Street Art in Brisbane – Burnett Lane

Tucked right in the heart of Brisbane’s bustling CBD, Burnett Lane is one of the city’s best-kept secrets for street art. This narrow, one-way laneway runs parallel to Queen Street Mall, hidden between the high-end shops and office towers. What started as a functional service lane has been transformed into an open-air gallery thanks to Brisbane City Council’s support for public art. Artists have covered the walls, doorways, and even parts of the road surface with vibrant murals, stencils, installations, and tiny surprises.

Unlike larger, more commercial street art precincts, Burnett Lane feels intimate and authentic. You’ll want to walk slowly, look up, down, and around – some pieces are hidden in plain sight or tucked into corners.

Must-See Street Art Highlights on Burnett Lane

Here are some standout pieces – but the real joy is discovering the rest yourself:

• Little Red Door (my favourite): A tiny 25 cm door painted at ground level. It appeared overnight and quickly became a local icon. Brisbane artist Mace Robertson later claimed it, inspired by similar installations in other cities. He followed up with a “Little Yellow Door” in Fortitude Valley. Look low – it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
• Blue Birds by Blu Art Ninja: A flock of bright blue birds climbing the wall from foot level up several stories. They’re not realistic bluebirds – it’s a whimsical collection of different species painted blue, including a dapper duck in a top hat and cane! Blu Art Ninja has scattered similar playful works across Brisbane.
• Great Minds Like a Think mural (behind Hyatt Regency Hotel): A large two-part piece by The Zookeeper. It reimagines the classic saying with clever, surreal twists – bold colours and thought-provoking details.
• Death and Taxes cocktail bar mural: The bar has embraced the lane’s vibe with a striking mural on their exterior wall – moody, stylish, and perfectly in tune with their speakeasy theme.
• Majestic Lion stencil (opposite side): Argentine artist Xato Stencil created this hand-cut stencil of a powerful lion. The detail in the mane and expression is impressive up close.
• Funny Funny Korean Restaurant Soju bottle: A fun, oversized bottle of Korean soju painted on the restaurant’s front wall – colourful and eye-catching, tying into their Korean BBQ theme.
• Tiny Yoda (near the entrance): A small stencil of Yoda from Star Wars by artist Skullcap. It’s subtle and easy to miss – look carefully at knee height.

How to Get There

Burnett Lane is super central:

• Queen Street Mall: Enter from the mall end (near Albert Street) – the lane runs parallel.
• Closest stations: Central or Queen Street Mall bus/ferry stops (5-minute walk).
• Parking: Nearby in King George Square or QPAC precinct (weekends easier).

Best time: Weekday mornings or late afternoons for fewer crowds and soft light. Weekends are busier with shoppers and photographers.

Extend Your Walk – Mechanical Kangaroos on George Street

At the top of Burnett Lane, turn right onto George Street. You’ll immediately spot one of Brisbane’s most famous street sculptures: the mechanical kangaroos (by artist Christopher Trotter). These giant, moving metal roos are a beloved CBD landmark – great for photos and a fun finish to your lane adventure. See more about teh Mechanical Kangaroos.

Why Visit Burnett Lane?

• It’s free and accessible 24/7.
• Compact (easy to explore in 20–40 minutes).
• Mix of styles: tiny installations, large murals, stencils, and business-owned pieces.
• Central location – combine with Queen Street Mall shopping, riverfront walks, or nearby cafes.
• Ever-changing: New pieces appear regularly, so every visit can feel fresh.

Burnett Lane proves Brisbane’s street art scene isn’t just in the Valley or West End – it thrives right in the CBD. Grab your phone or camera, wander slowly, and let the lane surprise you.Have you found a hidden gem on Burnett Lane? What’s your favourite piece? Share below – I’d love to hear!

Check out the location of Burnett Lane in Brisbane City Centre