Brisbane is a city on the move, with a rich and evolving network of ports, airports, and transport hubs that keep Queensland connected, both locally and globally. Join a rare behind-the-scenes look at some of the city’s most vital transport and logistics sites, showcasing the technology, history, and sustainability shaping Brisbane’s future.
Start your journey at the Patrick Terminals Brisbane AutoStrad, the world’s first fully automated marine container terminal. This cutting-edge facility uses advanced robotics to handle containers with remarkable precision and speed, revolutionising how goods move through the Port of Brisbane. Visitors can marvel at the scale and sophistication of this operation, including panoramic views from the 60-metre-high control tower that oversees the bustling activity below.
Nearby, the Port Office of the Port of Brisbane provides a gateway into the inner workings of Queensland’s busiest port, which handles around $72 billion worth of international trade each year. The building itself is an architectural nod to Brisbane’s maritime heritage, with sustainable features and maritime-inspired design elements. Touring this site offers insights into the port’s critical role in the regional economy and its ambitious plans for growth.
For a more hands-on maritime experience, the Svitzer Brisbane Tug Base invites visitors to explore real tugboats up close. This solar-powered facility, cleverly constructed from repurposed shipping containers, highlights sustainability in action. Families and enthusiasts can step aboard the tugboats, learn about their essential role in guiding large ships safely through the port, and enjoy engaging activities designed for all ages.
Air travel is another key piece of Brisbane’s transport puzzle. The beautifully preserved Archerfield Airport is an enduring icon of Brisbane’s aviation heritage. Designed in the 1930s and officially opened in 1941, this terminal once served as the bustling epicentre of Queensland’s civil aviation. Today, it remains a working terminal, but walking through its oak-paneled foyer, original ticket desk, and carpeted observation lounge feels like stepping into the golden age of air travel. During Brisbane Open House weekend, the Terminal will come alive with stories, including Archerfield’s pivotal role during World War II. Aviation historian Peter Dunn from AHSA QLD will be on site to share wartime insights and answer questions, and free airside tours will run throughout the day (10.30am–3pm), offering a rare chance to experience this living piece of aviation history up close—no booking required.
Meanwhile, Brisbane Airport is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, marking a century of connecting Brisbane to the world. Visitors can discover the airport’s evolution from a modest airfield to a major international gateway, complete with innovative infrastructure that supports millions of passengers annually.
Together, these sites paint a compelling picture of a city on the move. Brisbane Open House 2025 offers a unique chance to explore the critical infrastructure that powers the city’s growth, supports its economy, and connects communities near and far. Whether you’re a transport enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious, these destinations provide a fascinating insight into how Brisbane keeps moving forward.