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.
When the winter chill settles in, an escape to Hamilton Island’s year-round tropical shores is the only acceptable coping mechanism.
As a heliophile with the cold tolerance of a Mediterranean house cat, the arrival of winter tends to spark a particular panic. How will I survive? Must I really start layering? What do you mean, Aperol season is over? But there are far better ways to spend the cooler months than sulking in the depths of your doona.
Enter, Hamilton Island. With its year-round sunshine and permanent on-holiday atmosphere, this Whitsundays favourite promises a veritable slice of summer in winter.
Think salt-stiff hair and the smug pleasure of devouring seafood beside the water while friends back home are defogging their windscreens. Here’s why Hamilton Island should figure into your winter plans.
1. Year-round summer weather
Hike under sunny winter skies on Hamilton Island. (Image: Andrew Caitens)
In the crisper months, Hamilton Island offers perfectly mild, sunny weather (17-24°C) that lends itself to morning swims and afternoon spritzes. Better still, you can enjoy the island’s outdoor adventures – from hiking to mountain biking – without the humidity or rain you’ll often find in summertime. With direct flights from most major Australian cities offering ease of access, Hamilton Island is the ideal place to flee the cold.
2. Getting active without the humidity
Zip around Hamilton Island by buggy. (Image: Hamilton Island)
Whether you’re hiking up to Passage Peak or exploring the island by buggy, tropical Queensland humidity is nobody’s friend. The one way to guarantee you will avoid the inevitable stickiness and fluffy hair? Visit during winter. There’s plenty to be enjoyed, from sunrise yoga at The Sundays (exclusive to guests of The Sundays) to playing golf on Dent Island.
3. Hamilton Island Race Week
Feel the thrill of Hamilton Island Race Week. (Image: Salty Dingo)
Taking place in August, Hamilton Island Race Week is a destination in its own right that attracts spectators and racers from around the globe. Boating enthusiasts and thrill-seeking holidaymakers flock to the island, which is palpably energetic as the first yachts set off for Dent Passage from Hamilton Island Yacht Club. The annual action-packed week, taking place from 15 to 22 August in 2026, offers an exciting calendar of on- and off-water events – spanning everything from celebrity chef dinners to golfing comps and wine tastings.
4. Best time for snorkelling
Explore Hamilton Island’s winter waters. (Image: Andrew Caitens)
While the crowds on Hamilton Island may disperse with the cooler weather, the marine life certainly doesn’t. Winter is widely considered one of thebest times to snorkel and dive in the Whitsundays.
It’s down to a number of reasons: excellent water visibility, higher chances of seeing whales as they migrate north and – best of all – no nasty stingers. This means no need to wear those notoriously unflattering full-body wetsuits visitors have to wear in warmer months. On top of all this, you’ll find calm seas ideal for sailing and Great Barrier Reef tours.
5. Fewer crowds
Experience a quieter Hamilton Island on a kayaking adventure. (Image: Hamilton Island)
Winter is often the quietest time to visit Hamilton Island, with the peak season crowds thinned to a relaxed trickle. You can snorkel or dive straight off the reef-laced waters of Catseye Beach, then swap fins for a buggy and zip between One Tree Hill, the marina and sunset cocktails without the usual summer queues. Active days stretch from kayaking, sailing and jet skiing to hopping over to famous Whitehaven Beach to witness those breathtaking white swirls of silica sand. You won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the crowd to get a good snap.
6. Delicious dining
Treat yourself to Bommie Restaurant’s fine dining featuring fresh, seasonal Aussie produce. (Image: Nikki To)
The food on Hamilton Island tastes just as good any time of year, and winter is still perfect weather for sundowners. Start with an iced tea Negroni at harbourside Bommie Deck, before transitioning to Bommie Restaurant for a fine-dining feast centering on seasonal Aussie ingredients. Or perhaps enjoy a more casual poolside evening at Sails Restaurant, where plates of chermoula chicken skewers, baked cauliflower steak and crispy sumac squid come served with ocean views. From family-friendly pub meals to elevated wine tastings, there’s something for everyone.
5. Clear skies for idyllic views
End your day with golden Hamilton Island sunsets over the water. (Image: Hamilton Island)
Never let a cloud rain on the parade of Hamilton Island’s spectacular scenery. Winter brings clearer skies and more stable weather to the Whitsundays, meaning your picture-perfect sunset at One Tree Hill is likely to remain that way. And after putting in the legwork to hike to a scenic lookout, the last thing you want is a vista hidden behind low cloud and haze.
