Brisbane’s dream of becoming a truly connected River City will soon move closer to reality as construction gains pace at Colmslie Wharves.
While the project will address the city’s critical berthing shortage, it is also set to unlock a Bay Islands boom by dramatically reducing travel times for vessels heading to the natural wonders of Moreton Bay.
Located in Morningside, the new 50-berth commercial marina is positioned to act as a high-speed gateway. By providing a dedicated launch point closer to the river mouth, Colmslie Wharves will cut travel times to Moreton Bay and the surrounding islands by up to 50 per cent.
For the first time, iconic destinations like Tangalooma on Moreton Island will be reachable in around 45 minutes from a dedicated commercial wharf — a significant improvement on the current 75-minute journey from upriver locations.
“Part of our vision for Colmslie Wharves has always been to connect the Brisbane River to Moreton Bay,” said Arthur Raptis, Head of Leasing at Raptis Investments.
“By strategically situating ourselves at Morningside, we are close to both the CBD and the Moreton Bay region, acting as a conduit between the two sides of the Brisbane River’s tourism industry.
“On the one hand you have commercial vessels taking advantage of Brisbane’s stunning twilight cityscape, and on the other you have vessels carrying visitors to the world-class sand islands of Moreton Bay.”
The reduction in travel time is expected to be a major catalyst for new tourism operators, with shorter transit unlocking the potential for lunch cruises, sunset experiences and premium charter offerings that were previously not feasible.
Improved connectivity will also support the growth of eco-tourism, providing easier access to the rich marine environment of Moreton Bay, home to more than 1,000 species of fish as well as dugongs, sea turtles and extensive seagrass meadows.
The project is forecast to deliver a $430 million economic boost and create 337 ongoing jobs, largely driven by increased access to Brisbane’s coastal assets.
With the first vessels expected to arrive at Colmslie Wharves around mid-2026, the River City is gaining the high-speed connection it needs to bring the beauty of the Bay Islands closer to home.
If you have a bold marine idea or a business ready to set sail, Colmslie Wharves is leasing now. Register your interest to be part of this exciting new future.
