The completion of the Adelaide Street tunnel in Brisbane’s CBD is set to improve public transport reliability for commuters from The Gap and surrounding suburbs.
After more than two years of construction, the 213-metre Adelaide Street tunnel will open to buses and metro services on 29 September 2025. The project marks the final stage of the Brisbane Metro program, which was first outlined in 2016 as part of plans to reshape the city’s public transport network.
During construction, around 16 Olympic swimming pools of soil and rock were excavated, with extensive underground works carried out since 2023. In August 2025, final activities included testing, commissioning, electrical installation, landscaping and road finishing. Weekend closures of the Inner Northern Busway were required during this stage.
The tunnel connects North Quay on the Brisbane River with King George Square in the CBD, creating a direct link between the Inner Northern and South East busways. About 1,200 bus and metro services are expected to use the tunnel each weekday.
By moving these services underground, the tunnel is expected to reduce the number of buses travelling on CBD streets by up to one-third during peak periods. It will also ease pressure on Adelaide Street and surrounding streets such as George and Turbot.
For The Gap, services including the 444 and other frequent routes will now use the tunnel, improving reliability and travel times into the CBD.
Photo Credit: Peter Lawrence/Facebook
Residents Walk The New Tunnel
Thousands of residents attended the community open day held on 24 September, walking through the tunnel before its official opening. Visitors raised questions about safety systems, with engineers explaining fire management controls. Others highlighted the benefit of removing buses from surface streets and the improved cycling infrastructure nearby.
Feedback indicated that many attendees saw the project as a significant change to the city’s transport landscape, with expectations of smoother travel and reduced congestion once services commence.
The Adelaide Street tunnel will open to regular services on 29 September 2025, marking the completion of a near decade-long program to improve Brisbane’s transport network. For commuters from The Gap, the new underground connection is expected to provide more reliable travel into the city and reduce pressure on busy CBD streets.
On Sunday, 28 September, the Brisbane Tramway Museum will commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Paddington Tram Depot fire with a special event from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 50 Tramway Street, Ferny Grove.
Visitors will have access to unlimited rides on up to seven restored trams, with vehicles dating between 1901 and 1964. The program will also feature a tram pulling contest, where local gym teams will compete to move a horse tram along a 50-metre track against the clock.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Tramway Museum/Facebook
Preserving Brisbane’s Tram History
The Brisbane Tramway Museum Society, established in 1968, opened the Ferny Grove site in 1980. The museum holds more than 20 trams that once operated on Brisbane’s tram network, along with two single-deck trolley-buses. Other exhibits include depot buildings from Ipswich Road, a substation with equipment from former Brisbane substations, a signal cabin, historic tickets, uniforms, and photographs.
The museum also operates demonstration tram rides each Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, with carriages still equipped with original bells and period advertising.
Food and Facilities for Families
Alongside the rides and contest, food and drinks will be available, including a sausage sizzle, coffee wagon, donuts, ice cream and cold beverages. Free venue parking will also be provided.
Ticket Information
Entry costs $20 per adult, $10 per child, $15 concession, and $50 for a family of four. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., with refunds available up to seven days before the event.
The event at Ferny Grove offers visitors an opportunity to explore Brisbane’s tramway history, enjoy unlimited rides, and experience a unique tram pulling contest marking a significant anniversary.
Did you know that nearly half a century ago, Brisbane’s first jam factory was built on the high side of Enoggera Creek, inbound on Waterworks Rd, just east of Bennett’s Rd, in The Gap? Despite the weatherboard structure’s nondescript appearance, people flocked to “Masons Preserving Works,” whose owner, Charles Mason, found sweet success as the local purveyor of jams, pickles, and fruit preserves.
The Gap is known for its abundant supply of fresh produce. It has been a reliable supplier of fruits, vegetables, poultry, and meat products from the Settlement of Brisbane in 1824 up to the end of World War II.
Plantation bananas at The Gap, circa 1960. Photo Credit: The Gap Historical Society
Before starting his eponymously named business, Claude Mason used to farm at Savages Road in Moggill.
In 1937, he moved to Toowong, where his future wife, Eveline Thelma Hinton lived. The two got married at the Toowong Gospel Hall in 1938.
