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.