The Brisbane River is set for a bold new chapter, with the Schrinner Council opening the door for industry to deliver exciting new tourism and hospitality experiences.
Eleven pontoons and jetties across the city have been unlocked for new opportunities to activate the river and bring more life to Brisbane’s waterfront.
Demand has been growing for operators to use these facilities and industry is now being invited to put forward innovative ideas to give locals and visitors new river experiences at:
- Murarrie Recreation Hub
- Northshore Hamilton Recreation Hub
- Kingsford Smith Drive Recreation Hub
- New Farm Park River Hub
- City Botanic Gardens River Hub
- West End Recreation Hub
- Dutton Park Recreation Hub
- Riverhills Recreation Hub
- Mowbray Park pontoon
- Newstead Park pontoon
- Kangaroo Point Naval stores pontoon
Larger facilities at New Farm and the City Botanic Gardens can accommodate bigger vessels, opening opportunities for dining cruises, tour boats and expanded river experiences.
Market sounding was undertaken from November 2025 to January 2026, with strong interest expressed locally, nationally and internationally.
Early concepts included ideas such as dining, water sports, wellness experiences and river tours.
The next phase will invite Expressions of Interest from industry to submit detailed proposals and identify potential partners to help bring new riverside experiences to life.
Expo ’88 helped change the way Brisbane embraced its river, transforming it from a working waterway into a place for people to gather and enjoy.
Barcelona also turned toward its waterfront in the lead-up to the 1992 Olympic Games, creating a global city shaped by its coastline.
The Schrinner Council’s river hub plan builds on that legacy, helping to supercharge Brisbane’s river city lifestyle in the lead-up to 2032.
Industry can submit expressions of interest from today (Thursday 2 April) until Friday 15 May via www.brisbane.qld.gov.au by searching for ‘River Hub’.
Approval will be sought from the State Government to expand the use of the city’s River Access Network to include commercial operators.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Our river is one of Brisbane’s greatest assets and we want to see it buzzing with more life and activity.
“The Brisbane River has too often been treated like a backdrop rather than an experience and we want to change that.
“Expo ’88 transformed how Brisbane saw the river and now we have another opportunity to take it to the next level.
“With 2032 on the horizon, we’re building a river city lifestyle locals are proud of and visitors are drawn to.
“We’re inviting bold ideas that will help turn our river into an even bigger drawcard for our city.”
Quotes attributable to Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan:
“Brisbane’s visitor economy has surged to a record $17 billion, driven by people staying longer and spending more.
“We’re not just attracting more visitors, we’re transforming the city into a place people want to explore.
“Unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors along the river will accelerate that momentum by bringing bold new tourism and hospitality experiences to the market.
“Visitors here for holidays or events already love hopping on a 50-cent CityCat to explore our riverfront precincts, and as we head towards Brisbane 2032, this will create more to discover at every stop, supporting local jobs, businesses and billions in economic activity.”
Quotes attributable to Committee for Brisbane CEO Jen Williams:
“As a vocal advocate for further activation over, on and adjacent to the River, the Committee for Brisbane is thrilled to support Council’s river hub plan, which will go a long way towards supporting new, river-based activity and boosting our liveability.
“The Brisbane River is a recognised avenue to connect people, places and ideas.
“It is central to our identity and relaxed, outdoor lifestyle, but due to the complexity of the approvals and authorising environment – and the cost to deliver new infrastructure – it has long been underutilised.
“Opening up Council’s facilities to new experiences and tours makes use of existing infrastructure and removes major barriers to the delivery of much-needed activations.
“Through working with the State Government to permit commercial operations, Council’s plan will derisk investment and facilitate the introduction of exciting new hospitality and lifestyle offerings for Brisbane.”
