Discover Brisbane through 'Boy Swallows Universe'

Trent Dalton's bestselling debut novel, Boy Swallows Universe, has won hearts globally and is now a Netflix series. Set and filmed in Brisbane, the series perfectly captures 1980s Brisbane with its landmarks and suburbs. Explore our curated list of activities that will immerse you in the world of Boy Swallows Universe.

Explore Brisbane City Hall

Constructed between 1920 and 1930, Brisbane City Hall is a heritage-listed site. It features sweeping marble staircases, vaulted ceilings, chandeliers and mosaic-tiled floors. Tours showcase the Main Auditorium, the Father Henry Willis Organ, and the iconic Clock Tower. The Clock Tower Tour includes a ride in Brisbane's oldest cage lift and a look at Australia's largest analogue clock.

City Hall's Clock Tower is the backdrop to the last challenge Eli faces in the novel's final act.

For another step into the Boy Swallows Universe, visit the Museum of Brisbane to learn more about Brisbane's history and life in the 1980s.

Delve into the city's history

Learn more about Brisbane's history from Brisbane's committed volunteers with a free Brisbane Greeters tour. The program includes tours of Brisbane City, as well as key precincts such as Fortitude Valley and Paddington.

Tour the dark history of the city with Crime Tours Australia. Uncover the crime stories from Brisbane's past with 3 walking tours in the Brisbane CBD, South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley. Inquire about Boggo Road Gaol, where real-life inmate Arthur "Slim" Halliday, Eli's babysitter, resided.

Sample Darra's rich cuisine

Catch a train to the city's west to explore the diverse suburb of Darra where the Bell family lived. Darra's strong multicultural roots means you can sample the best of Brisbane's Vietnamese cuisine while there.

Catch a show at The Tivoli

The Tivoli is Brisbane's beloved indoor theatre and music venue, which also served as a backdrop in the series. Constructed in 1917, the historic building has served as a live performance venue since Expo '88. Catch a show for a great time in one of Brisbane's most historic venues.

Related information

Waiting to read the book before you watch the series, or has watching the series piqued your interest in reading the book?

Borrow it from one of Council's 33 libraries with a free library membership.

For more ideas about things to see and do in and around locations featured in the series or book, download the Brisbane app.