Most of the herbs you mention require all-day sun, even in Brisbane. You might get away with planting chives and parsley in those shady areas, and also ginger and cardamom. There are many other shade-lovers, but they don't do so well in Brisbane because they can't take the heat - meadowsweet, lady's mantle, anglica to name a few. Why not try some violets as a groundcover? They are herbs, too, and very pretty. There are also the 600-odd kinds of mint which will do well in the area you describe, but remember that mint can become a rampant weed when planted in the garden, so should always be contained. Closely related to mint is lemon balm, which should also be contained. I find that my Peppermint Geranium does well in partial shade - it burns in the sun. Ditto Apple Geranium. All other geraniums go into full sun.

Thanks very much Daisyduckworth. I'm aware of mint and it's invasiveness and I currently have some scented geraniums growing in this area - I was going to remove some to plant herbs. Maybe I'll stick to geraniums and plant a few different ones. I absolutely love violets and have zillions of them in other parts of the garden. Strangely I didn't even think to plant some in this area - good idea, think I'll do that!

I live in Brisbane and had parsley, chives, shallots (don't know if they class as herbs), and thyme successfully growing in a pot under my verandah (shade after about 12pm).

They didn't grow to their full potential, but I got a useable supply from them.

I have heard that so long as you keep the ground moist, sage is quite happy in part shade.

I might give a few herbs a try - my lemongrass and tarragon are both sprouting well in this situaation. Thanks for the replies.