Boosting Brisbane river tourism
A new pontoon has opened and is ready for business as part of the River Terminal project at the popular dining and entertainment precinct Howard Smith Wharves.
The new pontoon is the first of three new floating concrete pontoons to be built that will provide direct access to the Brisbane River for commercial tour operators and private vessels up to 24-metres.
Once all three terminals are up and running it is predicted that up 360,000 visitors every year will use the River Terminal Project, supporting local jobs and contributing $13 million to Brisbane’s economic recovery.
‘River to Bay’ are the first tourism operator to add Howard Smith Wharf to its day and night guided brewery tours along the Brisbane River.
The Queensland Government’s Attracting Tourism Fund has invested $5.5 million in the River Terminal Project’s three new concrete pontoons to support seven construction and 23 operational jobs.
Additionally, support was provided through the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund of almost $1.5 million to assist ‘River to Bay’ to build four high-speed ocean-going tour boats.
River to Bay will soon bring back their ‘best of Moreton Bay Adventure’ and high-speed experience to Saint Helena, Dunwich, North Stradbroke (Minjerribah) and the Tangalooma Wrecks at Moreton Island (Mulgulpin).
The second and third pontoons are planned for completion by 2024.