Seeing potential in the business, along with a steady supply of fresh fruits, Claude decided to put up a jam factory. “Masons Preserving Works” opened in 1939, a few years after the end of the First World War, when returned servicemen took up land and established the area for farming, adding bottled jams and pickles to the assortment of wares in the local market.
It wasn’t long before Mr Mason’s factory became one of The Gap’s thriving businesses, supplying employment to many teenagers and locals who could often be seen stirring the preserves in the back, where there were always two massive, stainless steel cauldrons of jam a-cooking.
Fresh fruits were either stored in the cold rooms or piled on the lush grass at the back of the factory.
The jam, fruit preserves, and pickles were much in demand. In the ‘70s, “Masons” was the only maker of tomato jam in all of Brisbane.
Since the yummy jars were nowhere to be found on the shelves of chain supermarkets and other mainstream stores, locals went out of their way to purchase their “Mason.”
Records indicate that Mason’s jam factory closed in the 1990s. The changing trends in the fast world of retail, highlighted by the rapid expansion of supermarkets in Brisbane soon took a toll on many small businesses, Masons included.
Today, a cement footpath leads to a cul de sac of houses in the area where Masons once stood. No trace is left of the old jam factory but locals who once worked there (teenagers then and old-timers now), still remember Claude Mason, stirring his vats of jam, with fondness.
We’ve combed The Gap for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
sharlyse walters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The gap tavern is my local pub and I love coming here! They always have the best steaks that my family love, and we always go to sit in their comfy booths. Maya served me today and she was so lovely and helpful, and always smiling!
Chris Webb ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Went there Tuesday night which I assume would be a quiet night there. Great place for a meal. I wanted just a plain simple pub meal and that’s what I had….rissoles, peas and mash. Perfect. We all enjoyed our meal. As I’m from ACT it will be a while before I return but certainly will. The family though are going to make this a go to place. Great kids play area and lovely staff. Definitely recommended.
Grace McGregor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had the Beef Bourguignon Pie – rich, hearty and just the thing for a winter’s day. The pastry was golden and flaky, packed with tender chunks of beef in a beautifully warming sauce. Served with creamy mash, peas and crispy onion rings – absolute comfort food heaven.
Tahlia N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My bf and I get the Karaage bao buns and chips every single time we go to Blind Tiger. Every bite is like taking the first bite. It’s so amazing. However, we went last night and the chips didn’t have the usual seasoning, just salt, and the bao buns tasted really different. Still nice but not the usual and we will be SOOO sad if the recipe has changed as it’s the only dish we get so excited for. Love this place though!
Stuart George ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ BEST snackpack ive ever eaten, i would sell my firstborn child to temu to eat it again, i would step on legos to eat it again, absolutly amazing, incredible snackpacks
tom gooding ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great food and atmosphere with live music. Kids meal burger is about as small as they come though
Stuart Y. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent family-owned cafe at The Gap. The food and coffee (Merlo) are fantastic, and I love the atmosphere with low music playing. There are so many seating options. You can choose inside or outside, and there are all sorts of seats, including lounge chairs to high-back chairs. Some tables also have powerpoint near, so those who want to do some work with a nice coffee and lunch can charge their laptop too. Highly recommended 🙂
Sami A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing café with a warm, cozy vibe and delicious coffee. The manager is incredibly kind and welcoming, making every visit a real pleasure. Great service, tasty treats, and a friendly atmosphere – I always leave with a smile. Highly recommended!
Kayden Atkinson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lovely little cafe! Lots of classic brunch options to choose from, including vegetarian. The quality of the food was amazing, with fresh fruit and berries of considerable size in the acai bowl. The granola was crunchy, not soggy, which was lovely. The coffees here are always great and are never bitter 🙏
Ali Major ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Alfredo and the team are fabulous. He takes time to know your name and say hello each time. Very popular with the gym members but open for anyone. Prices are good. I love that the menu is well thought out and they bake their own cakes. The breakfast burger is very popular and it is amazing. The decaf coffee is actually good, and they know how to serve loose leaf tea properly. I recommend the earl grey.
J D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Can’t recommend this place enough. My go-to for morning coffee and weekly cheat meal breakfast. The place is always really busy and the staff do an incredible job to cater for everyone there. Struggling to get a seat on a weekend due to it’s popularity.
