new cruise terminal in brisbane

Cruise - Port of Brisbane

Important note:  The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is only open on days when a cruise ship is at berth.   If you are travelling to and parking at the BICT, please note there is only paid parking onsite which must be booked online in advance through Wilson Parking. Please see the  Car Parking   webpage for details. If you are seeking information about your cruise, please contact your cruise line or travel agent.

Port of Brisbane Cruise Terminal: Parking, Address & Amenity Info

The Port of Brisbane features a modern, two-story cruise terminal building with ample indoor and outdoor areas. The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal welcomes domestic and international cruises. Its adjacent location to the airport grounds and close proximity to the Central Business District (CBD) makes it convenient for locals and visitors alike.

Read on for our breakdown of the Brisbane cruise terminal, including address information, cruise lines, directions, services and more. Also, be sure to check out Cruise Critic's ranked cruise deals from the Port of Brisbane and see what tips, tricks and secret advice our Cruise Critic members have to say about cruises from the Port of Brisbane .

Port of Brisbane Address

Brisbane International Cruise Terminal 1 Cruise Terminal Dr Pinkenba QLD 4008 Australia

Port of Brisbane Information: Cruise Line by Cruise Line

The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal has the following cruise lines: Royal Caribbean International , Princess Cruises , Carnival Cruises , Disney Cruise Line , Ponant , Seabourn Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises .

Port of Brisbane Directions

It's important to be aware of Brisbane's traffic when coming to the cruise port. Make sure to give yourself ample time and plan accordingly.

From the City

Port of Brisbane is a 20-minute drive from Brisbane’s city center, but you should allow an additional 20 minutes during rush hours. Drive towards Fortitude Valley along Elizabeth Street, then continue straight along State Route 25. Turn right onto Marine Road, which leads straight to the terminal.

From the Brisbane Airport

The Port of Brisbane is adjacent to the Brisbane Airport and will take about 15 minutes without traffic. From the airport, take Airport Drive and head south-east following signs for the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. Keep left at the fork to continue on Lomandra Drive, which will dead-end at State Route 25. Follow directions above.

Port of Brisbane Parking

The Brisbane cruise terminal offers almost 1,000 parking spaces across three paid lots. Spots must be booked in advance via Wilson Parking . Parking payment machines near the terminal building accept Visa, Mastercard and cash.

There is also a pick-up and drop-off area in front of the terminal building with a two-minute limit.

Getting from the Brisbane Airport (BNE) to the Port of Brisbane

Brisbane Airport (BNE) is northeast of the city center and about a 15-minute drive from the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.

Rideshare companies such as Uber , Ola , DiDi and the all-women Shebah are available at Brisbane Airport. There are also door-to-door shuttle services, including Con-X-ion .

Public Transit from Brisbane Airport to the Port of Brisbane

Public transport is not a convenient option for the Port of Brisbane, as it would involve multiple transfers and take about one and a half hours.

Brisbane Airport Taxi Service to the Port of Brisbane

Taking a taxi is the most direct way to travel to the cruise port from the airport. Rides will take roughly 15 minutes. Taxis are available 24/7 outside both airport terminals.

Restaurants Near the Port of Brisbane (Plus Shopping and Other Services)

There are currently no dining or shopping options inside the Brisbane Cruise Terminal. For this reason, it is best to stock up on any last-minute essentials before you get to the cruise port.

Brisbane's city center is one of Queensland's largest shopping precincts and everything you could require will be there. It’s about a 25-minute drive to the CBD from the Port of Brisbane.

Train Service to the Port of Brisbane

Trains to and from the city and beyond can be accessed via two local train stations: Ascot and Doomben (on the Doomben Line). It’s about a 15- to 20-minute drive from either station to the Port of Brisbane.

Wheelchair and Accessibility at the Port of Brisbane

The Brisbane cruise terminal offers a limited number of wheelchairs. There are also elevators and moving walkways. Reserve a wheelchair in advance with your cruise line if you require one for the entirety of your sailing. Most cruise lines provide this service.

Porters and Red Caps at the Port of Brisbane

Porters are available on embarkation and debarkation days at the Port of Brisbane.

Bathrooms at the Port of Brisbane

Restrooms are plentiful at the Brisbane Cruise Terminal and can be found on both floors.

Port of Brisbane Wi-Fi

There is currently no free Wi-Fi available at the Brisbane Cruise Terminal.

Port of Brisbane Waiting Area and Seating

There is ample seating available inside the cruise terminal.

More Tips About the Brisbane Cruise Terminal

Luggage storage is not available at the Port of Brisbane.

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What the New Cruise Ship Terminal Means for South East Queensland

The Queensland Government has approved the new $158 million Brisbane International Cruise Terminal at the mouth of the Brisbane River which will facilitate the world’s largest mega-cruise ships.

Along with the existing cruise terminal at Hamilton which caters for smaller cruise ships, the new mega-cruise terminal is set to triple the size of Brisbane’s cruise industry and add considerably more capacity for the city.

Things to know:

• 100% privately funded cruise terminal paid for by the Port of Brisbane Corporation
• Able to accomodate the largest cruise ships in the world, currently the Oasis class Royal Caribbean International
• A home port gateway to South East Queensland
• Will become Brisbane’s second cruise ship terminal after Portside Wharf

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says construction set to commence on the privately funded Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd’s (PBPL) $158 million Brisbane International Cruise Terminal at Luggage Point on the north side of the Brisbane River.

The Premier said the Cruise Terminal would support 245 jobs each year through construction and was the second Market-Led Proposal to advance to the delivery phase.

“Cruising is one of tourism’s great growth stories, for both international and domestic markets,” the Premier said.

“A dedicated, purpose-built cruise ship terminal will boost our international reputation as a global tourism destination of choice.

“It will serve as a catalyst to supercharge growth in our tourism sector and related industries and generate jobs now and into the future.”

Site preparation works will start in November, with construction of the wharf to begin mid-next year, and construction of the terminal to begin in around 12 months

The terminal building itself will be around 9,300 square metres set over two levels and connected to a 200m long wharf, with two air bridges facilitating the movement of passengers on and off the ships.

There will also be public open spaces, parking for cars and buses plus extensive landscaping across the site.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt welcomed the progression of the Port of Brisbane’s cruise terminal Market Led Proposal and said it’s a great example of private sector innovation in action to deliver much needed cruise shipping infrastructure.

It’s very encouraging to see modelling by the Port of Brisbane which indicates the terminal could inject up to $1.3 billion in net expenditure into the Brisbane economy over the next two decades.

“The new cruise terminal is also a jobs generator and is set to support an average of 245 jobs a year over its two-year construction period and will deliver many more jobs through increased economic activity,” Mr Pitt said.

“Once the terminal is operational it is expected the additional cruise ships stopping in Brisbane could continue their journey up the coast to destinations like Cairns and give visitors the opportunity to visit other iconic destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef.

“The economic investment will bring broader benefits to the state economy through increased opportunities for tourism operators and other sectors like agriculture and our services industry.“

“To date, eight proposals have been approved or have moved to Stage 2, the preparation of detailed proposals stage and the MLPs approved or in the detailed assessment stage are worth just more than $1 billion and are estimated to generate around 1,800 jobs.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said an international cruise terminal would serve as an important piece of transport infrastructure not just for South East Queensland but for the whole state.

“It will bring an increased number of cruise ships and more tourists to the state,” Ms Jones said.

“It will also safeguard the existing 1,250 jobs related to the cruise industry in Brisbane and add 49 operational jobs on average each year over the next 20 years as the industry grows.

PBPL CEO, Roy Cummins said should the project receive ACCC approval, the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal would prove to be a defining piece of the State’s tourism infrastructure network.

“This new cruise terminal will secure the future of cruise tourism in South-east Queensland and help bring the world’s biggest cruise ships to Brisbane,” Mr Cummins said.

Currently the Oasis class ships of Royal Caribbean International hold the title of being the largest ships in the world. Spanning 360 metres long and 16 decks high, there are three Oasis class ships in operation with a fourth, Symphony of the Seas expected to come online in 2018.

“We have worked with the State Government, through its Market-led Proposal process, and other partners including Brisbane City Council and the cruise operators, to make this happen, and we thank all parties for their support and their commitment to our project.

“Port of Brisbane is investing $158 million to deliver a world-class facility for our world-class city.

“Our focus has been to develop a proposal that supports the cruise industry and delivers a great passenger experience, and we are now going to get on with the hard work of building it.

“It means jobs during construction and jobs for the broader tourism sector for decades to come.

“Port of Brisbane is committed to delivering the best possible economic and tourism outcomes for the cruise industry and Queensland.

“It is an exciting opportunity and we look forward to working with all project partners as we now move into this next phase.”

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When will this actually start being built. We’re in March – and NO sign of it!

March 2018 – NO sign of a Cruise Terminal. When is it due to start? Thanks.

