Major events have drawn almost 7.7 million people to Queen Street Mall in July, with a wave of new investment set to drive even more growth.
Crowds surged during the British & Irish Lions Tour, cementing the mall’s status as Australia’s most successful pedestrian retail precinct.
On Wednesday 2 July, the day of the warm-up match, more than 256,000 people passed through the mall. The first Test weekend from 18–20 July attracted more than 741,000 visitors.
From sporting showdowns to cultural festivals and world-class performances, Brisbane’s packed events calendar is keeping the city vibrant and its economy strong.
While already drawing impressive crowds, the mall is set to benefit even further from a pipeline of major developments and investment that will further boost the precinct’s appeal.
Pipeline projects expected to boost foot traffic in the Queen Street Mall:
- Griffith University is converting the heritage‑listed Treasury Building into a new CBD campus
- Country Road relocating to a new flagship store in the heritage-listed former Bank of New South Wales Building on Queen Street Mall
- Global fast food restaurant chain Wendy’s plans to open a flagship restaurant in the CBD
- The Hilton Hotel rebranding as the luxury Intercontinental Brisbane and will start a refurbishment program to enhance its offering
- ISPT’s plans to redevelop the Wintergarden into a vibrant precinct ahead of the 2032 Games
- Charter Hall’s plan to transform the former St George Bank site at the top of the Queen Street Mall into a modern tower with streetscape activation.
- The earmarked revitalisation of Uptown
Future events expected to boost foot traffic in the Queen Street Mall:
- Second Ashes Test in Brisbane in December 2025
- Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will perform in Brisbane for the first time ever in February 2026, with four spectacular performances
- Riverfire and Brisbane Festival in September 2025
- Major acts including Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Metallica, Rufus Du Sol, and AC/DC
The Mall’s growth is being backed by major transport upgrades improving access for residents and visitors. Brisbane Metro already offers 24/7 weekend services into the CBD, while Cross River Rail will deliver the new Albert Street station and public plaza in the future.
CityCats also had their busiest month ever in July, with 681,519 passengers, with South Bank, Riverside and North Quay terminals topping the list.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“The Queen Street Mall is a major economic engine for our city and a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.
“We’re committed to delivering more to see and do, and we’re seeing renewed interest from major investors, global brands, and leading institutions who recognise Queen Street Mall is the place to be.
“From the return of international events like the Lions Tour to the billions being invested in new infrastructure, everything is aligning to make Queen Street Mall even more popular in the years ahead.
“With more people living, working, shopping, and studying in the city than ever before, we’re ensuring Queen Street Mall continues to evolve and thrive as a key part of Brisbane’s exciting future.
Quotes attributable to Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan:
“July was an extraordinary month for Brisbane as major events brought people in, fired up the city and showcased what makes Brisbane so special.”
“When global sporting blockbusters like the British and Irish Lions Tour hit town, Queen Street Mall becomes a showcase of Brisbane’s energy, vibrancy and warm hospitality.
“With billions in new investment and a world-class events calendar, we’re setting Queen Street Mall up to build even more momentum in the lead-up to, during, and beyond the 2032 Games.”
Quotes attributed to Tourism Minister Andrew Powell:
“Queensland is the home of that holiday feeling, and these outstanding results highlight the true power of events in our state.
“From the British and Irish Lions to the Ekka, and Sting and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo next year, events draw tens of thousands of people to our cities and regions.
“That means more people in our hotels, cafes, and stores – fuelling the stronger economy that Queenslanders desperately need.
“The Crisafulli Government knows how important events are for our State which is why it forms one of the six key pillars of our 20-year tourism plan Destination 2045.”
