Approval paves the way for a $100 million Brisbane tourism bonanza
Construction is rapidly progressing on a game-changing commercial marina that will be the catalyst for an estimated $100 million boost to Brisbane’s tourism economy.
Colmslie Wharves will be city’s only dedicated commercial marina, providing much-needed overnight berthing for tourism and commercial vessels operating on the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay.
Leasing for the first berths has commenced ahead of an expected opening in mid-2026.
Colmslie Wharves received development approval from the Brisbane City Council and is being delivered by Raptis Investments with $4 million in support from the Queensland Government’s Growing Tourism Fund.
It will feature 50 berths designed to accommodate vessels up to 50 metres in length, together with crew amenities, fuel provisioning, waste management and ample car parking.
The marina is forecast to inject more than $100 million a year into the local economy, attract almost 110,000 additional visitors to Brisbane per annum and create 337 ongoing jobs in the tourism industry.
As Brisbane gears up for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Colmslie Wharves is the long-awaited, permanent berthing solution for vessels displaced by inner city redevelopments.
“The Brisbane River and Moreton Bay are being rediscovered, creating an unprecedented opportunity for marine tourism to flourish like never before,” said Raptis Investments Head of Leasing Arthur Raptis.
“For years, marine tourism has suffered with operators forced to work around a lack of infrastructure without the certainty needed to expand or innovate,” he said.
“Colmslie Wharves will give operators the confidence to invest in river-based tourism and bay experiences, such as intimate boutique cruises, eco-tourism, adventure sports, private water taxis and much more. It will be a launching pad for new ideas.”
Colmslie Wharves is only 9km from the Brisbane CBD, with excellent access to the river, bay islands and wider southeast Queensland marine network.
The location ensures marine operators can quickly reach key pick-up and drop-off points, while maintaining a secure base for crew and vehicle access, provisioning and vessel servicing.
Colmslie Wharves has also been designed with environmental responsibility at its core, ensuring minimal impact on the Brisbane River and surrounding ecosystems.
Besides existing local operators and new entrants, the marina is expected to attract major interstate marine businesses to the River City.
David Good, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG), said the shortage of long-term berthing options in Brisbane had previously forced potential operators to go elsewhere.
“There has been an increase in the number of tourism operators wanting to service Brisbane and start operations, especially with the Olympics coming up, but there is a lack of infrastructure,” Mr Good said.
“To put that into perspective, every year thousands of people head north to Hervey Bay to go whale watching, despite having Moreton Bay and whales on the doorstep.”
David Fisher, the owner and operator of luxury river cruise provider Yot Club, was forced to put expansion plans on hold despite booming demand from his customer base.
“We’ve got plans to roll out new vessels, which means more staff and more business for all the contractors and suppliers we deal with, but we’ve just had to put it on hold until Colmslie Wharves is finished,” he said.
To find out more, or secure a lease, visit colmsliewharves.com.au.
