Rivergate Marina & Shipyard will celebrate 20 years of operation in 2026, marking two decades of growth, innovation and contribution to Queensland’s marine industry while helping build Brisbane’s reputation in the global superyacht sector.
Established on the Brisbane River in 2006, Rivergate has grown into Australia’s leading superyacht refit destination and is recognised among the top facilities globally. Since then, Rivergate has seen over 300 unique superyacht visits and countless international and domestic cruisers, all staying alongside at the marina and shipyard, accommodating long-stay and visiting vessels.
Owner Judith Brinsmead said the anniversary is a proud moment for Rivergate and a reflection of the vision, resilience and industry commitment that have shaped the business over the past 20 years.
“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.”
“What has been built here over two decades is more than a shipyard. It is a thriving marine precinct that brings together exceptional skills, strong partnerships and an internationally recognised standard of service.”
Rivergate operates as an integrated marine precinct, supporting more than 300 contractors across 20 specialised trades. Its project delivery model sees Rivergate lead and coordinate works, with a network of small and medium enterprises contributing specialist expertise across each project.
This structure has positioned the business as a key contributor to Queensland’s marine supply chain, with the majority of project value flowing directly to local trades and suppliers.
Located on the Brisbane River with deep-water access at all tides and close proximity to major transport infrastructure, Rivergate has become a critical service hub for vessels operating along Australia’s east coast and into the Pacific.
The scale of the operation reflects its origins, with Rivergate developed on a 15-hectare former industrial riverfront site at Murarrie following a coordinated effort to relocate and consolidate marine businesses from inner Brisbane.
The site, previously home to uses including an abattoir and ferry operations, was identified as a strategic opportunity to establish a purpose-built marine industry precinct capable of supporting larger vessels and more complex refit activity than had previously been possible in the city.
Construction commenced in 2004, following the acquisition of the site from the State Government and approval of a long-term seabed lease, with the project delivered in under two years and opening in 2006 as a $150 million investment in Queensland’s marine capability.
At launch, the facility incorporated more than 100 deep-water berths, extensive hardstand and refit infrastructure, and one of the largest travel lifts in the region, setting a new benchmark for marine services in Australia.
This early investment laid the foundation for Rivergate’s evolution into a specialist superyacht refit hub, supported by the co-location of marine trades and services that has since grown into one of the most concentrated marine industry clusters in the country.
Over two decades of operation, the business has supported a steady pipeline of domestic and international vessels, with demand driven by increasingly large and complex superyachts requiring specialist refit and maintenance capability.
The local market has also seen a consistent expansion in the size and number of yachts visiting, which supports the over 30 specialist marine businesses that regularly visit Rivergate to undertake work on vessels.
Ms Brinsmead said Rivergate’s growth has been built on consistency, trust and enduring relationships across the marine industry.
“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, and it is something we are incredibly proud to celebrate as we mark this milestone.”
As Rivergate celebrates 20 years of operation, the business looks ahead with confidence, continuing to play a central role in supporting superyacht and marine activity in Queensland through its established workforce, strategic location and depth of capability.
For more information, visit rivergate.com.au