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Brisbane Cruise Port Guide | 13 Best Things To Do In Brisbane Port

Welcome to the port of Brisbane, the capital city of the Australian state of Queensland and the third largest city in Australia and Oceania after Sydney and Melbourne!

Brisbane lies on the eastern coast of Australia, on the banks of the Brisbane River located around 19 km/12 miles above the river’s mouth at Moreton Bay. Famous for Steve Irwin’s legendary Australian Zoo, its wildlife sanctuaries, themed markets, cultural landmarks and great local cuisine, “Brissie” as Aussies call it, is a vibrant and lively city that has something for everyone! In this Melbourne cruise travel guide, I share with you:

• Brisbane cruise port info (Brisbane cruise terminal, getting around)
• Top 13 things to do in Brisbane and the best Brisbane shore excursions

Visit also our cruise port guides to Sydney , Melbourne , Adelaide , Esperance , Darwin , Cairns  

Brisbane Cruise Port

Port of Brisbane is the second-largest Australian cruise port and consists of several cruise terminals.

1. Brisbane International Cruise Terminal

Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) is a brand-new cruise terminal that was completed in 2020. It is located at Luggage Point on the northern bank at the mouth of the Brisbane River across Fisherman Island, near Myrtletown. It is located about 19 km/12 miles (a 30-minute drive) northeast of Brisbane city center, also referred to as Brisbane central business district (CBD).

With its 345-meter (1130 ft ) long berth, Brisbane International Cruise Terminal was designed to accommodate the world’s largest cruise liners over 270 meters long. The brand-new terminal building features two floors connected via travelators and two passenger lifts.

On the ground floor, you’ll find a tourist information desk, (accessible) toilets, a first-aid station, a cafe, a retail outlet, a baggage hall and a few other facilities. The first floor features security screening, check-in counters and immigration.

Outside the terminal building, there is a car park and parking for buses and shuttles. Free wi-fi is available inside the terminal and power points in case you need to charge your mobile devices (230V, 10amp, three-pin plug layout).

Getting Around Brisbane International Terminal

• Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is located right next to the Brisbane Airport (a 15-minute drive from the airport terminal entrance). No public transportation is connecting the two locations, so you need to make your travel arrangements .
• The port authorities do not provide a shuttle service but your cruise ship may provide one, so it’s highly recommended to check with your cruise line about their services or pre-arranged shore excursions.
• Taxi and rideshare services are available outside the cruise terminal.
• There is only paid parking at Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.
• There are no onsite car rental services.
• If you require special assistance, make sure you inform your cruise line so they can communicate with the cruise terminal staff and arrange it for you in advance.
• For more information, check out the port of Brisbane (Brisbane International Cruise Terminal) official website https://www.portbris.com.au/

2. Portside Wharf Cruise Terminal

Portside Wharf Cruise Terminal (also referred to as Brisbane Cruise Terminal) is located on Brisbane River’s north bank upstream from the Gateway Bridge, in Hamilton district, approximately 7 km/4.3 miles (a 15-minute drive) northeast of Brisbane CBD (central business district). This cruise terminal features 1 berth and can accommodate cruise ships up to 270 meters (886 ft) long.

Getting Around Portside Wharf Cruise Terminal

• This international cruise terminal is part of Portside Wharf , an upscale residential and retail precinct filled with restaurants, shops, a large fish shop/cafe, a supermarket, a cinema complex and a public plaza. Check out Portside Wharf’s official website for updates https://www.portsidewharf.com.au/
• This terminal also features a large car/bus parking (short-term and paid long-term onsite parking), as well as a large taxi rank.
• Bretts Wharf Ferry Terminal is located next to the cruise terminal and serves public CityCat ferries .
• To get to Brisbane central business district from Portside Wharf, you can take public bus #300 at Kingsford Smith Dr at Bretts Wharf, bus stop 19 (a bus station is located around 900 m from the cruise terminal) and get off at Adelaide Street, bus stop 37, near Anzac Square in Brisbane city center. The bus ride itself lasts around 20 minutes and the overall trip is around 40 minutes one way. Buses run frequently, approximately every 15 minutes on business days.
• Alternatively, you can take a public ferry at Bretts Wharf ferry terminal and get off at Riverside ferry terminal situated near Brisbane downtown.
• Translink public agency handles public transportation in Queensland. For information on timetables and fares, check out their official webpage https://translink.com.au/
• Brisbane Airport is located around 8 km/5 miles (a 10-15 minute ride) northeast of Portside Wharf cruise terminal.
• Check out the best hotels near Portside Wharf and Brisbane CBD

3. Multiuse Terminal at Fisherman Islands/Pinkenba Wharf

Due to Gateway Bridge’s height restrictions, some large cruise liners dock at Pinkenba Wharf (QLD) or Port of Brisbane’s Multiuser Terminal at the Grain Berth, located at Fisherman Islands’ cargo terminal. Only basic facilities are available in these terminals. No public transportation is available.

Pinkenba Wharf is located a 25-minute drive from Brisbane CBD, while Fisherman Island is located a 30-minute drive from the city center.

Getting Around Brisbane & Local Transportation

• The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). 1 USD equals 1.51 AUD.
• Plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes offer free wi-fi in the city center.
• Queen Street is the main pedestrian-only shopping street in Brisbane CBD. It is parallel to Adelaide Street and is located a stone’s throw from Brisbane City Hall and its iconic Clock Tower.
• Another famous street is James Street , known for independent, local and international designer flagship stores in Brisbane. This urban street is situated around 2.5 km/1.5 miles (less than a 10-minute drive) from Brisbane CBD and a 10-minute drive from Portside Wharf/a 20-minute drive from Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.
• Brisbane has a great public transportation network that includes buses, trains, trams and ferries. Brisbane Central railway station is located in the heart of the CBD, on Ann Street at Anzac Square. Queen Street bus station is the primary bus terminus in Brisbane’s central business district. Public transport is operated by Translink, and you’ll find the prices and timetables at https://translink.com.au/
• Brisbane City Council offers city center free loops through Brisbane’s central business district, including the services that run between the CBD and Spring Hill areas. Free City Loop buses are purple and they stop at the purple signposted bus stops. Some of the major stops include Central Station, Queen Street Mall, City Hall, Riverside and Botanic Gardens.
• Explore Brisbane tours and activities

13 Best Things to Do in Brisbane Cruise Port

1.  lone pine koala sanctuary.

The world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary is located in Fig Tree Pocket district, only 12 km/7.5 miles (a 20-minute ride) from Brisbane CBD, 19 km/12 miles (a 20-minute drive) southwest of Portside Wharf cruise terminal, and 31 km/19 miles (a 35-minute drive) southwest of the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.

This amazing sanctuary was opened in 1927 and expands on 18 hectares (44 acres) where you can meet and interact with more than 70 species of Aussie animals. Hold a koala, take photos with snakes and dingos, feed kangaroos and lorikeets, and see great animal shows including Sheep Dog Shows and Free Flight Raptor Shows!

Besides koalas and kangaroos, some wildlife species in the sanctuary include parrots, cockatoos, kookaburras, emus, cassowaries, Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, various species of reptiles and many others. A platypus, one of Australia’s most bizarre species arrived at the sanctuary in 2010 from Healesville Sanctuary located near Melbourne , so you get to meet them too!

The sanctuary offers guided tours and some experiences require an additional fee. You can get there by car, public bus (bus #430 from Queen Street Station, and bus #445 from Adelaide Street), or Mirimar River Cruise that departs from the Cultural Center Public Pontoon. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is partially wheelchair friendly.

Explore Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tours and activities

2. Brisbane City Hall

Situated in the heart of Brisbane City (CBD) on Adelaide Street, the City Hall is one of the most remarkable historic buildings in Brisbane. Built between 1920-1930, the building overlooks King George Square and is easily recognizable by its iconic Clock Tower offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city from its observation platform. The building features a neoclassic colonnaded façade and an ornate interior with marble staircases, vaulted ceilings, chandeliers and a mosaic-tiled floor.

Brisbane’s City Hall has undergone a $215 million restoration and nowadays is an active historic building that has 14 venues to hire, offers guided tours and hosts the Museum of Brisbane on its third level. You can visit the Main Auditorium, Father Henry Willis Organ and the iconic Clock Tower on a guided tour offered for an extra fee. The entrance to the building is free.

Check out Brisbane City Hall tours and tickets

3. Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens

The subtropical Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha are located in Mt Coot-tha precinct, around 7 km/4.3 miles (a 10-15 minute drive) west of Brisbane’s central business district. They are located a 15-20 minute drive west of Portside Wharf Cruise Terminal, and a 30-minute drive west of Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens opened in 1976 and spread across 56 hectares featuring a living museum of native and exotic plants. From Brisbane Lookout Mount Coot-tha, you can admire the most spectacular views of Brisbane and its skyscrapers in the distance.

The facilities and services offered in the Botanic Gardens include the Auditorium, Botanic Gardens Cafe, Queensland Herbarium, Mt Coot-tha Library, the Visitor Information Centre, numerous picnic areas, Richard Randall Art Studio and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. The entrance is free.

