Eleven pontoons and jetties on the Brisbane River have been “unlocked” to create new river experiences.
This could include dining, water sports, wellness experiences and river tours.
Brisbane City Council said demand had been growing for operators to use these facilities.
Industry was now being invited to put forward innovative ideas to activate them.
The facilities involved are:
- 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
Market sounding on potential concepts was undertaken from November 2025 to January 2026, attracting strong local, national and international interest.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the river was 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,” he said.
“(World) 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.”
The next phase involved inviting Expressions of Interest from industry to submit detailed proposals and identify potential partners for river activities.
Industry can submit expressions of interest until May 15, 2026 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.
Committee for Brisbane CEO Jen Williams said the river hub plan would go a long way towards supporting new, river-based activity and boosting liveability.
“The Brisbane River is a recognised avenue to connect people, places and ideas,” she said.
“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.”
