Brisbane River Journey

What better way to explore Queensland’s capital than with a relaxing Brisbane River cruise? Take a leisurely river trip through Brisbane, meandering through the leafy suburbs and stunning city whilst soaking in the historical sights, dazzling city lights and natural wonders that line the water’s edge. The Brisbane river cruise and ferry options are endless, whether taking a lazy day cruise, romantic boat ride or enjoying a hop on hop off day of exploration.

A Bridge Over A Body Of Water With A City In The Background Tourism and Events Queensland

Here are our top Brisbane River Cruising picks:

Brisbane CityCat and Ferry Services

Explore the sights at your own pace with a self-guided CityCat tour of Brisbane. Brisbane City Council currently operates a fleet of 23 CityCats and five KittyCats with an impressive network of 23 terminals stretching from The University of Queensland (UQ) St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton.

For visitors to the ‘River City’, the Brisbane CityHopper is the perfect option. The free inner-city Brisbane ferry service includes 7 stops running between Sydney Street and North Quay so you can explore all the major landmarks.

A Group Of People In A Small Boat In A Body Of Water Image credit: Brisbane Marketing

Start with a spot of shopping at Queen Street Mall before hopping on the ferry at North Quay and making your way to Brisbane’s legendary South Bank. Relax in 17 hectares of lush riverside parklands, wander through Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art or catch a show at Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Once you have your cultural fix, cruise down Brisbane River and disembark at the Riverside stop to enjoy some festivities and fine-dining at one of Eagle Street Pier’s world-class Brisbane restaurants. A trip down Brisbane River is not complete without stopping at Howard Smith Wharves, a thriving entertainment precinct packed with rooftop bars, breweries, restaurants and luxury accommodation.

CityCat Timetable

Brisbane’s CityCat and CityHopper services depart frequently throughout the day, with full timetables available on the TransLink website. The Brisbane CityHopper service runs from the Howard Smith Wharves Terminal every 30 minutes between 5.30am and midnight, Sunday to Thursday, with services operating later on Friday and Saturday nights.

Mirimar Cruises

Known as one of the best experiences in Australia, Miramar Cruises’ Koala and River Cruise provides the ultimate Brisbane day trip. Take a relaxing Brisbane River cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, indulge in homemade morning teas, lunch and snacks from the onboard cafe and spend 3 hours exploring Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, home to over 130 koalas, kangaroos, emus and birds of prey. Brisbane river cruises depart from the Cultural Centre Pontoon at 10 am on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Book your Koala and River Cruise today.

A Small Boat In A Body Of Water Tourism and Events Queensland

River City Cruises

Hop aboard the MV Neptune and capture Brisbane's most iconic sights, including Kangaroo Point, Story Bridge and the Howard Smith Wharves. River City Cruises offer morning, afternoon, lunch and sunset cruises with a range of inclusions such as morning tea, informative commentary, and a complimentary Brisbane River souvenir map.

Planning an extra special Brisbane day out? The South Bank Combo Pass includes the Morning Cruise, a private gondola ride on The Wheel of Brisbane and lunch and a beverage at the Plough Inn Tavern.

Visit rivercitycruises.com.au for more information.

Brisbane River Restaurants

Fuel your day with a meal in Mews. Modern and decidedly Brisbane; Mews brings urban laneway dining to Brisbane’s vibrant Howard Smith Wharves in Crystalbrook Vincent.

A playful approach to cooking puts a new twist on locally-inspired dishes, all served with a side of the unpredictable. Mews embraces the sharing nature of dining by offering share plates that can be enjoyed together and providing exciting dishes that prompt conversation, all while working in partnership with southeast Queensland’s best artisans, farmers and fisherman who share the same beliefs of local, responsibly grown food. Through working with independent local growers, Mews has developed a menu focused on sustainably sourced meat and fish, while leaning into a sustainable approach free of pomp or pretension, that celebrates the beauty of ingredients.

Brisbane Stay and Play accommodation package

Crystalbrook Vincent provides a one-of-kind base for your Brisbane River experience. The five-star hotel in Howard Smith Wharves is the ultimate Brisbane riverside pitstop with a collection of 166 contemporary rooms, sustainable, luxury amenities, unparalleled Brisbane river views and a rooftop bar with infinity pool. Embrace a lively extravaganza of dynamic designs and sustainable amenities, luxury accommodation, over 500 prints by acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo, radical entertainment, events and dining experiences - all with a modern sophistication about it in the vibrant Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane's city centre.

A Bridge Over A Body Of Water Crystalbrook Vincent infinity pool

Relax in the lap of luxury and eat and drink your way through the vibrant Howard Smith Wharves precinct with the hotel’s Stay and Play Package, including:

An overnight stay in a contemporary room
Delicious daily breakfast at Mews
$100 voucher redeemable at Mr Percival’s, Felons Brewing Co. or Ciao Papi on the Howard Smith Wharves

Book your Stay and Play Package today.

Howard Smith Wharves

Howard Smith Wharves is a must-visit destination on your Brisbane river journey. The thriving riverfront entertainment precinct is a dining and lifestyle hub and home to Brisbane's best restaurants, bars, breweries, and event spaces. Not only that, but the wharves are located beneath the iconic Story Bridge and offer some of the most dazzling views of the Brisbane city skyline.

Whether you are a lover of fine dining, pub classics or rooftop cocktails, Howard Smith Wharves is filled with excellent foodie options.
A Group Of People On A Bridge Howard Smith Wharves

Howard Smith Wharves Restaurants and Bars

Fiume Rooftop Bar

Located atop the 5-star Crystalbrook Vincent, Fiume Rooftop Bar is the top pick for Brisbane sunset viewing, signature cocktails and Italian-inspired spuntino. The rooftop bar and terrace, with infinity pool, brings equal doses of fun and glamour to Howard Smith Wharves. Fiume is not just another rooftop. Everything about Fiume reflects the best that Brisbane has to offer. Kick back with killer cocktails, colourful share-style bites, or contemporary Aussie dishes, all served up under the iconic Story Bridge.

A Woman Standing In Front Of A Building Fiume Rooftop Bar

Mr Percivals

Mr Percival's is the perfect Howard Smith Wharves venue to capture Brisbane as the sun goes down. With a hard-to-beat riverfront location, delightful menu and impressive octagonal bar, Mr Percivals is the ideal location to wind down after a long day of Brisbane River cruising. Hot tip: order a Tropico cocktail to cocktail to really get in that sunshine state of mind.

Felons Brewing Co

Felons Brewing Co. is a Brisbane favourite with a lively atmosphere, tasty range of pale ales, crisp lagers, tropical IPAs and an easy-going menu of wood-fired pizzas and traditional fish and chips. Every day at 2pm, their knowledgeable team of beer enthusiasts host a guided tour of their beautiful brewery. Join them by booking online or signing up at the bar.

Now that you are equipped with the best dining experiences, luxury accommodation and river cruises in Brisbane, time to start planning your Queensland holiday.