4. Moreton Island

Nestled on the eastern side of Moreton Bay just off the coast of southeastern Queensland, Moreton Island is the third largest sand island in the world and a national park.

Famous for its pristine sandy beaches, towering sand dunes, crystal clear lakes, lagoons and shipwrecks, this magical piece of heaven offers something for everyone! The island is popular for whale spotting, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, four-wheel driving, biking and other recreational activities. The ferries to Moreton Island depart from Brisbane city center (Holt Street Wharf) and the ride takes 75 minutes.

Explore Moreton Island tours and activities

5. Australia Zoo

The world-famous Australia Zoo is located on the Sunshine Coast, 110 km/68 miles (a 1-hour 30-minute drive) north of Brisbane downtown, and a 1-hour 10-minute drive north of Portside Wharf and Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.

Covering the surface of 280 hectares (690 acres), the zoo is owned by Terri Irwin, the wife of the legendary Steve Irwin whose wildlife documentary series “The Crocodile Hunter” and his family’s new show “Crikey! It’s the Irwins” made the zoo one of the most visited attractions in Australia!

The Australia Zoo was opened in 1970 and features more than 1200 native and exotic animals including alligators, anacondas, birds, snakes and lizards, kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and many more. The zoo is home of the Crocodile Hunter and offers interactive experiences where you can hand-feed kangaroos, giraffes, pat koalas, visit the Australia Zoo wildlife hospital, see animal shows, experience African Savannah and other adventures!

Explore Australia Zoo tours and tickets

6. QAGOMA – The Gallery of Modern Art

QAGOMA colloquially stands for Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. This fascinating gallery is the largest art museum in Australia established in 1895. The facility consists of the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) housed in the main building, and a Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) situated 150 meters away.

QAGOMA is situated on the bank of the Brisbane River, only a 10-15-minute walk from the central business district and King George Square. It houses an impressive collection of more than 20.000 artworks from Australia and around the world and is part of the Queensland Cultural Center which also includes the Queensland Performing Arts Center, the State Library, and the Queensland Museum.

QAGOMA offers permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational programs, guided tours and many other cultural experiences. The buildings are located in a picturesque area on the south bank of the Brisbane River and are an ideal place to spend your day with your family and friends.

Check out Queensland Cultural Center tours and activities

7. Taste the Noosa Chocolate 

If you are looking to satisfy your sugar cravings, you should taste the mouth-watering handcrafted chocolate made by the Noosa Chocolate Factory established in 2009. The factory specializes in chocolate panning and offers a wide variety of fresh products including specialty coffee, dark, milk and white chocolate with various homemade fillings such as salted caramel, honeycomb, peanut and macadamia nut brittle.

The Factory is located in Noosaville, a 1-hour 30-minute drive north of the port of Brisbane. It is not open to the public, however, there are several retail chocolate shops where you can purchase their products, including the one on Adelaide Street, a couple of minutes’ walk from King George Square and the City Hall.

8. Take a Photo in Front of the BRISBANE Sign

If you are visiting Brisbane for the first time, you cannot miss posing in front of the iconic “Brisbane” sign. It is located on the south bank of the Brisbane River, near the Queensland Cultural Center, only a 10-15 minute walk from King George Square across the Victoria Bridge.

The giant letters were visited by world-famous celebrities such as Barack Obama and Angela Merkel, and are special because you can see the whole city landscape behind them. While there, don’t miss the chance to visit the Wheel of Brisbane for some unmatched panoramic views of the city!

9. Brisbane River Kayak Adventure

Kayaking on the Brisbane River will allow you to experience Brisbane from a whole different perspective! Glide past the South Bank Parklands and see the famous Wheel of Brisbane, the city’s bridges and numerous landmarks while enjoying this adventurous activity suitable for all levels of experience!

Explore Brisbane kayak tours and activities

10. Dolphin and Whale Watching 

If you are a nature and animal lover, do not miss the incredible dolphin and whale-watching experience just off the coast of Moreton Island! Between June and October, thousands of humpback whales visit Moreton Bay Marine Park when migrating to and from their southern feeding grounds. Eight species of dolphin have also been recorded in the marine park including the bottlenose and the Australian Humpback dolphin.

The marine experts will take you to places where dolphins and whales have been spotted before so you’ll get the opportunity to watch these fascinating sea creatures in their natural habitat!

Explore Dolphin and Whale Watching tours and activities

11. Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast stretches from the coastal town of Caloundra situated a 1-hour drive north of the port of Brisbane to the Great Sandy National Park further in the north. This beautiful area encompasses charming historic villages, lush rainforests, pristine beaches and rich and diverse flora and fauna. If you are looking for unspoiled beauty and untouched nature – you’re at the right place!

Explore Sunshine Coast tours and activities

12. Gold Coast

On the other hand, Gold Coast is an urban metropolitan area located approximately a 1-hour drive south of Brisbane Port. It is renowned for its long sandy and world-class surfing beaches, a network of waterways and canals, and a rich culinary and entertainment scene that includes theme parks such as Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld, and Wet’n’Wild water park. The area represents a perfect blend of the city skyscrapers and an interesting natural landscape that is home to rare animal species and plants.

Explore Gold Coast tours and activities

13. Lamington National Park

This vast national park is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, about a 1-hour 40-minute drive south of the port of Brisbane. It is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most extensive area of subtropical forest in the world.

The geology of Lamington National Park dates back to more than 225 million years and the area covers 77 square miles (200 square kilometers). If you are seeking adventure, you can explore its dense forests, ancient trees, hundreds of waterfalls and interesting birdlife on a hiking trip as there are more than 160 km/100 miles of hiking trails. Many lookouts offer spectacular sceneries and amazing photo ops, so make sure you bring your best camera!

Explore Lamington National Park tours and activities

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This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

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WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL

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A new terminal has been constructed late 2020, Brisbane International Cruise Terminal at Pinkenba and has doubled the number of cruise ships in Brisbane. It has around 9,300 square meters set over two levels and connected to a 200-meter (660-foot) long wharf, with two air bridges facilitating the movement of passengers on and off ships.

Near the port, a $650 million AUD upgrade of Kingsford Smith Drive is well underway, which will see it turned it into a six-lane boulevard with a boardwalk along the river.

The cruise terminal is located at the mouth of the Brisbane River, only 15 minutes’ drive (12 km) from Brisbane Airport and 30 minutes’ drive (21 km) from the CBD and is close to major arterial roads including the Gateway Motorway and Kingsford Smith Drive.

The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is not currently serviced by public transport.

Port Authority

Hotels in Brisbane

Printable map to take along on your cruise.

Cruise calendar for this port and where you are docked.

Check here for festivals and events in Brisbane when you are in port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of Portside Wharf and Port Location on Google Maps

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of Multi-Use Terminal and Port Location on Google Maps

Sightseeing:

Brisbane locally known as Brissie (or Brisvegasis) the capital city of Queensland located on the River Brisbane near Moreton Bay. Brisbane named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, the governor of New South Wales at the time of the settlement, is the fourth-largest of Australia's state capitals. Nestled between the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, laid-back Brisbane makes the most of its magnificent beaches. Wander in the lush Botanical Gardens , shop in the Queen Street Mall, or enjoy the countless cafes and restaurants along the banks of the Brisbane River.

Among older buildings are Parliament House (1868); the Central Railway Station (1901); the People's Palace , notable for verandas and cast-iron balustrades; the town hall; and the only two surviving public buildings from the convict past, the stone Commissariat Store on the river and the Old Windmill (1827-1829), later transmuted into an Observatory, on the hill near Wickham Park. City Hall houses an art gallery and museum on Brisbane's history and growth.

Earlystreet Historical Village is an open-air museum conserving many characteristic Queensland buildings for posterity. Miegunyah Folk Museum , in an 1886 stilt house, records the lives and times of colonial women, and Newstead House, 4 km (2.5 mi) from central Brisbane, dates from the early 19th century and is the city's oldest private residence.

Of much more recent provenance (completed 1985) is the arts complex on the South Bank just across Victoria Bridge. This comprises the Queensland Art Gallery , which has an interesting Australian collection, the museum, and the state library and performing arts theaters.

Brisbane Visitor Information Centre and Booking Centre

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Catching one of the sleek CityCat ferries down the Brisbane River has become the popular sightseeing journey. Passengers can stand on the open-air front deck of the blue, white and yellow catamarans and glide under the Story Bridge to South Bank and the city center. They run every 15 to 30 minutes, between 5.40am and 11.45pm, from the University of Queensland in the southwest to Apollo Rd, Bulimba, and back (a little over one hour each way). There are 15 terminals in total including New Farm Park, North Quay (for the Queen St Mall), Riverside (for the CBD) and West End. The CityCats are wheelchair accessible at the University of Queensland, Guyatt Park, North Quay, South Bank 1 and 2, Hawthorne and Apollo Rd.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located in the Brisbane suburb of Fig Tree Pocket

The sanctuary is one of the very few sanctuaries in the world where visitors are actually allowed to hold koalas for a fee. Strict regulations ensure that each koala is not held for more than thirty minutes every day.

