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.

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.

A definitive guide to Howard Smith Wharves