Ankur Sinha ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ First visit to the cafe, ordered a coffee . Nice coffee ☕️ and good service. Recommended if you want to spent some quality time with friend and family.
A R ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Without a doubt, the best chicken Pho in Brisbane. I’ve been here about 6 times just for it, it’s always been fantastic. It’s not fancy, but it’s the soup you want when you’ve had a bad day or need something wholesome and perfect.
Kristy Augustine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely the best Vietnamese salad in this small, unassuming cafe at the entrance to The Gap Village shopping centre. After sampling a few from Browns Plains to Paddington, this is the winner! Fresh ingredients, tasty, good service.
Jennifer Ly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great authentic Vietnamese restaurant in The Gap! The owner is lovely and friendly, the service is quick and the food is decently priced and well portioned. Tastes just like my mum’s cooking! 👌
Keperra Quarry is set for another stage of transformation, with plans lodged for 52 residential lots as part of Precinct C on the southern side of the site.
The application for Precinct C was lodged with Brisbane City Council on 27 August 2025 under reference A006847084. Documents received by council include subdivision layouts, road engineering drawings and landscape designs.
These show how the precinct will roll out in three stages, delivering housing, green space and road connections consistent with the quarry’s masterplan.
Housing Mix And Staging
Plans outline 52 lots ranging between 210 and 500 square metres. Lot frontages are set at 8.5, 10 and 12.5 metres, supporting detached homes. Stage 9 proposes 17 lots, Stage 10 includes 13 lots and Stage 11 completes the precinct with 22 lots.
A balance lot is marked for future precincts. Development is tied to an internal spine road, Ridgeline Way, which extends from earlier stages to link with Settlement Road.
Roads and Services
Engineering drawings show a new intersection planned for Settlement Road to serve Precinct C. The documents note roadworks are submitted for approval and are not yet cleared for construction. The package covers functional layouts, swept path checks and comparative overlays for traffic safety.
Earthworks volumes are also detailed, with more than 11,000 cubic metres of cut required to shape the site. Internal access will rely on private common property roads across the precinct.
Green Space and Design
The landscape plan for Precinct C highlights revegetation and community health features. A second stormwater basin will serve both drainage and habitat purposes. Streets will include shaded pedestrian paths, a ridgeline network and links to walking loops.
LatStudios emphasises reusing quarry material in landscaping to preserve character. Precinct C continues the staged redevelopment of the 40-hectare Keperra Quarry, adding housing and a new Settlement Road link.
An 18-year-old student and part-time lifeguard from The Gap has been charged with terrorism offences after police allegedly discovered extremist material, chemicals, and weapons at his home during a raid.
The teenager was arrested following a joint operation involving the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police, and ASIO. He now faces two counts of possessing and controlling violent extremist material through a carriage service under the Commonwealth Criminal Code. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Investigators also confirmed that further charges may be considered as forensic analysis of seized material continues.
In Brisbane Magistrates Court, the teen broke down in the dock as the charges were read. His father, seated in the public gallery, was also seen in tears.
Prosecutors argued the young man posed an unacceptable risk to the community, pointing to extremist videos, a lengthy digital document promoting terrorist acts, and chemicals allegedly stored for use in explosives. Authorities said more than 50 additional files linked to firearms and bomb-making were also found on his devices.
Items seized during the raid reportedly included books and publications linked to nationalist and racist ideologies, along with chemicals and explosive precursors. Some outlets have also reported that weapons, including a crossbow and knuckledusters, were taken from the property.
Defence arguments and bail conditions
The defence highlighted the teenager’s age, lack of criminal history, and strong family support as reasons for bail. His lawyers also suggested he may be on the autism spectrum, pointing out that he had been cooperative with investigators and was engaged in work as a lifeguard alongside his studies.
Magistrate Rosemary Gilbert granted bail under strict conditions, which include a nightly curfew, limited access to the internet, and regular reporting to police. The teenager must also participate in a deradicalization program as part of the court’s orders. The magistrate explained the decision was based on exceptional circumstances, noting the absence of evidence suggesting an imminent attack.
