The much-anticipated Kangaroo Point Bridge cafe has officially opened, while the city’s first above-water restaurant will open within weeks following fit-out by one of the city’s premier hospitality operators.
An average 10,900 trips have been taken over the bridge every day since it opened 15 December, and now people have even more reason to visit with Mulga Bill’s cafe serving up food at the bridge’s CBD landing.
The 60-seat cafe provides casual dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Alice Street landing, including fresh coffee, pastries, wood-fired pizza, steak, seafood, and a range of other takeaway items.
Inspired by Banjo Patterson’s poem Mulga Bill’s Bicycle, the cafe’s name celebrates the bridge’s function as a critical active transport link to ease congestion and keep Brisbane moving.
Stilts is perched above the CBD-end of the bridge and will offer upmarket dining specialising in modern Australian cuisine when it opens.
Head Chef Dan Hernandez and his team have selected some of the best steaks, seafood, beers and Australian wine for the menu.
The design of the 130-seat restaurant was inspired by the stilt-based construction of the iconic Queenslander home.
It comes complete with a fine dining room, alfresco above-water dining area, and full lift access.
Both venues offer breathtaking views of the CBD, Brisbane River, Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and City Botanic Gardens.
Tassis Group, the owner operator of both venues, has a proud tradition managing some of Brisbane’s most iconic bars and restaurants, including Opa, Longwang, and Rich and Rare.
The company was selected for its strong track record in Brisbane’s hospitality industry, commitment to sustainability, and local operation.
The opening of the city’s newest must-do dining destinations will complete the $288-million Kangaroo Point Bridge precinct, just over two years after construction began.
The Kangaroo Point Bridge was the third active transport bridge to open in 2024, including the Schrinner Council’s Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera Bridge and the privately-funded Neville Bonner Bridge.
While active transport bridges have traditionally been delivered by the State Government, the former Labor State Government refused to support the Bridges for Brisbane program.
The Toowong-to-West End Bridge was one of 18 key transport projects identified by Council which should be delivered by 2032 in The Race to Gold: Brisbane’s Games Transport Legacy plan.
Council is now seeking funding from the Federal Government for a business case for the Toowong-to-West End bridge, which will require support from all three levels of government to proceed.
The 280-metre Toowong-to-West End Bridge will be the last bridge delivered under the Schrinner Council’s Bridges for Brisbane program to help keep costs down for Brisbane residents.
Quotes Attributable to Transport Chair Ryan Murphy:
“Brisbane has some incredible restaurants along the river’s edge, but the Kangaroo Point Bridge will deliver the city’s first above-water dining destinations.
“Riverside destinations like Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank have helped shape Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital.
“The Kangaroo Point Bridge is not only making it easier for people to leave their car at home and ease congestion on our roads.
“The opening of Mulga Bill’s and Stilts will transform the Kangaroo Point Bridge into one of the city’s premier dining destinations, creating more for people to see and do on our beautiful Brisbane River.
“Brisbane is renowned for being a river city and these new dining destinations will provide a space for people to enjoy Brisbane’s incredible lifestyle while taking in panoramic views of the river, CBD and Story Bridge.
“The Kangaroo Point Bridge will be the perfect destination for residents and visitors alike before, during and after the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to enjoy the best of Brisbane.”
Quotes attributable to Tassis Group Owner Michael Tassis
“The opportunity to create two venues on top of an iconic bridge was simply unmissable.
“Brisbane is a city that thrives on its connection to the river, and our venues will offer a truly unique way to experience it.
“Mulga Bill’s is a relaxed, all-day spot where everyone – from bridge walkers to families and city workers – can grab a great coffee or woodfired pizza to takeaway or dine in and enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine while soaking in the riverfront views.
“No matter who you are or where you’re coming from, we want to offer a warm welcome and an unforgettable dining experience.
“It’s been fantastic working with Brisbane City Council to bring these two iconic venues to life.
“We’re proud to be part of this city-shaping project and to deliver venues that will become go-to destinations for both locals and visitors.”
