BRISBANE - AUSTRALIA
PORT INFORMATION
Everything You Need to Know about Brisbane, Australia as a Port of Call
by Roger Allnutt
P&O cruise ship at portside Wharf, Brisbane
Brisbane in south east Queensland is a thriving city and gateway to the popular tourist areas of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. The Brisbane River winds through the city and provides many attractive options for tourists. Most cruise ships using Brisbane are involved in shorter 7-10 day cruises to islands of the South Pacific.
Cruise Terminals in Brisbane
The majority of cruise liners that visit the port currently dock at the Portside Wharf cruise terminal, located on the north side of the Brisbane River at Hamilton about 10km from the centre of the city and also handy to the Brisbane International Airport.
Portside Wharf is capable of welcoming ships up to 270 metres in length. The purpose-designed facility is complete with access to first-class marine engineering facilities, including a working dry-dock located just across the river.
Portside Wharf has presented Brisbane with a new state-of-the-art terminal facility, a world class dining and retail precinct, and a range of luxury residences.
Some larger ships dock at the Multi-user Terminal at the Grain Berth, located at Fisherman Islands at the mouth of the Brisbane River.
Cruise Lines using Brisbane
Cruise lines that use Brisbane include P&O Australia Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silver Seas and Classic Cruises.
Must See Attractions in Brisbane
South Bank Parklands and Queensland Cultural Centre
Since the 1988 Expo was held on an old rundown site on the south bank of the Brisbane River the area has been transformed into a modern living space complete with lovely parklands, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, theatres in the Queensland Cultural Centre, Queensland Art Gallery and State Library, modern apartment blocks, shops and restaurants – there is even a man-made beach and lagoon (Streets Beach) that is very popular with all ages and a welcome relief during the often hot and muggy days during summer.
A new addition is the Wheel of Brisbane, 42 enclosed and air conditioned gondolas on a giant 60m high wheel providing spectacular 360 degree views over the river and parklands, city skyline and cultural icons on the south bank.
A great way to view the city is on the CityCat ferries that regularly ply the river from Bretts Wharf near the airport to the University of Queensland to the west of the city providing a great view of the city skyline, life on the river and the homes and gardens of many wealthy citizens.
Story Bridge
Opened in 1940 the Story Bridge is a cantilever bridge spanning the Brisbane River and was designed by John Bradfield, the designer of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
The Story Bridge Adventure Climb allows you to climb to the top of the bridge and feel a connection with the glistening cityscape and the winding Brisbane River
Lone Pine Sanctuary
Since it opened in 1927 Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has been a popular destination for visitors to Brisbane. The cruise to the sanctuary on Mirimar Cruises is a relaxing way to get there before you join the queue to have your photo taken holding a koala, watch the exciting Bird of Prey show and the instructive sheep dogs rounding up skittish sheep, or feed the kangaroos. Children love holding the different animals.
Moreton Island
Take a day cruise out to Moreton Island about 60km off the Queensland coast near the mouth of the Brisbane River. Moreton Island is a large sand island and a popular destination for four wheel driving, camping, recreational angling and whale watching.
