While over-nighting in Brisbane last night, we went to one of Brisbane's oldest establishments - and one of Queensland's most famous watering holes for dinner: the Breakfast Creek Hotel.

At the hotel, customers are able to select a steak from a counter - reminiscent of a butcher's shop. The selected cut is then cooked to the customer's specifications. Unfortunately there was no kangaroo, crocodile or emu on the menu for intrepid travellers - but the meals are excellent.

The hotel itself has an interesting history. The story goes that it was built in 1889 and was a favourite breakfast spot for settlers travelling by boat along the river - hence the hotel's name.

The Breakfast Creek Hotel's original owner William Galloway - a former Lord Mayor of Brisbane - fell, drunk, from a second floor window to his death in 1895. According to staff, his ghost still frequents the original parts of the hotel.

From the 1920s-40s the site was also home to two brothels. During WWII American soldiers queuing up the street opposite a school caused community uproar until the brothels were removed.

Today the hotel is entered into the Queensland Heritage Register. The dining experience is certainly first rate. Tonight, however, we will be fine dining in a different way - a hangi with our troops in Honiara.