Weave your way through the culture and history of Logan

Whether you’re visiting South East Queensland from another country or state, or are a born-and-bred local keen to explore your own backyard, there are many enriching experiences to be had in the City of Logan. This city, mid-way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, has a collection of cultural offerings and historical stories that are unique to the area, and make for a worthwhile detour.

Here we’ll take you on a journey through Logan’s heritage and culture, and reveal exactly how to experience it all to the full.

Let’s start at the beginning. The very beginning. You could say that Spirits of the Red Sand has been 60,000 years in the making. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the history, beauty, and vibrancy of the Aboriginal peoples, this powerful storytelling experience will give you an unforgettable glimpse. Spirits of the Red Sand is an interactive Aboriginal live theatre show located within the Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum, and includes a mouth-watering three-course char-grilled buffet dinner.

Experience it all: Take a journey from the Dreamtime to the Australia of the 1800s—a 2.5 hour live ‘roving’ theatre experience that combines storytelling, songs, dance and chants.

Another all-encompassing experience for the senses and the soul is to visit Chung Tian Temple in Priestdale, Logan City. Surrounded by nature, the Temple provides a peaceful and beautiful venue for all members of the community to celebrate diversity and multi-faith harmony through Humanistic Buddhism. Integrating spirituality into your daily life is what Humanistic Buddhism is all about. It can have relevance in all aspects of your life, while emphasising personal peace, compassion, family and community harmony.

Did you know? At Chung Tian Temple you can visit the 7-tiered pagoda, join a tea ceremony at the Water Drop Tea House, meditate in the temple, learn Tai Chi, take a class in Buddhism or Chinese, or even transcribe a sutra in the Calligraphy Room.

The legacy of early European settlement is also something you can explore in Logan. Mayes Cottage Museum is nestled on a hill amongst giant mango trees in Kingston—once known as Scrubby Creek. The cottage, built in 1887, is a time capsule of Queensland’s pioneering age. This incredible, historical property includes the original slab hut, cowbells, barn and cream shed.

Tip for visitors: Pack a picnic and take your time exploring this fascinating part of Logan’s heritage. Chat to the friendly volunteer guides who’ll be able to fill you in on what life was really like for the Mayes family, who arrived here from England in 1871.

If you can’t get enough of local history, a visit to Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum is a must-do. Organised as a village, here you can wander around 20 heritage buildings filled with original items from the 1860s and onward, once used by the people who lived in the area. The cultural legacy of the Beenleigh region has been lovingly preserved and restored in this fascinating destination.

Explore at your own pace: Meander through family homes and the Loganholme One Teacher School, check out the old Dodge fire engines, and take time out at the Tin Cup Cafe, where you can enjoy good old-fashioned home-baked treats, great coffee and more.

From the past to the present, Logan Art Gallery is firmly rooted in the City of Logan of today and the exciting contemporary work of artists—both local and from Queensland and interstate galleries. Exhibitions change every six weeks, and don’t leave without a visit to the Logan Art Gallery Store—browse bespoke artisan wares including ceramic works, jewellery and toys.

Get involved: Take part in one of the free public programs, such as Music in the Gallery, showcasing the musical talent in Logan with an afternoon of live music, followed by light refreshments. Logan Art Gallery is reopening in early May 2022 after a short period of scheduled maintenance.

Soon to be a name everyone knows is the Kingston Butter Factory. This new, contemporary cultural precinct in the heart of Logan is an arts and entertainment hub, built around the city’s historic butter factory site. There’s already an impressive line-up of events for 2023, with major festivals, concerts and live performances held all year-round. The Butterbox Theatre is the city’s newest indoor performance venue, and the Outdoor Stage is now the largest outdoor events space in Logan, with capacity for up to 5,000 people. What’s on? Stay tuned. Also within the Kingston Butter Factory precinct is the Living Museum of Logan – a contemporary social history museum capturing the past, present and imagining the future of Logan. There’s a co-curated space by and for Logan’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, where you can learn about First Nations language and culture, and hear digital stories from Logan’s Elders. 

Follow what’s on: Check the events calendar and make sure you don’t miss Snapshot! in the Living Museum of Logan. If you know Humans of New York, this is Logan’s version, capturing the street styles of Logan City. A must-do anytime is Devon Pixies. Savour their traditional high tea in the elegantly appointed rooms of the restored Federation-style cottage or enjoy a treat on the cottage’s shady verandah.

So, this little introduction is just the start. With so many people from so many parts of the world calling the City of Logan home, you can be sure of one thing—Logan’s not short on surprisingly different stories.