The Queensland Institute of International Affairs was founded as a branch of the Royal Institute of International Affairs in 1932. In 1933, the branch moved to the newly established independent federal body of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.

The Queensland Branch meets in Harris Terrace in Brisbane. This 1860s row of six attached, brick houses is located on the corner of George and Margaret Streets in the midst of the Government precinct. The terrace was built in 1867 for George Harris, a local businessman and parliamentarian. Today, Harris Terrace houses a number of organisations including AIIA Queensland Branch.

The Patron of the Queensland Branch is Her Excellency the Governor of Queensland Ms Penelope Wensley, AO.