Murarrie may soon see its local river hub activated, transforming from a quiet kayaking spot to a hub for river taxis and floating restaurants under plans to open eight Brisbane pontoons to commercial use.
The proposal promises locals new travel options and on-water dining while keeping access for recreation.
The activation is tied to Brisbane’s build-up for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when the river will be in the global spotlight. With the removal of the Queens Wharf dock, the city lost valuable berthing space for vessels.
Reviving pontoons is seen as a way to restore that capacity and put the waterways back at the centre of activity. Leaders believe it will showcase Brisbane as a river city to visitors and locals alike. They compare the move to footpath dining, which once reshaped the city’s streets and culture.
Larger sites like Murarrie, New Farm Park and the City Botanic Gardens are the main focus. The plan still needs state approval to change “wet licences” that govern business use on waterways.
Murarrie’s location on Brisbane’s eastern corridor puts it in a strong position to serve both residents and visitors. Adding river taxis and dining boats would give locals faster access to the city and new ways to enjoy the river.
Families and workers could use the hub for travel as well as leisure. A licensing system is being considered to attract operators while keeping community access secure. The intention is to make the pontoons lively spaces that balance recreation with new services.
Many business leaders consider the Brisbane River, even though it is central to the city’s identity, to still be underused beyond the CityCat service. In Murarrie, activating the hub could open the door to new jobs and fresh tourism opportunities.
Residents would gain quicker travel options and easier access to the river. Floating restaurants and eco-tours are among the ideas being discussed. The shift would turn the Murarrie pontoon from a quiet stop into a more active community space.
Published 19-October-2025
