first Director of the Botanic Gardens. Many of the specimens are either rare in cultivation or of great maturity or both. Many important plant introductions to Queensland, of both an agricultural and ornamental nature, can be traced directly to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the work of its early curators. The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places. These gardens are important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of an evolving public and botanical garden dating from the mid-19th century, containing the most extensive mature gardens in Queensland. There are a number of historic structures in the gardens, including the Walter Hill Drinking Fountain (1867), the former band pavilion (1878), the boundary stone walls, gates and cast iron railings (1865–85), the former bear pit shelter (1905), the former curator's residence (1909) [now the kiosk], the riverwall from Edward Street to the Domain (1918), the southern stone staircase on the riverbank (1918–19) and the middle and northern stone staircases (both 1923–24). The place also contains a number of historically significant early engineering projects, including the stormwater drainage system (1865 onwards), reticulated water supply from Enoggera Dam (1867) and underground electricity supply for lighting purposes (1907). The place is important because of its aesthetic significance. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens are significant as a Brisbane landmark and for their visual amenity and natural wildlife values as the major verdant landscaped area in the city's central business district. The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons. Many important social events have taken place within the gardens, and the place is generally held in high regard by the local community and is a popular destination for visitors to Brisbane. The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history. The place has a special association with the pioneering work of curators Walter Hill (1855–81), Philip John MacMahon (1889–1905), John Frederick Bailey (1905–1917) and Ernest Walter Bick (1917–1939). See also List of parks in Brisbane References Citations Sources Attribution External links City Botanic Gardens Queensland Heritage Register Botanical gardens in Queensland Parks in Brisbane History of Brisbane Tourist attractions in Brisbane 1855 establishments in Australia Gardens in Queensland Alice Street, Brisbane George Street, Brisbane Articles incorporating text from the Queensland Heritage Register Moreton