Brisbane City Council has unveiled its plan to unlock 11 pontoons and jetties across the city in a bid to deliver new tourism and hospitality experiences.
The Council says 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.
“The Brisbane River has too often been treated like a backdrop rather than an experience and we want to change that,” said Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner.
“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.”
The following sites are being offered by Council:
- 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 are able to accommodate bigger vessels, opening opportunities for dining cruises, tour boats and expanded river experiences.
The Council undertook market sounding 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 see Council invite Expressions of Interest from industry to submit detailed proposals and identify potential partners.
Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO, Anthony Ryan said unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors along the river will bring 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,” he said.
The Council says it will seek approval from the State Government to expand the use of the city’s River Access Network to include commercial operators.
“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,” said 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.”
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’.