Visitors can also feed and pet the free-roaming kangaroos in the five-acre open-plan kangaroo reserve, where more than 130 of the animals freely reside. Kangaroos are sometimes seen with a joey in their pouch.

One can arrive by private car or taxi, a journey of approximately 20 minutes from the City. One can also catch a Brisbane Transport bus, or arrive by ferry from the Queensland Cultural center pontoon, a journey of approximately 1½ hours.

Shopping and Food

The main shopping area is Queen Street Mall surrounded by shopping centers.

Australian Dollar

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Communication:

Plenty of cafes which offer free WiFi for customers around

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Shops and services are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many shops stay open late on Thursday or Friday evening - usually until 9pm - and all day on Saturday. Shopping malls are often open on Sundays as well.

In remote country areas, roadhouses provide all the essential services for the traveler and, on the major highways, are generally open 24 hours a day. In tourist areas, even ones well off the beaten track, tourist offices are often open every day or at least through the week plus weekend mornings; urban information centers are more likely to conform to normal shopping hours.

Tourist attractions such as museums, galleries and attended historic monuments are often open daily, though those in rural communities may have erratic opening hours.

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Brisbane International Cruise Terminal

Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) is a new cruise ship terminal being built at Brisbane port in Queensland, Australia.

Project Type

International cruise terminal

Queensland, Australia

Owner/Operator

Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL)

Construction Started

Estimated investment.

A$158m ($113.8m)

Expected Completion

Contractors.

Arup, Arkhefield

The new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) is being built at Brisbane port in Queensland, Australia and will be located at Luggage Point on the northern side of the Brisbane River.

The new cruise ship facility will be able to accommodate the world’s biggest cruise ships. It will become a gateway to the south-east and offer regional economic and tourism opportunities.

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The project is being carried out by Port of Brisbane with an estimated investment of A$158m ($113.8m).

The need for a new international cruise terminal has been identified as 62% of cruise ships in the Australian market are expected to have a length of more than 270m by 2020.

The Port of Brisbane received approval from the state government to construct the new international terminal in October 2017.

Construction started in mid-2018 and is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Brisbane international cruise terminal features

The two-level cruise terminal building will occupy an area of 9,590m². A 200m-long wharf will be built along with two air bridges, which will allow passengers to enter and exit the cruise ships.

The BICT will also feature public open spaces and parking areas for buses and cars.

Brisbane international cruise terminal construction

Ground improvement works, including filling and surcharging the site, are currently undergoing at the terminal. The surcharging process involves placing of 18,000 wicks and laying of 13,000m² of geofabric, which will be left for settling for 12 months. A 380m rock wall was also built along the foreshore of the site for stabilisation and prevention of soil erosion.

The existing roads between Main Myrtletown Road and Marine Road at Pinkenba will be upgraded to improve traffic efficiency, safety and road user accessibility to the new cruise terminal facility.

Construction of the wharf is expected to begin in late-2018. PBPL will employ a modular style of construction to reduce the costs.

The first vessel to visit the new terminal will be Carnival Spirit cruise ship, which will sail from Brisbane to destinations in the South Pacific and North Queensland.

Contractors involved

Arup and architect Arkhefield received the design contract for the BICT project in January 2018. It will provide detailed design and analysis of the wharf, terminal building, and landside civil works.

Carnival Australia and Port of Brisbane entered an agreement for the purchase of up to 100 foundation berthing days a year, with a limit to use up to four days in any week for 15 years. The agreement allows Carnival Australia to receive priority berthing rights at the terminal .

Benefits of Brisbane international cruise terminal

The BICT will become the missing link in Brisbane’s tourism infrastructure. It will add up to $1.3bn to the Queensland economy. It will also create 245 new jobs during construction and 49 operational jobs a year, over the next 20 years.

The project will unlock under-utilised and undeveloped land using private investment to deliver significant economic benefits for the state.

The terminal will allow 766,260 visitors a year and will also increase cruise tourism along Queensland coast.

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Brisbane Cruise Terminal to create new car parks

Passengers at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal will soon have 340 more onsite car parks because of a surge in demand.

Port of Brisbane CEO, Neil Stephens, said the extra capacity would be a great addition to the new terminal. It welcomed 138 vessels and almost 650,000 passengers in its first 12 months of operation. The car spaces for Brisbane Cruise Terminal will be completed in 2024.

Stephens said: “We experienced significant demand for onsite car parking last season, particularly during the busy summer months, and we expect similar again this year as passengers plan their cruise holidays.

“We hope the extra car park capacity will help ensure the experience for cruise passengers at the BICT is as seamless and easy as possible.”

Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd, owner of the BICT, will oversee the car park extension. It will increase the size of existing car parks 2 and 3 and relocate the staff car park. The additional car parks will increase total onsite car parking to 1282 parking bays.

Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is fast becoming a powerhouse port in the cruise market. The new car spaces will help even further.

Stephens said: “Brisbane has experienced a remarkable cruise recovery, with Brisbane International Cruise Terminal welcoming 12 different cruise lines throughout the season.”

“We’re also looking forward to a second successful season.”

Brisbane will welcome more than 160 vessels to the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal during the 2023/24 cruise season. It runs from October 2023-September 2024.

Ships like Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas , Carnival Luminosa putting Queensland cruising in direct competition with Sydney and Melbourne.

Wilson Parking will continue to manage the BICT space.

I cannot fathom why public transport is not available to the terminal on cruise days. What were planners thinking of? It’s in the middle of nowhere. Again looks impressive visually but not well thought out from a practical consumer angle. And it’s easily fixed.

Agree this new terminal is disappointing. There is no proper undercover parking so we use Portside. The old terminal though small was at least in a nice position with shops and cafes. A ferry to city is definitely needed and I wish there was a moving walkway to ship like at airports as it is a long walk if a bit infirm. We have seen many struggling with the long walk.

What a disgrace building this terminal next to a sewage treatment plant. This certainly isn’t very welcoming for locals or visitors to Brisbane. The tourists also have no public transport to visit our city for a stopover day, and for locals the drive is not attractive.

My family are heading of on another cruise in February 24, so hopefully we might see some changes.

Why no get a CityCat terminal. How hard would that be. David

Coincidentally i know there is a nearby (2mins drive) industrial land site being developed as a parking support space. But we should have a ferry running and the airport train extended past the domestic terminal…

As a passenger i have used the wonderful new cruise terminal but options for public transport are non existence apart and expensive taxis or uber. Had to catch a uber to the nearest bus stop which was still $20 down the road. Surely there could be a bus service laid on from Doomben train station to the cruise terminal.

We got caught out not booking parking in time for our cruise. Fortunately our sons’ came to the rescue.

Apart from that, everything was seamless and the Cruise Terminal ran quickly and efficiently without any hitch getting on and getting off. We were off the boat and in our car in about 10 minutes which amazed me.

They’re only adding more parking because there’s no public transport of any kind. This dreadful terminal is located in the middle of an ugly industrial area, miles from the city and with only a tiny cafe for the passengers. It’s a prime example of why Sydney should never built a cruise dock in Botany Bay. The Qld tourism gurus should be ashamed.

Needs more retail perhaps dfo would be good too many people for 1 coffee shop also it’s not a very nice area very industrial

We recently visited the cruise terminal to check out the parking situation as we are cruising in December. After our visit we’ll fly to Sydney to next time to board a cruise. Public transport is what’s needed to make it better, not more carparks.

The present terminal is an embarrassment.. It’s like a 3rd world country. Disgusting

What they need is public transport to run there. It is crazy to think that in 2023 we have a brand new cruise terminal and the only way to get there is by car.

As a cruise passenger unable to secure parking on 2 occasions in 2023 ours was not a good first impression of what other wise was a good terminal. It was most definitely not an easy or seamless experience and resulted in expensive mini bus hire and taxi trips for our groups. So additional parking is welcome news. However the roads to the port look and feel like a third world country’s. We all had to wonder what guests to Brisbane think of that experience! You are sitting on the river a long way from any services and it seems an oversight or after thought on “how do guests actually get here?” Sadly more poor planning Qld

I’m sure all the tourists visiting by boat will be thrilled with the new facilities. A rail connection would be 100000 times better.

HOW ABOUT TRANSPORT

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What you need to know about Brisbane International Cruise Terminal!

Posted by Kerry Heaney | Brisbane travel | 30

Here’s what you need to know about the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal and Brisbane Cruise Terminal parking. Don’t miss this crucial information and essential details about the location and parking that will surprise and disappoint you!

Table of Contents

What you need to know about Brisbane International Cruise Terminal

In the middle of 2020, the brand-new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) was finalised, heralding a warm welcome to cruise ships as Southeast Queensland’s inaugural specialized cruise hub. Representing Brisbane’s fresh haven for oceanic getaways, this terminal is accessible solely during cruise ship berthing times. The previous cruise terminal located at Portside Hamilton has since been shuttered, marking a significant transition.

