The Brisbane River experience is set for its biggest shake-up in decades, with plans to open public pontoons, including the one at Dutton Park, for new water taxi services, on-water dining, and adventure tours.
More to See and Do on the Water
A new chapter for life on the Brisbane River is beginning, promising more options for residents and visitors to enjoy the city’s iconic waterway. The plan, announced by city officials this week, is designed to encourage new businesses to operate from the river. This could see the return of familiar floating restaurants like Prawnster and boat-hire companies such as Go Boat to inner-city locations. The changes are part of a broader goal to “supercharge” the river and enhance its role in the city’s identity ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner explained that the move is similar to the transformational decision decades ago to allow footpath dining, which reshaped Brisbane’s street life. The aim is to create more fun and adventure on the water, providing a welcome boost for local jobs and tourism. One of the most anticipated outcomes is the potential for private water taxis, which could offer a faster, express-style service between key points along the river, complementing the existing CityCat network.
Local Hubs to See New Activity
At the heart of the plan are eight council-owned recreation hubs that dot the river from the western suburbs to the east. These include pontoons at Dutton Park, Murarrie, Northshore Hamilton, Kingsford Smith Drive, New Farm Park, the City Botanic Gardens, Riverhills, and a hub at West End that is currently closed for repairs.
Until now, these facilities have mostly been used for short-term recreational activities like dropping off passengers or launching kayaks. Under the new licensing system, they will be activated for commercial use while remaining accessible for community enjoyment. The review will focus particularly on the larger hubs at New Farm and the City Botanic Gardens, which are better equipped to handle bigger vessels and more people. The Committee for Brisbane has backed the initiative, noting that while the river’s pathways are well-used, the river itself has largely been limited to small-scale private users.
Balancing Public Access with New Opportunities
While the prospect of a more vibrant river has generated excitement, questions have been raised about the execution of the plan and the use of public assets. Some community representatives have expressed concern about the potential privatisation of public pontoons and jetties. Greens Councillor Trina Massey argued that these facilities exist for community use and questioned the council’s motives.
Concerns were also raised by Labor leader Jared Cassidy regarding the council’s track record, pointing to a recent incident where a jet-ski operator at the City Botanic Gardens was given an eviction notice. Officials have since stated that the notice will not be enforced while the new rules are explored. These perspectives highlight the community’s interest in ensuring a balance is struck between encouraging new business investment and preserving public access to the river.
What Happens Next
This is not the first time the idea of activating the river with water taxis and cruises has been explored. Similar proposals were considered as part of the River’s Edge strategy in 2013 and again in 2018 when the river hubs were first delivered. For the current plan to proceed, it will require approval from the state government to make changes to “wet licences,” the official leases required for businesses operating on the water. If approved, the licensing system will be designed to give businesses the certainty they need to invest in bringing new and exciting experiences to the Brisbane River for everyone to enjoy.
Published Date 10-September-2025
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