A local’s guide to Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves

Wave the Brisbane of yesteryear goodbye as Howard Smith Wharves sends the city’s cool factor to soaring heights.

Brisbane has unravelled from its nondescript cocoon into a vivacious social butterfly. Home to more than a fistful of the world’s best restaurants, euphoric waterfront bars and high-luxe accommodation offerings, the city surprises me from every angle. Nothing encompasses everything it’s become more vividly than Howard Smith Wharves, located beneath Story Bridge on the Brisbane River. A beautifully planned entertainment precinct, it’s my good time go-to. Here’s how I guarantee play-all-day fun for my entire family.

In short

If you only have time for one stop in Howard Smith Wharves, make it Felons Brewing Co. The team boast some of the city’s most masterful brewers and the vibe is always kicking across multiple al fresco zones, especially on a sun-drenched Brisbane day.

Top 3 reasons to visit Howard Smith Wharves

From its idyllic riverfront setting to the surprising number of communal spaces, Howard Smith Wharves thrills visitors of all ages – just ask my kids.

1. Felons Brewing Co

friends dining by the river with a view of the story bridge at Felons Brewing Co., Howard Smith Wharves — Felons Brewing Co. is the jewel in the crown of Howard Smith Wharves. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

My littlies love a lazy Felons Brewing Co session just as much as us grown-ups. Sprawled across two gigantic venues that spill into outdoor spaces and river-facing deck seating, the colossal brewery operation is Howard Smith Wharves’ headline act. For a kid-friendly visit, I head straight for the faux-turf Fish n’ Chipper section where a boat playground sits adjacent to al fresco tables with river views. My tribe love climbing and slippery dipping as they devour handfuls of hot chips and battered fish, while my husband and I (try to) soak up the ambience mere metres away.

If you’re kid-free, steal a seat inside The Brewery where pizza ovens, including one dedicated to thin n’ crispy creations, roll out top-notch pub grub. The beer is as good as it gets no matter your poison, but I recommend heading into the Barrel Hall to sample barrel-aged creations, a smashing Thai menu and pinball machines. No matter where you park your clan, Felons exudes an unpretentious, endlessly creative ethos that always ensures a memorable visit.

2. Story Bridge Adventure Climb

the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Howard Smith Wharves — The Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers breathtaking views across the city. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

While there’s plenty to love at ground level, Howard Smith Wharves is also home to one of the city’s most ambitious above-ground attractions. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb shifted from Kangaroo Point in January 2025, making it all too easy to squeeze in an iconic adrenaline rush before exploring the rest of the precinct. Get suited up throughout the day but stay across the website for the once-monthly dawn climb which offers especially breathtaking views across the city and out to the Sunshine Coast’s Glass House Mountains and Moreton Bay.

3. Howard Smith Wharves’ outdoor spaces

the Brisbane River with tall buildings in the background — The transformation of Brisbane and Howard Smith Wharves continues to evolve. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Multiple grass patches at the New Farm end of Howard Smith Wharves blend interactive art installations with ample room to help stretch my kids’ legs out plenty fold. Best of all, they’re positioned to take in solid eyefuls of the Brown Snake (what we affectionately call the Brisbane River) as that Brooklyn-esque Story Bridge looms overhead. I love the Main Lawn in spring and summer when it’s dotted with picnic tables, live music and games every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from midday. Plus, you can order food to-go from Fellini’s Trattoria (more on all your food options below). If you’re visiting during the cooler months, pack a picnic rug because it’s still a fabulous time out.

Howard Smith Wharves restaurants and bars

Perched right up against the Brisbane River, each of Howard Smith Wharves’ dining and drinking hotspots offers a distinct dash of high-life revelry.

Fellini’s Trattoria

Carb loading comes easy at Howard Smith Wharves, especially that of the uber-delicious Italian-splashed variety. Fellini’s Trattoria opened in September 2025 right next door to the long-loved Mediterranean-inspired Ciao Papi. It’s more casual than Papi, offering breakfast spanning ricotta scrambled eggs, Nutella croissants and porchetta rolls, but the quality remains authentic and flavour-crammed while several spritzes and lovely international and local wines dot the drinks menu.

Ciao Papi

Evoking sun-drenched vacay vibes, Ciao Papi is a long-lunching stalwart that nails hearty fare from everyone’s favourite European destination. Located at the New Farm end of Howard Smith Wharves, the sophisticated eatery plates up a menu of al dente pasta, fresh seafood, pudgy and crispy pizzas alongside water views for days.