Once you are inside the terminal building, it operates well. However, I found myself searching for shelter, unable to find car parking and stuck with expensive transport fares. Three years after completion, the long drive to the building is through an unguttered, industrial wasteland.  Not a great first impression of Brisbane for travellers.

Here’s my latest cruise review – Ditch Ordinary Life: Cruise from Australia to New Zealand with Princess Cruises for a Dreamy First Time Adventure 

It’s at Pinkenba, not Portside

The first thing you need to know is that the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal at Pinkenba is easy to confuse with the old Portside Wharf at Hamilton cruise terminal. They are both in the same general direction, but the new terminal is a long way further down the river, on the northern bank right at the naturally deep river mouth at Luggage Point, not far from Brisbane Airport

If you are booking parking or a ride-share app, ensure it displays the correct address. The apps tend to default to the most commonly used destination, which was previously Portside Wharf at Hamilton.

The terminal building is two storeys, with an undercover plaza and outdoor waterfront promenade. There are covered walkways where you can go after getting out of your ride and walk into the terminal.

The 208-metre wharf was built to service the world’s largest cruise ships at the time of opening in 2020. Since then, the ships have increased in size.

Once inside the terminal, passengers go through security screening and immigration. Then you can travel from the terminal building to the vessel via a passenger boarding bridge and a 270m elevated walkway. It’s quite a leisurely stroll.

Inside Brisbane Cruise Terminal. IMAGE: Kerry Heaney

​How to get to Brisbane International Cruise Terminal

The cruise terminal is located on the north side of the Brisbane River mouth, about 15 minutes’ drive (12 km) from Brisbane Airport and 30 minutes’ drive (21 km) from Brisbane’s CBD. The terminal is close to major arterial roads, such as Kingsford Smith Drive and Gateway Motorway.

There is no public transport to the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. However, if you are a local, you can book Brisbane Cruise Terminal parking , get a friend to drop you off, or take a taxi or ride share option.

Cruise passengers disembarking in Brisbane will find plenty of taxis and ride-share drivers available. In addition, your cruise ship may provide a city transfer or a city tour option.

Brisbane Cruise Terminal Parking

The terminal has about 900 onsite paid car parking spaces for passengers. Unfortunately, this is not enough to accommodate everyone, so the first thing to do after you book your cruise is book your parking as spaces book out well ahead. Construction has commenced on an additional 340 car parks, and these are expected to be available in 2024. Let’s hope this solves some of the problems.

Parking is available within walking distance of the terminal, and rates start at $32.40 a day. So, for a six-day cruise, you could pay $104.80. The question is whether this is cheaper or more expensive than a taxi or Uber? This will depend on how far you need to travel to reach the terminal.

Convenience is another factor. Having your car when you arrive back from your cruise might be handy. If you decide to drive and park, book early, as there are insufficient parking spaces for passengers on large cruise ships.

There are different types of parking available, with some offering weather protection. Whether this weather protection would save you in a hailstorm must be tested. Please share below if you have thoughts on this.

A cheaper alternative is a shuttle service, where you park further away from the terminal, and the company provides transfers and pick-ups.  You can book in advance with Wilson Parking .

It’s also difficult if you want to visit the terminal for a short period, perhaps to meet some friends.  I suggest you just drive by and pick them up in the loading zone.

If Brisbane is just a stop on your cruise, you should know here is nothing to do at the terminal, and most places you might want to visit, such as Portside or the DFO, are an expensive return Uber or taxi ride away.  For an easy pub lunch, you can call Trade Coast Hotel at Pinkenba on 07 3261426.  They will come and pick you up from the ship and return you after you enjoy lunch at their bistro restaurant.

Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.  IMAGE: Kerry Heaney

What’s it like to cruise on Quantum of the Seas from Brisbane?

Can you eat there?

There is now a cafe at the terminal that is open at 7 am on cruise days. The Cruise Cafe serves coffee, light meals, snacks and other drinks.

Any shopping?

There are no shopping outlets at the terminal. 

What happens if your cruise ship is delayed docking?

This happened to me when the cruise ship was delayed because of a medical emergency. It’s good to know that a high priority is placed on the health of cruise passengers.

Unfortunately, the late arrival and delay in boarding caused massive problems at the terminal. People were standing in the hot sun in long queues for up to two hours. So if you get a notification that your ship is arriving late, don’t rush to be there early. It really won’t help. You are much better off arriving at the time they suggest and spending less time in a queue.

I wished I had better sun protection, such as a long-sleeved shirt and my hat for the boarding queue.

Getting off the ship

There were no delays in getting off the ship.  I chose to handle my own bags and was able to disembark soon after the ship docked.  It was simple to get through customs and then to the taxi queue.  There were plenty of taxis waiting as the drivers had received an alert that the ship was docking.

More information on  Brisbane International Cruise Terminal .

Departing Brisbane International Cruise Terminal at sunset. IMAGE: Kerry Heaney

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30 Comments

I’m sure there is wifi at the terminal although it might be busy when the ship comes in and this might mean it takes longer to get through. You’ll find the customs process is quite efficient and they should get through easily. Just a tip: I always pack any food items and anything made from wood or straw in a separate bag so they are easy to show to customs. That way you don’t have to unpack your bag. Hope this helps.

I’ve got to pick up some friends, and was planning to wait at DFO until I heard from them that they’d cleared customs. They don’t have an Aussie phone sim. Is there a public phone box at the cruise terminal? I have read there is no wifi available there.

Great idea! Unfortunately the cruise terminal is only open when a ship is there. Maybe time it around the next arrival or departure.

Hi Kerry – we went to check out the drop of loading zone yesterday (we have booked parking at Airpark) And want to drop people off but the gates were shut and we couldn’t lol around ?

Hi Peter, I suggest you contact the terminal directly on this one. Have a great cruise!

I have a disability permit. How long can I wait at the terminal pick-up point?

Hi Trevor, in my experience, no. My bags were scanned when boarding and I don’t believe alcohol is allowed. Different ships may have different regulations so best to check with the cruise line before boarding.

Can alcohol be taken onto a cruise ship? Like a bottle of liqueur?

All too true! The location is dictated by the available access for large ships so it had to be Pinkenba but there’s so much that can be done to improve the terminal and access to the city. It’s a shame.

I’m so sorry that you had this poor experience at the port. Brisbane is a great place to visit and this new facility does not showcase it well. Despite multiple approaches and stories in the port’s lack of facilities, little has changed.

We were there last October, No transport, No Taxi’s, No food, No Nothing, so I sent a email to the Minister of Tourism, he did not have the decency to even reply with our suggestions. A waste of a port to visit.

If you’re not a local the new terminal is rubbish. It’s in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by factories. It has no public transport and not enough parking, which is expensive anyway. No car rental depots within cooee and even the airport is not very convenient. Trying to get an Uber to collect you from the ship is very difficult. Compared to the previous wharf at Hamilton, which had car rentals, shopping, dining and a lovely ferry ride into the CBD, this terminal was a big waste of money. Look at Circular Quay, Station Pier Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Fremantle, all so much more accessible than Pinkenba.

Accessibility is another problem. Parking is totally booked out months in advance and there’s no public transport.

We have sailed once from Pinkenba. It is better than the previous cattle market arrangement at Hamilton but requires a food outlet for, at least,snacks

sounds like a big white elephant i will not be traveling to brisbane for any more cruises did it once driver in taxi from Roma street didnt know were it was, should have learnt my lesson but decided to try again with new terminal wrong all i read are bad reports COMMING by train from Sydney no proper way to get there but expensive cab ride [hate flying ] WOULD SEEM CANT EVEN GET A CUP OF COFFEE ,please Brisbane and p o get your bloody act together ,

The closest train station would be at the Brisbane International Airport. The best access between the airport and cruise terminal would be via taxi or ride share. There is no public transport option.

What’s the nearest train station to the terminal

I’ve just finished a cruise on Majestic Princess and loved it! There are no eating places at the port apart from the coffee van, but it’s not far to walk out and meet family in the car park. Unless the ship is providing a shuttle service, there’s no public transport available. You can book a ride share or take a taxi from the ranks. The closest place for cafes and restaurants is Portside at Hamilton. There are plenty of nice places to eat there. You can also try Racecourse Road, which is just a little further. It’s about a 20-minute drive. Another place would be the DFO Shopping Centre, with a range of eateries. It’s about 16 minutes away from the port.

We will be arriving on the Majestic Princess on 9th March. Will there be any eating places open apart from the coffee van. How far to walk from the ship out of the port to the visitors car park to meet family. Is there a shuttle service to the city .

I’m flying in, so won’t be parking there ‍

If there is no delay in the ship’s arrival, I have heard that the system works quite well, so don’t be too worried. If you find a long queue, go to the administration desk at the front of the terminal and ask for assistance. I would expect they will provide help for anyone using a walker. I hope you have a great cruise.

