Story Bridge Hotel

Every Australia Day – January 26 – the Story Bridge Hotel hosts cockroach races. Patrons pick their own cockroach to cheer for, then all the roaches are released on a five metre circular track. The first to reach the edge of the track wins. The absurdity is enhanced by how seriously everyone takes it – there’s a crowd roar that wouldn’t be out of place at a rugby league game.

For more information, visit the hotel website.

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.