Stanley

Situated at the CBD end of Howard Smith Wharves, Stanley ’s waterfront setting embraces that warm Brisbane breeze with al fresco-enjoyed Cantonese cuisine. A slick operation that leans into local produce while warming your belly with the flavour bombs of Southern China, Stanley excels at yum cha for lunch and à la carte in the evening. Kick on after-dark festivities at Stan’s Lounge , one of my favourite Brisbane bars located just upstairs, where cocktails roll into the wee hours and a rotating door of DJs provides excellent ear candy.

Yoko

Next door to Stanley lies Yoko , renowned for its incredible Japanese fine dining and one of the best bottomless brunches in Brisbane. Score a table on Saturday or Sunday to seize a Buns & Bubbles brunch package with almost two hours of free-flowing prosecco, wine and beer, or visit any other time for traditional Japanese dining done right. The scene is Instagram-perfected, too, with a sumptuous mix of soft leather and warm timbers.

Greca

I highly recommend stretchy pants upon visiting Greca . Bringing the flavours of Greece to Howard Smith Wharves, this restaurant is inspired by traditional Greek tavernas and mirrors the same fun-loving ambience. Located right next to Yoko before you hit Mr Percival’s, a light and airy space offers an à la carte menu with all the classics. Think pita and dips, saganaki, eggplant moussaka, grilled sardines, lamb shoulder, souvlaki, and it just keeps going.

Mr Percival’s

Here for a good time? Mr Percival’s is Howard Smith Wharves’ overwater bar and one of the original venues to pull serious crowds to the entertainment precinct. It’s impossible to avoid getting swept up in the merriment of cocktail-laced catchups when the views directly beneath Story Bridge are this iconic. Sit back and spur on all-day waterfront antics with a menu that features small plates and large plates to pick at between drinks.

Felons Barrel Hall

While the food next door at Felons is bangin’, Felons Barrel Hall offers an entirely separate selection of flavour-crammed Thai dishes. Designed to share with the whole table, the menu spans traditional snacks, salads, curries and hibachi grilled delights. Wash the goodness down with barrel-aged beers that come on tap or by the bottle in the shape of cleverly packaged wine-bottle designs.

Howard Smith Wharves accommodation

There may only be one spot to rest your head at Howard Smith Wharves, but it’s one of the city’s most acclaimed overnight stays.

Crystalbrook Vincent

If you haven’t fallen head over heels for the Crystalbrook chain yet, prepare for hotel excellence centred on creativity and design. As each location is distinguished through a unique character, Crystalbrook Vincent celebrates Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo so hundreds of his original works line the walls. While the rooms are flawless, there’s also Fiume , the rooftop bar, to slink into come sundowner o’clock, plus Mews , a top Howard Smith Wharves spot for breakfast at the CBD end of the precinct.

The history of Howard Smith Wharves

the Story Bridge aglow with lights at night above Felons Brewing Co., Howard Smith Wharves — The heritage-listed site is historically significant. (Image: Richard Greenwood)

Paying spectacular homage to its original 1930s structure, Howard Smith Wharves is a tribute to the last surviving wharfage in central Brisbane. It was first built by the Queensland Government as a project to provide relief work during the Depression era, around the same time Story Bridge was erected across the Brisbane River. Soon after, it served as a shipping facility for Howard Smith Co Ltd. Sitting pretty, yet vacant, since 1960, the heritage-listed site was transformed through a $110 million development project in 2017, which breathed new life into the precinct while honouring its legacy. Several buildings were raised above sea level to create flat grounds, and in went the structures that stand today. Howard Smith Wharves is set to undertake a multi-million-dollar expansion in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, which will see a new boutique hotel, expanded spaces, potential pontoons and a pool deck added, utterly transforming one of the city’s most cherished locales.

Getting to and around Howard Smith Wharves

Address: 5 Boundary St, Brisbane

Getting there: The nearest train station is Central Station in the CBD, which is one kilometre away. If you’re walking from the cliffs of Bowen Terrace, take the lift opposite Malt St down for instant access. If you’re coming in via CityCat, Howard Smith Wharves has its own ferry terminal.

Parking: A dedicated car park is located below ground with prepaid bookings available at this link . There is also the Secure Parking Emirates Car Park on Eagle St, which places you about three minutes’ walk from the precinct.

Opening hours: Howard Smith Wharves is open daily but check individual venue websites for precise opening hours.

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.