Brisbane’s riverside hotspot is going bigger, bolder and better ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
Few places capture Brisbane’s laid-back lifestyle quite like Howard Smith Wharves. Sitting pretty beneath the Story Bridge, it’s a go-to for sunset cocktails, long lunches and good times. And now, it’s gearing up for its biggest transformation yet.
Recently approved by the Brisbane City Council and state government, a $500 million redevelopment dubbed HSW 2.0 is bringing a boutique hotel, over-river pool and brand-new public spaces to this beloved riverside destination.
What to expect from HSW 2.0
Howard Smith Wharves wasn’t always the thriving lifestyle precinct it is today. Once a neglected stretch of land along the Brisbane River, it remained largely overlooked until 2015, when Artemus Group recognised its untapped potential and acquired the site.
The redevelopment includes a 106-key luxury hotel, over-river pool and upgraded outdoor spaces.
Following three years of extensive work, Howard Street Wharves opened in 2018, joining the Australian real estate development and hospitality group’s growing portfolio. Today, it’s one of Brisbane’s biggest drawcards.
But just over a decade on from its purchase, the iconic hub is preparing for a bold new chapter. With permission to proceed now secured, fresh insight into the ambitious redevelopment has been revealed – and why its completion date is no coincidence.
“The timing of this approval could not be more significant," says Howard Smith Wharves founder, Adam Flaskas.
“With Brisbane set to host the world for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, HSW 2.0 positions Howard Smith Wharves and the Brisbane River as a centrepiece of the city’s global moment. This is not just for Brisbane today, but for the world that will be watching in 2032."
Brisbane’s new boutique hotel will boast uninterrupted views of the Story Bridge.
Among the redevelopment’s most anticipated additions is a 106-room boutique hotel overlooking the Story Bridge, with unparalleled views across the Brisbane River and CBD.
While details remain under wraps, including the hotel’s design, amenities and eventual operator, it’s expected to raise the bar for luxury accommodation in Brisbane. The capital city’s first over-river pool only adds to the excitement, providing relief from the sweltering Queensland heat in spectacular style.
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More room to roam along the river
Beyond the new hotel, a range of expansive outdoor spaces and upgraded public infrastructure promise easy access to the river and an enhanced visitor experience.
Infrastructure across the precinct will be upgraded to improve the visitor experience.
Seamlessly meander between Howard Street Wharves and the water's edge.
Revitalised outdoor spaces encourage weekend walks along the river.
Chief among the additions is two new cliffside lifts, which will improve access to Howard Smith Wharves and create seamless connectivity between the precinct and the CBD. A huge set of riverfront steps will then cascade down to the water’s edge, making it easier than ever for locals and visitors to enjoy the river.
The redevelopment also includes an additional 8,500 square metres of public outdoor space, a 30 per cent increase on existing capacity. That means more room for weekend strolls, riverside picnics and community gatherings.
Felons Barrel Hall, one of Brisbane’s best breweries, will also undergo upgrades to accommodate an expanded music and entertainment line-up.
Visitors can soak up the sun at Brisbane’s first over-river pool.
A brand-new pontoon will support greater river-based tourism efforts, with infrastructure for private vessel mooring and improved water transport. Backed by the Queensland Government, it will be specifically designed and built to withstand flood conditions.
As Brisbane prepares to welcome the world in 2032, the redevelopment will ensure Howard Smith Wharves is ready for the spotlight. While an exact opening date has not been confirmed, CEO Luke Fraser says the project’s vision extends far beyond the Olympic Games.
“Every decision we’ve made in designing Howard Smith Wharves has been guided by asking: how do we create something that Brisbane will be proud to show the world in 2032 – and for decades beyond."
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Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.
Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.
Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.
And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.
Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.
Day 1: An eventful day
Morning
Explore The Strand.
Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.
Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.
Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.
Afternoon
Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.
For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.
Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.
Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.
Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.
The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.
Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.
End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.
However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.
Day 3: Natural delights
Morning
Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)
Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.
A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.
Afternoon
Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.
Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.
Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.
