Rivergate Marina and Shipyard on the Brisbane River at Murarrie is marking 20 years of operation in 2026, having grown from a $150 million greenfield development on a former industrial riverfront site into Australia’s leading superyacht refit destination and one of the top three recognised facilities of its kind globally.
The milestone represents more than a corporate anniversary. For the Morningside and Murarrie community, Rivergate’s growth over two decades has transformed an underused stretch of Brisbane’s river into one of the most specialised and internationally connected marine precincts in the southern hemisphere.
Owner Judith Brinsmead said the 20-year mark reflects a sustained commitment that began well before the first vessel arrived at the dock. “Rivergate was created with a vision to establish a dedicated marine industry hub in Brisbane, and over the past 20 years it has grown into a world-class facility supporting vessels, crews and operators from around the globe.”
From abattoir to superyacht hub
The story of Rivergate’s site is one of the more unlikely industrial transformations on the Brisbane River. The 15-hectare Murarrie property was previously home to an abattoir and ferry operations before being identified as a strategic opportunity for a purpose-built marine precinct capable of handling larger vessels than anything Brisbane had accommodated before.
Site acquisition from the state government and approval of a long-term seabed lease were followed by a construction program that began in 2004 and was completed in under two years. Rivergate opened in 2006 with more than 100 deep-water berths, hardstand and refit infrastructure, and one of the largest travel lifts in the region.
The development was part of a coordinated effort to relocate and consolidate marine businesses from inner Brisbane into a fit-for-purpose facility capable of growing with the industry.
Four nautical miles from Brisbane’s city centre and 10 minutes from the international airport, the location gives visiting owners, crew and captains unusually good access to both city services and onward travel during refit periods.
The marina sits three days from the Whitsunday Islands, two days’ steaming from the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney, and four days from the South Pacific, and three from Sydney, placing it at a natural intersection of Australia’s cruising routes.
Two decades of figures that matter
Over 20 years of operation, Rivergate has recorded more than 300 unique superyacht visits alongside countless domestic and international cruisers. The facility now operates with more than 300 contractors across 20 specialised marine trades, structured so the majority of project value flows directly to local small and medium enterprises rather than through a single operator.
That model, which sees Rivergate lead and coordinate complex refit projects while specialist contractors deliver the work, has become a distinguishing feature of how the precinct functions and a significant contributor to Queensland’s marine supply chain.
The awards record confirms the standing the facility has built. Rivergate was named Superyacht Industry Service Provider of the Year at the Australian Marine Industry Awards in November 2020 and inducted into the Marina Industries Association Hall of Fame in May 2021.
It has also been voted among the Top 3 Australian Marinas by Boat International and recognised as the only Australian shipyard in the top three superyacht refit destinations in the world by the Crew Report.
A $200 million expansion already approved
The 20-year milestone arrives as Rivergate is also in planning for its most significant expansion yet. BCC approved a $200 million expansion of the Murarrie precinct, designed to make the shipyard superyacht-ready ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, with the project forecast to dramatically increase superyacht visits to Australia and create around 2,000 new jobs.
The expansion plans include a state-of-the-art shiplift for vessels up to 90 metres and 3,000 tonnes, capacity for 8 to 12 vessels simultaneously, and the infrastructure to position Rivergate as the primary superyacht hub for the Asia-Pacific region.
Brinsmead said the first two decades had been built on consistency and trust. “We’ve always believed in doing the work well, building lasting relationships and creating a place people want to return to. That approach has helped Rivergate earn a strong reputation in Australia and internationally.”
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard is at Murarrie on the Brisbane River. For more information, click here.
Published 15-June-2026