Community and broader concerns
The case has drawn attention in Brisbane, particularly within The Gap community, where neighbours expressed concern about how extremist ideologies can reach young people. Authorities have used the case to warn about the growing threat of online radicalisation, urging parents and local communities to remain aware of the signs.
Investigations remain ongoing as police and security agencies review the materials seized from the property. The teen is expected to return to Brisbane Magistrates Court next month as the case progresses.
Keperra Quarry is moving a step closer to becoming a new residential hub, with plans lodged for 58 homes, a gymnasium and a landscaped community precinct in Brisbane’s north-west.
The development application was lodged with Brisbane City Council on 1 May 2025 by Frasers Property Australia. It covers “Precinct D” of the former quarry site on Samford Road and Settlement Road, Keperra.
The application seeks approval for residential lots, new community facilities and landscaped areas, building on earlier precinct approvals already in place for the broader 48.7-hectare redevelopment.
Housing and Community Facilities
Precinct D proposes 58 detached house lots ranging from 235 to 527 square metres, to be delivered across five stages with supporting roads and infrastructure. At its centre, a 135-square-metre gymnasium will sit beside the existing pool and community building.
The recreation centre is planned with lounges, a management office and a breezeway linking the gym to the main lawn. Surrounding common areas would feature pools, gardens, shaded lawns, parks and play spaces.
Landscape and Environmental Features
LatStudios has prepared the landscape design for Precinct D, aiming to reconnect the site with its bushland surrounds. Inspired by the quarry’s fractured granite, the plan shapes pathways, paving and planting patterns.
A 5,400-square-metre “Central Common” will serve as the neighbourhood’s hub, with pools, gardens and shaded gathering areas. Native plants and reused quarry materials will provide shade, biodiversity and a distinct local character.
Community Impact and Connectivity
For the Keperra community, the quarry’s redevelopment promises new housing, green spaces and recreation within an established suburb. The site has direct links to Samford Road and is close to schools, shops and public transport.
Pedestrian pathways, including a 500-metre loop, will connect homes to common areas and landscaped features. The design focuses on safe, flexible outdoor spaces with shaded areas, gardens and play zones, while keeping the neighbourhood tied to its bushland setting.
A netball club, a decades-old dance sport group, and several community organisations in The Gap, Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron have secured various grants through the Ellendale Community Grants, with projects ranging from resurfaced courts to school soccer goals all set to benefit.
Phoenix Netball Club President Thom Contreras said the $3,500 grant will go toward resurfacing three well-used courts that have taken a beating from weather and heavy use since they opened in 2017. He explained the facilities cater for 285 players across 32 teams, training and competing up to five days a week, and resurfacing is vital to maintain safety and keep the courts in use during the coming season break.
“Over half of our members live at Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron, and we have a number who live at Ellendale,” he said. “We’re really grateful Cedar Woods supports not just our club, but other groups across the area.”
Celebrating a Growing Dance Sport
Everton Physical Culture Club, celebrating its 40-year anniversary, received $1,000 to improve its promotion at events and competitions. Associate Teacher Peta Tyquin said Physie is an accessible and affordable sport spanning children as young as three through to women in their seventies. She added the grant would help the club present professionally at national events while keeping classes affordable for its 80 members.
“We’re excited to have this injection of funds to help us continue providing for our community,” she said.
John Kibble, Mia Denning, Georgia Naggs, Elanor Lippett, Claudia Carter, Keirra Ryder, Peta Tyquin. Photo Credit: Supplied
Backing Families and Schools
Other groups to receive funding included Mitchelton Youth Club, which gained $1,500 to add safe seating to its lobby, and Samford Play Group, which will use $1,500 to repair unsafe play equipment. St Andrews P&C in Ferny Grove secured $1,500 for new aluminium soccer goals for students, while St John’s Wood The Gap Conference received $1,000 to help families purchase school supplies and cover the cost of camps.
St Andrew P&C Photo Credit: Supplied
“We’re incredibly grateful to Cedar Woods for its ongoing support through the Ellendale Community Grants Program,” Aimee Riedel from St Andrew P&C said.
“This grant will allow us to purchase durable aluminium soccer goals, a much-needed addition to support the highly popular sport during lunch breaks. For many students living in the Ellendale community, this investment encourages physical activity, teamwork and a sense of connection, both at school and within the wider local community. Initiatives like this truly make a difference in supporting the health and wellbeing of our children.”
