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

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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

a family dining at Ciao Papi with a scenic waterfront backdrop
Dine on Instagram-friendly antipasti dishes against dreamy waterfront views.

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

a Japanese brunch at Yoko, Brisbane
The bottomless brunch menu at Yoko puts a spotlight on Japanese favourites.

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

al fresco dining at Greca, Howard Smith Wharves
Grab a relaxed al fresco spot at the Greek-inspired 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

al fresco dining at Mr Percival’s, Howard Smith Wharves
Raise a glass under a brightly coloured umbrella at 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.

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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

a couple relaxing in the pool by the Brisbane River and Story Bridge at Crystalbrook Vincent, Howard Smith Wharves
The riverfront hotel sits directly under the Story Bridge. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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.

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    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

    The Strand in townsville
    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

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    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.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    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.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    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

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    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

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    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.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.