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Unlock our River Access Network

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We’re unlocking Brisbane’s pontoons and jetties for more tourism and hospitality use. Learn about the project.

We are unlocking Brisbane’s pontoons and jetties for more tourism and hospitality use. We're creating new ways for visitors to enjoy the river and boosting opportunities for local businesses.

From dining on the water to adventure tourism, our vision is for Brisbane’s river facilities to become a launchpad for innovative river-based experiences. We want these experiences to enhance public enjoyment, support local business and showcase the city’s unique lifestyle.

We currently have 8 pontoons along the river, with most of the sites designed for short-term recreation such as kayaking and drop-offs.

We are now calling on businesses and tourism bodies to start shaping how our River Hubs will be used in the future to unlock more to see and do on the river for locals and visitors. 

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking industry ideas on how to unlock the potential of the Brisbane River through a range of tourism, hospitality, transport and recreation opportunities that:

  • increase activation and utilisation of riverfront sites
  • support local enterprise, tourism and job creation
  • maintain and enhance public access and amenity
  • deliver environmentally responsible activation
  • create a lasting legacy for Brisbane 2032 and beyond
  • foster innovation and place-based experiences that reflect Brisbane’s identity.

If you are a business operator in tourism, hospitality, transport, recreation or another sector and have a great idea, let us know

Market sounding process

We are currently in the procurement planning phase and completing a market sounding process to:

  • gauge industry interest in activating identified sites
  • gather feedback to inform potential future procurement and delivery models
  • identify infrastructure upgrades needed to support commercial use.

The feedback will help us understand what’s viable and what infrastructure may be required to support future commercial ventures. Participating in this process is voluntary and will not impact or influence any future procurement opportunities. 

How to get involved

Share your ideas and potential infrastructure needs using the online form.

Make sure you complete the form by 28 November 2025.

You can also register on our supplier portal for future procurement updates.

If you previously submitted details for this initiative, we may contact you to request more information to help inform our planning.

Frequently asked questions

The River Access Network provides locals and visitors with different ways to enjoy and explore the Brisbane River.

The network is made up of 8 river and recreation hubs that support lifestyle and tourism opportunities on the river. This includes:

  • 2 major River Hubs
  • 6 recreational hubs
  • 3 public pontoons.

These sites vary in location, infrastructure and tenure. 

Learn more about Brisbane River hubs and facilities.

We are open to a wide range ideas positioning the Brisbane River as the centrepiece of our city. We are particularly interested in concepts across the tourism, hospitality, transport and recreations sectors.

This market sounding process is part of our procurement planning. The purpose is to:

  • gauge market interest in activating identified sites through commercially viable concepts
  • gather feedback to inform the design of future procurement and delivery models
  • identify opportunities to upgrade or adapt sites to better suit proposed uses
  • improve project outcomes by making the sites more attractive to the market and increasing the likelihood of activation. 

Find out how to get involved.

The ideas and feedback you provide to us during this stage will be kept entirely confidential. We know these ideas are still in the early stages, and while your feedback will help shape future discussions, you won't be held liable for any decision we make based on your feedback.

We have identified 11 sites for potential commercial activation:

  • River Hubs: New Farm Park, City Botanic Gardens
  • Recreation Hubs: Murarrie, West End, Dutton Park, Northshore Hamilton, Kingsford Smith Drive, Riverhills
  • Pontoons: Newstead Park, Naval Stores (Kangaroo Point), Mowbray Park (east Brisbane). 

Find more information about Brisbane River hubs and facilities.

You can find specifications for each of the facilities.

Some sites already offer services such as lighting, water, power and access infrastructure.

You can view a full breakdown of existing services.

  • Murarrie Recreation hub – power, water
  • Northshore Hamilton recreation hub – power, water
  • Kingsford Smith recreation hub – power, water
  • New Farm Park River Hub – power, water
  • City Botanic Gardens River Hub – power, water
  • West End recreation hub – power, water, vehicle access and parking
  • Dutton Park recreation hub – power, water, vehicle access and parking
  • Riverhills recreation hub – water.

Depending on the nature of the proposed concept and the tenure of the relevant sites, successful proponents may enter into a commercial sub-lease, trustee permit or licence arrangement with Council. These details will be explored further during a future formal procurement process.

No, participation in this market sounding process is not mandatory for future procurement opportunities. However, submitting your ideas now helps inform our planning and may improve the alignment of future opportunities with industry needs.