Is it any better now in january for someone with a wheelie walker please

That was my experience. The ship was late because of a medical emergency. These don’t often happen, thank goodness, but you would think there could be a better plan for this occurrence. The road there is not pretty, and no public transport or even enough parking is a big fail. Don’t even start me on the coffee/drink situation.

So, in summary then: a modern multi-million dollar badly designed, user unfriendly, public transport disaster (like the Gabba), white elephant then. Lets all struggle to reach it, then stand in the hot sun without food or drink for hours while they sort the basic loading procedures out. What a brilliant first impression for any incoming travellers, and locals alike. Brought to you by your own tax funded Govt.

Would you need the wheelchair onboard the ship or in Brisbane? I’d suggest contacting short-term wheelchair hire places in Brisbane as a start.

Any idea how I can get a wheelchair at the terminal for a 2 week hire for my Mum please? Thanks in advance for any help!

It’s all very random at the moment. Even the roads getting there need attention. My best tip is to book your parking when you book your cruise. Cruising is here to stay now and that might encourage more people to offer options. There’s certainly a business opportunity there.

Do u think there will be more options on getting to the terminal in nov….seems pretty expensive at the moment.. I tried con-x-sions, but there times done suit…. Bit silly…u would think when cruise ships are in, someone would have a shuttle service running continuely, as a responsible price…‍

There’s a drop off pick up area outside the terminal were you can collect your friends. I’d suggest they call you when they are in the terminal and then you come to the pick up area as you only have a two minute window. It’s like picking up people from the airport.

How do you pick up friends from a cruise for a few hours while the ship is docked. How can we pick them up?

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At Eat Drink and Be Kerry, our editorial policy is founded on the principles of authenticity, quality, and trustworthiness. We are dedicated to providing our readers with unbiased, informative, and engaging content that revolves around the world of food, travel, and culinary experiences.

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Brisbane (Queensland Australia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Australia - New Zealand - Pacific Ocean Islands

Local Time 2024-03-30 22:14

Port Brisbane cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Brisbane, Queensland Australia. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Brisbane cruise port is located in Southeastern Queensland. It is the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast gateway. The city is Australia's 3rd most populous - after Sydney (New South Wales) and Melbourne (Victoria)  and is followed by Perth (Western Australia) and Adelaide (South Australia) . Trends show that the Australian cruising market is growing at a rapid pace. It has some of the industry's highest penetration rates nationally. The Australian cruise ports' strongest competition today comes only from Singapore and Hong Kong (China) .

Brisbane is geographically the only cruise port from which can be operated 7-day roundtrip Queensland cruise itineraries that visit 2-3 Australian ports (like Airlie Beach , Cairns , Port Douglas ). The shorter the itinerary - the lower the price, which means more potential customers able to afford a Queensland cruising vacation. The city's location additionally gives year-round good weather, plus a large number of local residents living within 4 hours drive from the cruise port.

Port Brisbane

The seaport is located in one of city's suburbs and on Fisherman Island - man-made, with land reclaimed from the islands group at Brisbane River's. Brisbane is ranked Australia's 3rd busiest and also Queensland's largest and fastest-growing cargo port (followed by Gladstone and Townsville ) with annual international shipping trade over AUD 50 billion. The port is managed by the private company Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd under a 99-year lease from the state's government. The port has a total of 29 berths including 9 deep-water (for container ships) and 3 deep-water (for bulk carriers), plus 17 other for bulk and general cargo ships. The annual traffic is over 2600 vessels, with handled over 28 million tons of cargo.

The port area also includes the shipping channel across Moreton Bay - extending 90 km (56 mi) north to Mooloolaba . Port's channels and berths are dredged annually to maintain the 14 m (46 ft) depth at lowest tide.

Beside its cruise terminals, the port has facilities to handle cargo ships (oil tankers, bulk carriers and  container ships ) and dry-dock facilities for major marine vessel refurbishments and repairs.

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - AUBNE
• supported by excellent road, rail and air infrastructure
• deepwater berths
• sheltered harbor area
• access unrestricted by tides
• Gateway Bridge restricted access (185 ft / 56,4 m clearance)

In bad weather (15+ knot winds - 17 mph / 28 kph) turning around cruise ships in the Brisbane River is impossible since the ship's side acts as a sail).

capability to accommodate 2 vessels at a time

Port pilot assistance is provided by "Brisbane Marine Pilots Pty Ltd" (privately-owned company). Port pilotage is compulsory for vessels of 164 ft / 50 m LOA length or more and also for any vessel when directed by Harbour Master.

The Brisbane cruise ship terminal doesn't provide shore-to-ship power (shore-side electricity supply) which could reduce significantly the levels of emissions, noise and vibration in port.

The cruise port is accessible the whole year round – 24/7, 365 days a tear.

Cruise ships usually arrive in Brisbane in early morning (6 or 8 am) and depart from Brisbane in the late afternoon and early evening (at 2, 4 or 5 pm).

Among the Port's main cargoes is coal, of which roughly 60% originates from the open-pit mining site New Acland Mine. Cruise wharves are two. Portside Wharf (2006-opened) is the international terminal for smaller cruise liners. The facility has restaurants, coffee bar, gift shops. Due to Gateway Bridge's height restrictions, larger liners dock at the industrial Multi User Terminal.

In January 2008, Port of Brisbane Corporation signed an agreement with Brisbane Container Terminals (subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa) to operate cargo berths 11 and 12 for 42 years (until 2050).

The completed in 2 years and inaugurated in August 2018 "Port Drive Upgrade" was Brisbane Harbour's ever-biggest infrastructure development project (budgeted AUD 110 million). The project was crucial as 3,1+ million vehicles use its roads annually.

On April 5, 2018, the new China-built gantry crane (by ZPMC / "Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries") started operations at Brisbane Container Terminal. Same ZPMC cranes were also delivered and installed in Sydney (one, in April) and Melbourne (two, in March).

• The equipment (all 9 gantry cranes) was ordered by DP World Australia (Australia's main and largest container port and supply chain operator) ’to serve the country's container terminals. By this USD 180 million project were also delivered 20x straddle trucks, 4x RTGs (rubber tyred gantry cranes), 38x forklifts (industrial trucks).
• Each of the 9x ZPMC cranes costs USD 14 million, has rated capacity 65 tons (under spreader) and 75 tons (under heavy lift beam), rail gauge 25,3 m, above rail hoist height 38 m, hoist speed 90 m per min (loaded) and 180 m / min (unloaded).
• In June 2018, Port Brisbane launched a pilot project for recycling garbage from international vessels. Before that, crews separated recyclable garbage on the ships, but have limited options to offload the materials for recycling at Australian seaports. Upon offloading, any garbage is combined and either incinerated, autoclaved or deep-buried, without any recycling alternatives, thus creating a disincentive for vessels to discharge it in Australian ports.

Brisbane cruise port

(statistics) In 2006 (first year of operation), the cruise port handled 55 ships and 45000 passengers, making it Australia's second largest - after Sydney. In 2014, passenger numbers increased by 207% in comparison to 2006 - up to 138000.

(statistics) in the period between October 2013 and April 2014, the cruise port was visited by 24 unique ships (from a total of 71 ship calls). Those cruise ships disembarked here over 138,000 passengers plus over 50,000 crew.

(statistics) Queensland is Australia's second-largest cruise market that supports over 2100 jobs. In 2015 it generated around AUD 590 million in direct/indirect local expenditure from 239 ship calls and 442253 passenger days at port.

In March 2013, the City Council approved a new cruise port terminal plan at Myrtletown Precinct. It will be capable to welcome the world's largest cruise vessels. In November 2014, "Portside Wharf Hamilton" cruise terminal welcomed its millionth passenger.

During season 2015-2016, Queensland was visited by a record number of cruise ships - 329, ranking it Australia's most visited state. In April 2015, Princess Cruises (second largest Carnival Corporation brand) announced that for season 2016-2017 the company homeport 5 ships in Australia - Emerald , Golden , Sun , Sea and Dawn . The new deployment expanded the company's capacity by 20%. The vessels were deployed for departures from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Each of the Princess Cruises Australia deals offers two optional "Land and Sea Vacation" packages. The "Australian Outback" package offers the opportunity to immerse in the Aboriginal culture and tradition on cruises to Great Barrier Reef and Uluru (aka Ayers Rock, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park). The "Ultimate Australia" package includes Sydney city tour, visiting Great Barrier Reef, port Darwin, plus the "Australian Outback" package inclusions.

In February 2016, PBPL ("Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd") confirmed the Queensland Government's approval for building the new Luggage Point cruise ship terminal. The new facility (at the mouth of Brisbane River) allows longer ships to dock in a location closer to the city. Bigger vessels currently berth at the multiuse (grain) terminal, which is a cargo area. Currently, the port has no place where large ships (longer than 885 ft / 270 m) can be berthed. By year 2020, the port's new passenger terminal Luggage Point will be able to accommodate even the world's biggest cruise vessels, which will represent ~60% of all calls. The new terminal will also act as a gateway to South East Queensland for many thousands of additional tourists every year.

