The Venue is situated in Flinders Street, almost opposite the Townsville railway station and just a stone’s throw away from Castle Hill, one of the most iconic landmarks of North Queensland. It was first built in 1894 by Madsen & Watson and designed by John Beauchamp Nicholson. It was later founded by Albert Lanfear and his partner Samuel Nesbitt Allen as The Lion Brewery and the first brew of Lion XXX Beer went on sale in October.

The appearance of the building was praised in publications of its time, described as the most elegant building in Townsville. Varying from rustic arches on the ground level to gothic forms on the third level, the playful use of ornament and variation of window openings contributed to the beauty in its design and gracefulness of outline. It was a significant landmark during the Second World War where it was requisitioned and used as a warehouse by the United States Army.

In 1988 the journey of this beautiful building took a turn towards the Townsville Night Life, re-opening as a popular Nightclub. The Venue Townsville “ain’t no nightclub”. It has now been transformed into one of Townsville’s premiere live entertainment hotspots- hosting a variety of events ranging from elegant weddings, sold-out concerts and gala dinners with some of Australia’s most loved musical icons, Cheers to the Journey ahead!