Brisbane’s newest precinct blends heritage, nature and delicious bites into a walkable, riverside playground
Brisbane’s hottest new precinct, Queen’s Wharf, is ripe for exploration. Situated between the Central Business District and the Brisbane River, the AUD3.6 billion (RM9.8 billion) development is the latest addition to the city’s evolving landscape. In a harmonious blend of old and new, heritage buildings have been restored and repurposed alongside bold contemporary designs.
Popular with locals and visitors, the precinct embraces Brisbane’s subtropical climate and boasts an impressive calendar of festivals and events. Public artworks, farmers’ markets and seasonal celebrations complement lush green spaces, abundant walkways and impressive food and beverage offerings. Take your time to explore and soak up the best of this ever-changing city. queenswharfbrisbane.com.au
Sky Deck
Sitting atop the striking arc-shaped Star building, Brisbane’s Sky Deck is a must-see. Free to visit and open every day, visitors can revel in sublime panoramic views of the city and beyond. A glass-floored viewing section sits on the South Bank side, tempting daredevils to peer 100m below. Grab a seat in one of three dining venues and linger long enough to catch the impressive sunset. star.com.au
Public art
Ten works by local and international artists infuse the precinct with colour and depth. Being Swallowed by the Milky Way, a captivating 8m-tall bronze sculpture by Lindy Lee, is illuminated at night in a dazzling display depicting a galaxy of stars. For those keen to delve into the stories behind each piece, the Museum of Brisbane offers 90-minute walking art tours twice weekly. museumofbrisbane.com.au
Commissariat Store Museum
Queensland’s most significant heritage building now houses rotating and permanent exhibitions of the region’s past. On your way in, pause to admire the bottom two levels, constructed from local stone by convicts in 1828. Staffed by enthusiastic volunteers, guests can join guided tours of the collections. commissariatstore.org.au
Brisbane City Markets
Let your nose lead the way on Thursdays between 8am and 2pm, when Queen’s Wharf hosts a lively farmers’ market. Grab delicious snacks – think naan tacos, loaded cinnamon scrolls or a tub of silky pistachio tiramisu – and bask in a sun-drenched spot. Afterwards, enjoy a coffee as you shop handmade crafts, native flowers and bespoke jewellery pieces. @brisbanecitymarkets
Mangrove Walk
A 450m dedicated pedestrian boardwalk along the Brisbane River provides an oasis of calm, with plenty of seating options. Immerse in the stories and culture of local Indigenous communities with totems and interpretive signs along the trail. Twitchers will be delighted to find a bright blue Sacred kingfisher statue and speakers transmitting local bird calls along the walk.
Neville Bonner Bridge
Named after Australia’s first Aboriginal parliamentarian, the Neville Bonner Bridge spans 320m across the Brisbane River to connect Queen’s Wharf with South Bank. For foot traffic only, you can perch midway to watch ferries, boats and kayaks glide up and down the wide, snaking waterway. Although the bridge was not designed specifically to represent a boomerang, some locals see a resemblance to the significant Indigenous object.
North Quay
With 50-cent (RM1.36) public transport fares across Brisbane, hopping onboard a ferry is an attractive proposition. Head to the North Quay ferry terminal and choose either direction – you can’t go wrong. Brisbane is blessed with endless green open spaces and a vibrant mix of neighbourhoods to explore.