In 2016, Royal Caribbean (the world's second-largest cruise ship owner) increased its Australian passenger capacity by 20%. Scheduled were more than 90 AU departures (by the company's 3 brands - RCI, Celebrity and Azamara). RCI deployed Legend of the Seas (now Marella Discovery 2) in Brisbane. However, in mid-April 2016 was announced that with the Legend's re-deployment from Australia to Europe (2017), Royal Caribbean will discontinue offering Brisbane departures as the bigger-sized RCI ships can’t dock at the Portside terminal. The company will not offer cruises out of Brisbane until the new "Luggage Point" terminal (east of Gateway Bridges) is constructed. Also, due to a lack of appropriate transportation to downtown, many passengers prefer to stay on the ship rather than going downtown. Unfortunately, Legend was the only RCI ship small enough to berth at Portside.

In December 2016, here arrived RCI's newest Quantum-class ship Ovation of the Seas . In 2017, NCL Norwegian homeported  Norwegian Star  for regular departures out of Brisbane and Auckland NZ .

For season 2017-2018, the cruise port handled a total of 78 ship calls. For season 2018-2019, their number grew to 94 (out of Queensland's total 520 calls). The port plans to create a new (bigger) cruise terminal by relocating the current terminal to a permanent building part of a retail precinct (adjacent to Portside Wharf) where can be found fine dining venues, cafes, supermarket, fashion boutique, beauty services.

In February 27, 2018, ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) made a proposal to allow port development arrangements between Port Brisbane and Carnival Cruise Line for AUD 158 million (USD 113 million) port development project that will result in building a new cruise terminal. By this 15-year lease deal, Carnival will pay a fixed price to use the facility, and in exchange will receive preferential berthing. ACCC's conditional authorization for the deal was granted in May 2018.

In 2018, the port handled 151 cruise ship calls. For 2019 were booked 155 calls. Most operations are homeport (roundtrips). Nearby-located tourist attractions include Australia Zoo (Sunshine Coast), Gold Coast Theme Parks (Australia's largest theme park), Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (in Brisbane's Fig Tree Pocket suburb).

In 2018 started works (AUD 650 million project) for upgrading Kingsford Smith Drive (boulevard and esplanade) connecting Pinkenba suburb to the city's central business district (Breakfast Creek). The boulevard was upgraded from 4-lane to 6-lane and a riverside boardwalk was added. The project resulted in easier cruise terminal access, improved parking and public transportation.

In December 2022, the Brisbane Cruise Terminal was temporary closed for conducting a USD 20 million (~AUD 30M) revamp of the Portside Wharf. During the renovation works, Port Brisbane accommodated ships at Pinkenba Wharf's new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (2022-opened/inaugurated). Between 2006-2022, Portside Wharf's Brisbane Cruise Terminal handled 1250+ vessels (of various types) and around 3,3 million cruise tourists.

Cruise itineraries to and from Brisbane Australia

Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Brisbane:

• World Cruises – from Brisbane are offered around the world voyages by bigger luxury lines (mainly by Cunard, P&O, Princess). Full-length itineraries (eastbound or westbound) can be up to 110+ days round-trips and usually start from the UK (out of Southampton ). On those, Australia is only a mid-itinerary destination offering one-way departures from Fremantle-Perth , Adelaide , Melbourne , Sydney or Brisbane back to Southampton (disembarkation port). The length of such segment itineraries is up to 2 months (UK disembarkation). Smaller segments offer between 14-30+ days long itineraries to ports in Asia ( Singapore , Hong Kong , Dubai ) or eastbound to USA ( San Francisco , Los Angeles ). Longer segments may end in some of the biggest Mediterranean ports (Piraeus-Athens, Venice, Civitavecchia-Rome, Barcelona) and on eastbound routes - in the USA (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, NYC New York).
• Eastbound world cruise segments from Brisbane may include Panama Canal transition and even Transatlantic crossing to Europe (UK). Segments with westbound routes may include Suez Canal transition .
• Longer (up to 2-weeks) itineraries between Brisbane and Singapore (or extensions to Hong Kong) usually visit ports in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines.
• "Circle Australia" cruises are longer (up to 15-days) one-way itineraries between Brisbane and Fremantle.
• "Around Australia" cruises with round-trips from Brisbane are up to a month long and do a full circumnavigation of the continent. The itinerary includes most of Australia's big ports plus Hobart Tasmania (overnight stay), New Guinea, and often Indonesia.
• Themed "Barrier Reef Discovery" and "Queensland Cruise" itineraries are round-trips from Brisbane to Airlie Beach , Yorkey's Knob , Cairns , Willis Island (Coral Sea) , Hamilton Island , Port Douglas , and of course - the Great Barrier Reef itself.
• Round-trip Australia to New Zealand cruises out of Brisbane are 14-days in length, with Auckland NZ as turnaround port.
• "South Pacific Islands" itineraries are mostly 7-day round-trips (some up to 12-days) visiting ports in New Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo, Papua New Guinea.
• Cruise to Nowhere Brisbane deals are on 3-day round-trip itineraries without any ports of call along the route. Generally, these are themed voyages with themes like "food and wine", comedy, sports, wellness, music, "Australia Day", etc. There are onboard pre-scheduled theme events and activities like parties, concerts, meetings, presentations, tastings, etc.
• Short-break ("Mini Cruises") visit Moreton Island (3-4-day), Airlie Beach (4-day), Hamilton Island (4-day), Moreton Island and Gladstone (4-day).

Australia's ship relocations (RepositionCruises.com) are considered most of the one-way itineraries between Australia and Asia and the USA (Hawaii-Alaska-California), and also when ships change their Australian homeports. The latter include short one-ways between Sydney-Brisbane-Melbourne, also Adelaide and Fremantle. Brisbane to Sydney mini-cruises are offered as 2-day relocation voyages.

Brisbane cruise terminal

Brisbane cruise terminal is in service since August 29, 2006, and it is the second biggest Australian cruise port. The terminal building was part of an AUD 750 million port development project by Brookfield Multiplex.

(NEW) Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (Luggage Point)

The facility is located near Myrtletown (across Fisherman Island, southeast of Multiuser Terminal), at the mouth of Brisbane River, on Gateway Bridge's ocean side, near Brisbane Airport. With berth length 1130 ft (345 m), here can dock some of world's largest passenger liners  - like RCI's Quantum-class (4100 passengers).

• In March 2013, a plan for a new passenger terminal at Myrtletown Precinct was approved by City Council. The land (owned by Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd / PBPL) was designated for the future facility and included in City Plan 2014.
• In January 2016, Queensland Cabinet opened a discussion about the port's proposal to allow building of a new cruise ship docking facility at Luggage Point.
• In February 2016, Southeast Queensland PBPL (Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd) confirmed it had received first stage of approval from Queensland Government to build an USD 100 million terminal at Luggage Point.
• The final agreement between Port Brisbane and Queensland Government over the construction was announced on April 9, 2017.
• On June 6, 2018, Carnival Australia signed the commercial agreement for the "Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) project.
• In February 2019, for the wharf construction was contracted "Brady Marine & Civil" (Brisbane-based marine infrastructure and engineering company). For the terminal building construction was contracted Hindmarsh (Australian company). Works were scheduled to start in April 2019.

The facility is privately built by Carnival Corporation (via its subsidiary Carnival Australia) and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (via the subsidiary RCCL Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd). The project is 100% privately-funded, with budget AUD 177 million (USD 130M). By the deal signed with Carnival (May 2018), the company is limited in the number of weekend days dockings and not given the first option on which days to berth in case the terminal is expanded. Carnival also pays the seaport a fixed fee for 15 years (until 2035) in return for the preferential berthing rights.. As of 2018, Carnival Australia is the only company homeporting in Brisbane. Carnival Australia signed a long-term agreement with Port Brisbane committing to purchase a max of 100 ‘berthing days of no more than 4 per any week for 15 years (until 2035), and in exchange receives priority berthing rights.

After its completion (2019-2020), in the first 5 years, the new cruise terminal will handle projected 1,8 million passengers and over 1100 vessels. By 2020, mega liners will represent approx 60% of all ship calls.

When built, the new terminal at Luggage Point will also take ships that currently can't dock in Sydney NSW due to its own infrastructure challenges.

