Brisbane's history traces back over 22,000 years with the Indigenous Australians, particularly the Yagara, Turrbal, and Quandamooka peoples, who thrived in the coastal region of South East Queensland. Before European settlement in the 1820s, the area was home to a vibrant population estimated between 6,000 to 10,000 individuals, who relied on the rich resources of the Brisbane River and its surroundings. The region served as a significant waypoint for Aboriginal groups, facilitating cultural exchanges and seasonal movements, and was characterized by open woodlands and pockets of rainforest.

In 1770, British navigator James Cook first sailed through the South Passage into Moreton Bay, naming it after the Earl of Morton. However, it was Matthew Flinders who explored the area further in 1799, landing at present-day Woody Point. The formal establishment of Brisbane began in 1824 when Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane initiated a new northern penal settlement. John Oxley's exploration of the Brisbane River led to the founding of the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement, which initially settled at Redcliffe before relocating to the Brisbane River due to better water supply.

Under Captain Patrick Logan's command from 1826 to 1830, the settlement flourished, expanding from 200 to over 1,000 convicts, and developing essential infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. However, tensions with local Aboriginal groups escalated, leading to conflicts such as the Corn Field Raids of 1827-1828.

In the following years, non-convict European settlement gained momentum, notably with the arrival of German missionaries in 1837 and Scottish immigrants in 1849. The development of Brisbane continued steadily, marked by the proclamation of Queensland as a separate colony in 1859 and the establishment of Brisbane as its capital. Significant architectural projects emerged in the late 19th century, reflecting the economic prosperity of the era.

However, Brisbane's growth faced challenges, including the Great Fire of 1864 and the devastating Black February flood of 1893, which left many residents homeless. As Brisbane evolved through these formative years, its history laid the groundwork for the vibrant, multicultural city it is today, balancing a rich Indigenous heritage with colonial development and modern growth.