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A time-honoured village
Find out about Rosalie Village’s fascinating past as one of Brisbane’s early commercial precincts.
This time-honoured village with heart has heritage landmarks and is home to longstanding businesses that have loyal customer followings. Discover the local icons of the area that have stood the test of time and find out what everybody’s talking about!
A time-honoured and much-loved precinct
Rosalie is thought to have been named after the pastoral station ‘Rosalie Plains’, owned by early Milton resident and pastoralist, John McDougall, who purchased land around Nash Street in 1882. Rosalie was a suburb until 1975, before being designated as a locality within Paddington.
The current Rosalie Village has its roots in the original main street – Nash Street, which had become Rosalie’s commercial centre by the 1890s. In 1895 there was a blacksmith, two fruiterers, two boot-makers, a newsagent, hairdresser and draper.
Heritage landmarks
The Rosalie Village precinct is bookended by heritage landmarks with Milton State School on Bayswater Street and the former Rosalie School of Arts Commemoration Hall and Little Citizens Free Kindergarten on the corners of Nash and Elizabeth Streets.
Milton State School – 1889
Milton State School was established in 1889 as Rosalie State School on land originally known as ‘Red Jacket Swamp’. The school continues to operate from this original site, and its Depression-era Brick School Building is a local landmark. Adjacent to Gregory Park and framed by mature trees, it is an attractive and prominent feature of the area.
Little Citizens Free Kindergarten – 1935
The Little Citizens Free Kindergarten was built in 1935 at 57 Elizabeth Street and continues to operate as the C & K Rosalie Community Kindergarten and Preschool. It is rare in Queensland as a purpose-built kindergarten constructed before World War Two.
Rosalie School of Arts Commemoration Hall - 1928
The 1920s saw increased development in Rosalie, and the Rosalie Progress Association sponsored a Rosalie School of Arts Committee, for the purpose of erecting a Memorial Hall. The community funded the construction of the Rosalie School of Arts Commemoration Hall (also known as the RSL Hall) which opened in 1928.
The large timber building, on the corner of Nash and Elizabeth Streets, has a multi-level stepped design which is a significant feature of the precinct. The ground floor of the Nash Street frontage, below the level of the main hall, was designed to accommodate two shops. The shop currently occupied by Global Eyes contained a Dressmaker in 1930, Trump Cycles from 1938 to 1942, and a sub-centre of the Maternal and Child Welfare Service from 1942, which was still open one day a week in 1978. The shop which is now home to Made. By Jessika and Brow Squad. contained a Bootmaker’s business between 1935 and 1947. The RSL sold the property in 2004, and the hall itself currently contains The Method. Pilates and Barre studio and The Yoga Cooperative, accessed from the carpark on Elizabeth Street. Paddington Massage occupies the small house at 52 Elizabeth Street, which sits just to the north of the hall.
Businesses that stand the test of time
Since 1940's
Rosalie Village Pharmacy
Rosalie Village Pharmacy is an independently owned community pharmacy that has been a trusted part of the community for more than 75 years. The current owners Naomi Bartlett and Margie Butnoris have been at the helm since 2015 and are passionate about creating a community-minded pharmacy that stocks the essentials for family members big and small.
Since 1960's
Rosalie Village Garden Centre
Brisbane’s own enchanted Garden, the Rosalie Village Garden Centre as we know it today was established in 1994, but this Rosalie institution’s roots date back to the 1960s! From its early beginnings, the Rosalie Village Garden Centre has been centred around helping Brisbane grow a greener thumb. Take a step off the main street and you’ll see why the Rosalie Village Garden Centre has remained Brisbane’s inner-city wonderland for over 60 years!
Since 1997
Rosalie Gourmet Market
Ask a Brisbane resident what to do in Rosalie and the chances are they’ll say the Rosalie Gourmet Market is a must – and for good reason! Originally established in 1997, the Rosalie Gourmet Market has been offering Brisbane the finest in Artisan bread and cheese, fresh flowers, fruit and veggies and sumptuous chocolates. Key to their long-standing success and city-wide reputation is their desire to bring you not only the best, but to make gourmet products more accessible. Step inside and you’ll see why Brisbanites have been travelling to Rosalie for over 25 years to make this most of this little gem.
Since 2002
Thai Terrace
Thai Terrace has been providing authentic Thai and Cantonese cuisine in Rosalie Village since 2002. Nestled right outside Cinebar, it is the perfect place to enjoy dinner before a movie. You can dine on the restaurant’s elevated terrace or in their stylish indoor dining area.
Since 2002
Crookes & Jenkins Dental
Crookes and Jenkins Dental has been providing exceptional dental care to the Rosalie community since 2002. The practice was founded by Dr. Sean Crookes and Dr Nicolie Jenkins, two highly skilled and experienced dentists who had the vision of caring for the local community and providing an unmatched dental service. The practice provides a full range of dental services including preventive care, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics.
Since 2004
Sing’s Asian Kitchen
Sing’s Asian Kitchen has been much loved by locals and beyond since 2004 for its pan-Asian fare. Enjoy Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes at this longstanding Rosalie favourite. The affordable and extensive menu is available to dine-in and take-away.
Since 2004
Wine Experience
Wine Experience has been calling Rosalie Village home since its beginnings in 2004. This local vendor is not just a shop; as its name suggests, it’s an experience. Wine Experience’s team of experts have curated a list of the finest Australian and international wines for you to take home or enjoy in the bespoke, 13 seat bar, complete with charcuterie. As one of Australia’s few wine-only merchants, they really do know their way around a grape-based beverage. They sell what they believe in and nothing else. It’s no wonder they’ve made a name for themselves as one of Rosalie’s icons!
Since 2005
Cinebar
Established in 2005 as Blue Room Cinebar, this independent cinema offers an intimate and unparalleled experience for cinema-goers. It is one of Brisbane’s original licensed boutique cinema, bar and restaurant all rolled into one unique experience. Feel like a star as you walk the red carpet before having cocktails, food and desserts all delivered to your seats while you enjoy the latest blockbuster.
Explore Rosalie Village and its surrounding streets using Brisbane City Council's Reminisce in Rosalie Heritage Trail to delve further into the stories behind this historic area.
Come & experience it for yourself
Rosalie Village is where the locality’s historic charm meets the latest trends in food, drink, and entertainment. Come and experience it for yourself.