NOTE: Pre-booked ticket holders only: BOOKED OUT
The Howard Smith Wharves revitalisation has enhanced Brisbane’s river frontage by transforming one of Brisbane’s most historic sites into a new 3.4-hectare lifestyle and entertainment precinct for Brisbane and its visitors to enjoy.
The Howard Smith Wharves were originally a project initiated by the Queensland Government in the 1930s to provide locals with relief work during the depression. The site was initially built as the Brisbane Central Wharves and was then leased by shipping company, Howard Smith Co Ltd.
Largely abandoned since the 1960s when the port moved downstream, these astonishing spaces including air-raid shelters, a two-storey office building, storage sheds and wharfage are still intact and now, heritage listed – a rare surviving example of early infrastructure building in the city.
Take in the beautiful river and city vistas under the Story Bridge and step back in time to the bustling pre-1940 Port of Brisbane. Howard Smith Wharves has embraced both its dramatic natural setting and significant heritage elements including four state heritage-listed buildings, to establish a world-class destination that has activated a previously underutilised space.
The regeneration of the site has involved the adaptive re-use of the heritage-listed buildings for restaurants, a brewery and events facilities, and the construction of three new buildings – a hotel set against the cliff face, a purpose-built hall for functions and dining on the river bank, and a cocktail bar over the river. 80% of the site remains open green space for guests of the precinct to enjoy.
NOTE: Pre-booked ticket holders only: BOOKED OUT
Tour Information
Frequency of Guided Tours: 10am, 10:15am, 10:45am, 11am, 11:15am, 11:45am, 12pm (last tour). 1 group of 6 people per tour. Tour duration = 30-45 minutes. UPDATE: The meeting point for the tours has changed to under the Story Bridge (NOT the Rivershed Lawn as previously stated).
Tour Tips
Register at the building on arrival, Great for kids
Additional Activities
Children's Activities, Musical performances, Food & Beverage, Visit the Howard Smith Wharves website for restaurant information during your visit.
Wheelchair access
Yes
Is Heritage listed
Yes
Awards
Environment Accreditation: Howard Smith Wharves embraces the site’s history, through the adaptive re-use of heritage buildings and the installation of interpretive signage. The National Trust of Australia (Queensland) has nominated the precinct as the first site to be awarded their ‘Heritage Hero’ status for managing a development that impacts on all three areas of heritage (built, environmental, cultural). Since beginning their sustainability journey HSW has been presented with a number awards in this area: Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice (2022) Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice (2021) The WasteSMART Business Award (50+employees) (2020) And a special mention in the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards (2020).