As Brisbane grows in confidence and prepares to welcome the world for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there is increasing discussion about what will define the city as a destination long after the closing ceremony.
A recent Courier-Mail article explored the idea that Brisbane should stop thinking of itself as simply the gateway to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast and instead figure out how to become a destination people choose to visit in its own right.
Brett Bolton, the project director for Colmslie Wharves, believes the Brisbane River should have the central role to play in making that vision a reality.
“Every great tourism city has something that defines it,” Brett said.
“In London it’s the Thames. In Sydney it’s the harbour. In Amsterdam it’s the canals.
“For Brisbane, our defining asset should be the river and its connection to Moreton Bay.”
Brett said Brisbane had already taken significant steps towards embracing its River City identity.
Howard Smith Wharves has reconnected people with the waterfront through dining and entertainment. Queen’s Wharf has brought new life to the CBD riverfront. Northshore Hamilton continues to evolve into one of Australia’s largest waterfront renewal precincts.
Brisbane City Council has also announced plans to unlock more public river hubs, pontoons and jetties, creating additional opportunities for tourism operators to connect visitors with the water.
Together, these projects represent a city increasingly turning towards its river rather than simply looking across it.
The next challenge is creating more reasons for visitors to get out on the water.
We’ve previously explored some of the innovative experiences already operating around the world, from floating cinemas and water taxis to floating restaurants, boutique wildlife safaris and wellness cruises.
Brisbane doesn’t need to replicate these ideas. It simply needs to create experiences that feel authentically Brisbane.
“What Brisbane needs isn’t another one-off event or festival that brings visitors here briefly before they rush off to the coast or another tourism destination,” Brett said.
“It needs more experiences that people simply can’t have anywhere else.”
Of course, memorable tourism experiences don’t emerge by accident. Behind every successful river city is the infrastructure that gives operators the confidence to invest.
Public river hubs provide places to welcome passengers. Waterfront precincts create destinations. And dedicated commercial marinas like Colmslie Wharves provide the secure long-term operational base that tourism businesses need to grow.
“We’re seeing real momentum now, with investment in riverfront precincts, improved public access and new marine infrastructure,” Brett said.
“The next chapter is for entrepreneurs and tourism operators to seize those opportunities and create experiences that visitors will talk about long after they’ve gone home.
“Maybe Brisbane’s greatest tourism opportunity isn’t somewhere beyond the city.
“Perhaps it’s been flowing through it all along.”
