The erection of the prestigious Harbour Board offices in Quay Street reflected the significance of the port of Rockhampton and the wealth of trade it brought to the city during the late 19th century.

The port served a vast area of Central Queensland, supported by a network of roads which brought the exports of gold, copper, hides, tallow and wool from the hinterland in the 1860s.

[1] The Rockhampton Harbour Board building was constructed in 1898 and was part of the prestigious development which occurred along Quay Street from the 1860s to the turn of the century.

The erection of this grand two-storied masonry building reflected the particular wealth of the Rockhampton Harbour Board which was a manifestation of the prominence of the port.

His work contributed significantly to the consistency of the Rockhampton townscape with six of the Quay Street buildings erected before 1901 being Wilson's design.

Wilson designed over 200 buildings in the central Queensland region during his 35-year practice and was one of the most prominent and prolific architects to have worked in Rockhampton.

[1] The former Harbour Board building, a two-storeyed rendered masonry structure, is located fronting Quay Street to the northeast overlooking the Fitzroy River.

The building has a twin gable roof, the front section of which is hipped with central box gutter draining to the rear.

[1] The ground floor pilasters have a deep pedestal, fluting to the lower section of the shaft, and rosettes to the neck of the capital.

The entablature has expressed triglyphs and a shallow cornice, and a low cast iron balustrade with central paired entry gates and newel posts is located between the arches.

The entablature has expressed modillions to the deep cornice, which is surmounted by a parapet concealing the roof, and a rendered balustrade is located between the arches.

The central section is surmounted by a flagpole, and has the name HARBOUR BOARD ESTD 1896 in relief lettering framing a winged motif.

The first floor verandah has vertical louvres above the balustrade, and French doors and sash windows open from the rear rooms.

The central room has a large carved timber reception counter at the front, and the name FITZROY SHIRE COUNCIL is inset in the vinyl tiled floor to the entrance.

This room has a central cast iron column and timber boarded ceiling, and a dumb-waiter has been installed adjacent to the strongroom.

[1] The former Rockhampton Harbour Board Building was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 having satisfied the following criteria.

The former Harbour Board building erected in 1898 reflects the significance of the Port of Rockhampton which was influential in establishing the city as a major commercial centre of Queensland during the late nineteenth century.