A Definitive Guide To Howard Smith Wharves

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

Brisbane is unravelling 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 is having a real moment. Nothing encompasses everything it’s destined to become more vividly than Howard Smith Wharves, located beneath Story Bridge and right on the Brisbane River. A beautifully planned portal into the city’s re-energised future, the entertainment precinct continues to be a one-stop shop for play-all-day fun.

Top 3 reasons to visit Howard Smith Wharves

From an idyllic riverfront setting to its surprising amount of communal spaces, Howard Smith Wharves offers something for every member of your clan.

1. Felons Brewing Co.

A sunny day at Felon Brewing Co. at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane — Felons Brewing Co. is the jewel in the crown of Howard Smith Wharves.

Sure, there’s plenty to adore here, but Felons Brewing Co. , sprawled across two gigantic venues that spill into turfed al fresco spaces and riverfronting deck seating, is Howard Smith Wharves’ headline act.

While the food in the brewery makes magic out of top-notch, often locally sourced, ingredients (and three pizza ovens, including one dedicated to thin ‘n’ crispy) and the beer is as good as it gets, Felons’ unpretentious, fearlessly creative ethos serves as the lifeblood of the precinct.

Explore the Barrel Hall, Felons’ second venue, lined with barrel-aged beer and welcoming festivals, concerts, the odd art fair and smashing Thai food (more on that later), to discover just how ambitious this part of town truly is.

2. Howard Smith Wharves’ outdoor spaces

Couple picnic in New Farm Park near Howard Smith Wharves — Head to the New Farm end of the precinct for the perfect picnic patch. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Multiple grass patches at the New Farm end of Howard Smith Wharves blend interactive art installations with ample room for parents to stretch their kids’ legs. But best of all, they’re positioned to take in solid eyefuls of the Brown Snake as the Brooklyn-esque Story Bridge looms overhead. Plus, the Main Lawn is dotted with bean bags, picnic tables, live music and umbrellas on Saturday and Sunday from 3 pm to 6 pm, and you can order food to-go from the eateries. If it’s a gourmet picnic you’re famished for, they’ve got you sorted.

3. A waterfront walk in the heart of Brisbane

People walking and cycling the New Farm River Walk — Early birds love to take advantage of the New Farm Riverwalk. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Early birds love the New Farm Riverwalk, a suspended pathway that wraps the Brisbane River from Riverview Court in New Farm to the Howard Smith Wharves.

If you’re visiting the entertainment precinct in the morning, you’ll spy activewear-clad, caffeine-gripping exercisers dotting the entertainment precinct. If you’re keen to venture into Brisbane’s CBD, the riverside boardwalk will take you directly to the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.

Howard Smith Wharves restaurants and bars

Perched right up against the Brisbane River (except Gigi’s, which fronts directly onto the Main Lawn), each of Howard Smith Wharves’ dining and drinking venues offers a distinct taste of high-life revelry.

Ciao Papi

Evoking sun-drenched Italian vacay vibes, Ciao Papi is a long-lunching hot spot that nails authentic carb-embracing fare from everyone’s favourite European destination.

Located right next to Gigis 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 and more.

Stanley

Situated at the CBD end of Howard Smith Wharves, Stanley ’s waterfront setting pairs the warm Brisbane breeze with acclaimed Cantonese cuisine.

A restaurant and bar, it’s a slick operation that strives to shine a light on the world’s best produce while warming your belly with the flavour bombs of Southern China. And did we mention they do yum cha?

Yoko

Next door to Stanley, you’ll find Yoko , renowned for its incredible Japanese fine dining and one heck of a weekend brunch – one of Brisbane’s best bottomless brunches.

Score a table on Saturday to seize their Buns + Bubbles brunch package or visit any other time for relentless good times. The fit-out is sensational, paying homage to traditional Japanese dining with a minimalistic palette of soft leather booths and warm timbers.

Greca

Stretchy pants are recommended. You’ll savour the fabulous flavours of Greece at Greca , a restaurant inspired by traditional Greek tavernas and mirroring the same fun-loving ambience.

Located right next to Yoko before you hit Mr Percival’s, this light and airy space dishes up an a la carte menu with all the classics (pita and dips, saganaki, eggplant moussaka, grilled sardines, lamb shoulder, souvlaki, and it goes on) refined through elegant technique.

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. And for good reason.

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 brewery food next door is bangin’, Felons Barrel Hall offers an entirely separate menu of flavour-crammed Thai. Designed to share with the whole table, dishes span traditional snacks, salads, curries and three very surprising burgers. Wash the goodness down with the team’s barrel-aged beers that come on tap or by the bottle in the shape of cleverly packaged wine-inspired 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 naturally, 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 behind Howard Smith Wharves

Brisbane skyine — The transformation of Brisbane and Howard Smith Wharves continues to evolve. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Modernising while showcasing 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 aimed to breathe new life into the precinct while honouring its legacy roots. Several buildings were raised above sea level to create flat grounds, and in went the new structures that stand today.

In 2023, it was revealed that Howard Smith Wharves is set to undertake a $20 million expansion in the coming year,s which will see multiple pontoons added to utterly transform the face and potential of the Brisbane River.

Unlock more insider secrets inside our Brisbane travel guide.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

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A definitive guide to Howard Smith Wharves