Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, straddles the Brisbane River with the coastline of Moreton Bay to the east and the hills of the Great Dividing Range to the west.
The city was at first a far-flung penal colony built on the Brisbane river for convicts who had caused trouble in other colonies. The officials recognized that the natural loop of the river provided a good obstacle to escape. In the late 1830s the area became a destination for free settlers, who were given incentives to farm sheep on Darling Downs, a fertile region under the Great Dividing Range. In 1859 following Queen Victoria’s Queensland Proclamation, which declared Queensland a separate state to NSW, Brisbane was chosen as the state’s capital. This led to an upswing in commerce, and by the end of the century Brisbane was the principal center of industry in the area. In WWII Brisbane was a major supply center to the Pacific war and the staging post for thousands of Australian and American soldiers.
Today, Brisbane is a sophisticated and easy-living city of 2.2 million people recognized as among the world's most desirable destinations for leisure, lifestyle and business.
You Choose The Cruise
Brisbane is ideally located for an attractive variety of cruises lasting one week, two weeks or even more. Sail northeast to the sun-drenched Loyalty and Vanuatu islands to chill out on a palm-tree shaded beach, or travel north to the the picturesque Whitsundays Islands to swim in crystal clear waters above iridescent corals. Extended cruises are also available, including the intrepid circumnavigation of New Zealand.
Cruises from Brisbane details all the cruise departures out of Brisbane.
Cruise Terminals
Brisbane has 2 cruise ports, Portside Wharf on the north bank of the Brisbane River, 5km east of the city’s central business district, and the Multi-User Terminal, on the mouth of the Brisbane River, further out at 25km east of the city.
Portside Wharf is part of a new development comprising bars, plaza, residential and retail space. The cruise ship terminal offers immigration, check-in desks, customs, baggage drop-off, ATM and quarantine inspection. A ferry link into the city center can be caught at Bretts Wharf, a short walk from the cruise terminal.
Ships over 270metres in length berth at the Multi-User Terminal beside the Grain pier at the Port Of Brisbane. There are no public transport services linking the terminal to Brisbane, so cruise passengers have to use taxis and buses laid on by the cruise line's shore agent.
South Bank Parklands
The South Bank Parklands are a pleasing mix of lakes, grasslands and tropical forest with additional man-made features such as the Courier Mail Piazza, the riverfront promenade, the Grand Arbour and Streets Beach. Why not enjoy a stroll along the winding riverfront walkway to check out the bustling water traffic. Or catch an exciting ride on the huge Wheel of Brisbane with 42 gondolas giving panoramic views of the South Bank Parklands, the CBD and the Brisbane River.
Walking tour
Brisbane's central district is quite compact and perfect for a self-guided walking tour. You can pick up a walking tour guide at the central Visitor Information centre situated on Queen Street in Queen Street Mall. Interesting sights to visit include St Stephens, constructed in 1850 in a neo-gothic design, the Commissariat Store, built for the Moreton penal colony, the Old Windmill, built by convicts in 1828, the General Post Office Building, an imposing stone and brick building dating back to 1872 and the Anzac Memorial, built to commemorate all Queenslanders who fought and died in WWI.
South Bank Cultural Centre
The South Bank Cultural Centre, beside the south bank of the Brisbane River between the the William Jolly bridge and the Victoria bridge, comprises three significant attractions, the Queensland Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Art Gallery. The Queensland Art Gallery features both permanent and temporary exhibitions of fine paintings and impressive sculptures by international and local artists. The Gallery of Modern Art specializes in artsworks from the 20th and 21st centuries and includes multimedia and photographic works within its collection. The Queensland Museum has a rich collection of items and objects with one of the more engaging galleries detailing the convoluted history of Queenslanders.
Mt Coot-tha Lookout
A quick half hour journey by coach (or the number 471 public bus from Adelaide Street Stop 22) brings you to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout, perched high on a steep hill overlooking the city. Back in 1880 a large tract of upland was designated a reserve for a public park and named Mt Coot-tha, after the Aboriginal word 'kuta' for honey. Gold Coast/Sunshine Coast
If you want to immerse yourself in quintessential Aussie style beach life, there's nothing better than a trip to the Sunshine Coast (70 km south east of the city) or the Gold Coast (70km north east of the city). Both locations offer fabulous beaches, magnificent Pacific surf, friendly beach cafes and general all-round lively vibe.
Traveling to Portside Wharf
By Car
From the north
Drive towards Brisbane on the Gateway motorway. Exit 110 at Nudgee on the Southern Cross Way. After 5 miles exit at the large sign to Kingsford Smith Drive. Follow the road into Kingsford Smith Drive. After 1 mile make a left following the sign to the cruise terminal.
From the south
Drive towards Brisbane on the Gateway motorway. Continue to cross the Gateway brige. Exit at 106 to join the Southern Cross Way. After 1 mile exit following the sign to Kingsford Smith Drive. Turn left onto Kingsford Smith Drive. After 1 mile turn left following the sign to Brisbane cruise terminal.
Portside Wharf does not offer long term parking. The nearest private operator is Portside Parking by Curtin Avenue.
By Air
Set aside around an hour for the taxi transfer between Brisbane airport and Portside Wharf.