Ellendale’s Ongoing Contribution
Cedar Woods Properties Development Director Blair Britton said this year’s round of grants brings the total contribution from the Ellendale initiative to $95,000, shared amongst more than 60 groups since 2017.
“With 590 families living at Ellendale we are proud to support these valuable initiatives, and this year’s recipients all share a common mission to improve the lives of young people in the community,” he said.
Awardee
Suburb(s)
Grant Amount
Purpose
Phoenix Netball Club
Ferny Grove / Upper Kedron
$3,500
Resurfacing three playing courts used by 285 players.
Everton Physical Culture Club
Everton Hills
$1,000
Marketing and promotional material for Physie’s 40th anniversary.
Mitchelton Youth Club
Mitchelton
$1,500
Seats and benches for renovated lobby area.
Samford Play Group
Samford
$1,500
Refurbishing unsafe and damaged play forts.
St Andrews P&C
Ferny Grove
$1,500
Purchase of aluminium soccer goals for students.
St John’s Wood The Gap Conference
The Gap
$1,000
Support for families in need (school supplies, camp costs).
A new dining destination is taking shape in Enoggera, with Norman Northside set to deliver a three-storey steakhouse complete with a rooftop beer garden, on-site butcher, and seating for 400 diners.
The venue is being developed by the Power family, owners of Brisbane’s iconic Norman Hotel in Woolloongabba, and will carry over the signature steakhouse traditions that have made the original a city institution.
Photo credit: Norman Northside/Facebook
Planned for the corner of Wardell Street and Samford Road, the design includes three private dining rooms on a mezzanine level and a Spanish-inspired style with archways. Residents can also expect the popular one-kilogram steak challenge to make its way north.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Community interest is already strong, with hundreds of locals registering ahead of the official launch. The 3077 sqm site has stood vacant for more than a decade following major roadworks, and the project promises to reshape the area into a dedicated hospitality hub.
Designs by KP Architects include basement and upper-level parking for more than 100 vehicles, with landscaping buffers to shield neighbouring homes. Noise controls mean outdoor music will be limited to background levels, with no amplified sound permitted on the rooftop.
“The allure of our open grill will draw you in, as it fills the air with the irresistible aromas of perfectly seared steaks and bold flavours. Paying homage to the iconic Norman Hotel in Woolloongabba, we proudly honour its legacy while infusing a fresh and contemporary twist into the steakhouse tradition,” owners stated in their website.
“We can’t wait to welcome you to your new favourite destination for exceptional food, heartfelt connection, and unforgettable moments.”
Norman Northside is scheduled to open in mid-2026, bringing a fresh dining option to the northside while carrying forward the character of one of Brisbane’s best-known pubs.
In June 2025, Ferny Grove State High School’s Year 10 Boys Volleyball Team competed at the Queensland Junior State Championship on the Gold Coast, finishing second overall.
The team progressed through a challenging draw, demonstrating skill, coordination, determination and teamwork against some of Queensland’s strongest junior volleyball sides. This achievement was the result of extensive preparation, training sessions and commitment from both players and coaching staff.
The achievement adds to Ferny Grove’s strong sporting tradition, which places emphasis on participation, skill development and sportsmanship. Volleyball is one of several sports offered by the school, alongside Australian Rules Football, basketball, cricket, cross country, netball, rugby league, soccer, swimming, touch football and athletics.
Ferny Grove students compete in district, regional, state and national events, with past students going on to represent Australia in sports including track and field and rugby league, as well as competing in top domestic leagues such as the AFL and Sheffield Shield.
Parents, staff and supporters praised the team’s sportsmanship, encouragement of each other and respectful conduct towards officials and competitors. The performance was also recognised as a reflection of the school’s “Always Aim High” ethos, where preparation, effort and teamwork are valued alongside results. Many in the community viewed the result as a positive example for younger athletes at the school.
Ferny Grove encourages all students to participate in sport, with opportunities provided for all ability levels. The school’s sporting program highlights the importance of enjoyment, personal growth and collaboration, aiming to complement academic achievement with physical and social development.