• The new facility is at no risk to the Government and will potentially triple the size of the Queensland cruise industry over the next 20 years. The project will generate over 3750 new jobs. Annually are expected over 766000 cruise ship visitors, contributing around AUD 1 billion in gross output to state's economy (fees and charges, fresh produce purchasing, passenger spending).
• Among new terminal's features are sufficient berth length and turning basin, deep-water frontage (minimizing dredging costs), separation from port's main cargo-shipping, airport-close location, avoiding air draft issues (Sir Leo Hielscher bridges restrictions).
• A second swing basin (ship turning basin) could be needed after year 2022. It should be closer to the mouth of Brisbane River (where it's deeper), with minor impact to the nearby mangroves. The current swing basin can support up to 150 cruise vessels planned for the new terminal.
• Port's road infrastructure will be upgraded. New roads to Luggage Point will be built (project cost USD 10 million) to upgrade its road connections (Main Beach Rd, Pipe Rd and the roads leading into the terminal).

The first cruise ship to dock at Brisbane's International Cruise Terminal had to be Pacific Dawn/now Ambassador Ambience (scheduled for October 3, 2020) but the call was prevented by the global Coronavirus crisis.

(NEW) Gold Coast Cruise Ship Terminal (Wavebreak Island)

In April 2014, Wave Break Island was proposed as the place for Brisbane's new cruise terminal and casino complex. The project was officially named "Broadwater Marine Project" (the below photo /click to enlarge). Among the 12 bidders is the consortium ASF Group. ASF is an Australian investment company (ASX-Listed) joint venture between Australia and China. ASF wants to build an AUD 7,6 billion Gold Coast development project, without digging an underwater tunnel. Such channel was previously planned to connect Wavebreak Island with The Spit. The no-digging plan saves Doug Jennings Park.

According to the plans, cruise ships will dock on the island's north-eastern side, where the cruise ship terminal and the casino complex will be positioned. The idea is supported by the 1640 ft / 500 m turnaround circle (swing basin south of Gold Coast Seaway).

• By this project, Wavebreak Island will be expanded, a new (man-made) island will be created and the north of Southport Spit will be developed.
• Land dumping options were estimated at AUD 365 million. Project's total cost was estimated at around USD 450 million (AUD 610M), to be entirely funded by private investments. An environmental impact study will be completed by the end of 2018.
• On the new island (called "Moon Island") will be constructed a total of 35 resort villas plus a clubhouse. Its total commercial space will be 333,680 ft2 (31000 m2) plus twice that size retail space.
• Landscape plans for the island show as centrepiece a 50-story tower building and a large marina (south), plus several smaller towers on the island's north side. Among the project's features are luxury hotels, modern casinos, yacht marinas, waterfront parks.
• Approvals are expected to be granted by 2017. By the new plans, the construction is set to finish in 2026.
• Plan updates revealed that the Gold Coast cruise terminal is unlikely to be built before 2019.
• The Broadwater Marine Project will be delivered in 9 stages. Stage 1 (by July 2019) includes canal dredging, environmental offsets, eco-marine park and part 1 of the Wavebreak's integrated resort. Stage 2 (by January 2021) includes the resort, “southern Spit Hotel” and residential developments. Between Jan 2021 and July 2026 on the Wavebreak island will be built residential and commercial buildings, retail district, leisure attractions (incl international street, art museum and school).
• The Gold Coast Cruise Ship Terminal (at the top-page photo) and the adjacent resort will generate full time jobs for over 12,000.

The Wavebreak Island was artificially created in 1985 as part of the Gold Coast Seaway to protect the Broadwater's western foreshore and to stabilize the entry.

Gold Coast is a port city located approx 66 km (41 mi) south-southeast of Brisbane.

Portside Wharf Hamilton cruise terminal

• address - "Port Office, 3 Port Central Avenue, Port of Brisbane QLD 4178, Brisbane, Australia"
• location - on Brisbane River (upstream from Gateway Bridge, at the river's north bank), at approx 6 mi / 10 km drive distance from the city's center and 4,5 mi / 7 km from CBD (central business district). The terminal offers easy access to Gateway Motorway leading to Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast (both at 1 1/2 hours drive distance). The cruise ship terminal is also close to the Brisbane International Airport. 
• Located across Brisbane River is a working dry-dock facility.
• 1 berth (max ship length 886 ft / 270 m)
• River channel depth (and berth depth) is 30 ft / 9 m (max draft).
• jet bridge gangway
• The terminal (max capacity 3000 passengers) was privately developed. Its owner and operator is Brookfield Residential. The facility was inaugurated in August 2006. Its construction cost was USD 750 million.
• Hamilton Portside cruise terminal is part of a premium retail-dining precinct (Hamilton being one of city's most luxurious suburbs). Portside Wharf is the commercial international cruise ship terminal, with adjacent car parking, large taxi area, bus parking (capacity 40 tour buses). The area also has a luxury residential and retail shopping precinct with restaurants, boutiques, cinema complex (Dendy Portside), public plaza, fish shop, supermarket. Precinct's visitors are mostly cruiseship tourists, but also locals arriving from Bretts Wharf by CityCat ferries.
• Portside Wharf attracts some of the world's top-rated luxury vessels. Once a week (on average), here dock also expedition cruise ships, as well as mega yachts.
• Across the Brisbane River there is a working dry-dock shipyard.

(Grain) Multiuse Terminal (for large cruise ships)

Gateway Bridge has a height restrictions and because of that larger ships berth at the Multiuse Terminal (the Grain Berth at Fisherman Islands) or Pinkenba Wharf.

• location - at the mouth of the Brisbane River, at ~ 16 mi / 25 km drive distance from CBD, (central business district) and at ~ 14 mi / 23 km drive distance from Brisbane Airport. The nearest train station (Wynnum North) is at 10–15 min drive distance. From there to go to the city takes around 30 min. The Brisbane port's Visitors Centre (3 Port Central Ave) is at 5-min drive distance from the Terminal. The Centre is open Monday to Friday (between 8.30 am - 3 pm) and offers educational displays, port tour program, Observation Cafe (with panoramic views).
• This terminal is also at 15‐min drive from the Wynnum and Manly suburbs, both offering multiple shopping and dining options and beautiful parks overlooking Manly Boat Harbour and Moreton Bay.
• 3 berths are available (total length 2300 ft / 700 m), berth max depth is 46 ft / 14 m
• Due to Gateway Bridge's height restrictions (185 ft / 56,4 m clearance), large cruise liners can not to pass underneath to proceed and dock at Portside Wharf. Instead, they dock either at Pinkenba Wharf (QLD) or at Port of Brisbane (Multiuser Terminal, Grain Berth) at the Fisherman Island's Cargo Terminal. The Pinkenba suburb (in the city's eastern part) is on Brisbane River (northern banks, some 6 mi / 10 km from the CBD district).
• The Multiuser Terminal is equipped only for periodical day ship calls, which means it has limited facilities in comparison to the Hamilton cruise terminal at Portside Wharf. There is only a small cafe bar for coffee, tea, cold beverages and light snacks (no EFTPOS facilities, public telephones, postal office, ATM, car-rental). The closest ATM machine is at Caltex Truck Stop (Port Drive), at 5‐min drive distance from the terminal.
• The facility (Australian Customs) operates 24/7 (CCTV onsite security). Road access is from Port Drive. The terminal can handle general cargoes (excepting drybulk and wetbulk). The machinery includes a Gottwald mobile crane and a Deer Park gantry crane.

Multiuser Terminal doesn't offer regular public transportation services. For cruise passengers are available the following options: pick up / drop off by family/friends (free parking), taxis (waiting at the terminal;s taxi rank) and shuttle bus arrangements (must be made by Shipping Agent).

Howard Smith Wharves (CityCat ferry terminal)

In early-November 2018, Port Brisbane announced plans to build a new CityCat ferry terminal at Howard Smith Wharves (HSW). The facility will become Brisbane’s 26th passenger terminal.

The project is budget USD 12 million and is part of Howard Smith Wharves USD 100 million development project. The CityCat terminal was co-funded by Brisbane City Council ($9 million) and Howard Smith Wharves Consortium ($3 million). Joint funding agreements with private developers is a new policy to keep building and maintenance costs down.

Brisbane's new CityCat terminal was scheduled for completion in 2020. In mid-September 2020,  Brisbane City Council contracted a single supplier to construct Howard Smith Wharves Ferry Terminal and to upgrade South Bank Ferry Terminal.  The South Bank project is for combining all ferry services (including CityCats and smaller boats) into a single passenger terminal that serves both berths.  HSW terminal project was co-funded with USD 3 million  by HSW (Howard Smith Wharves) and The Fantauzzo Brisbane Hotel Group. The reconstructed ferry terminal will allow dual berthing - for CityCats and monohull boats.  The USD 25 million (~AUD 34,1 M) tender for building both terminals was won by Fitzgerald Construction Australia. F or Howard Smith Wharves, works were scheduled to start in 2020 (off-site production) and early-2021 (on-site construction). South Bank terminal works start in mid-2021.

QLD's government in 2020 announced a plan to extend (with 3 new pontoons) the HSW ferry terminal and start from there regularly scheduled daily direct ferry crossings to North Stradbroke Island (aka Minjerribah, in Moreton Bay) . Travel time is ~2 hours, covering the distance of 35 mi (56 km) from downtown Brisbane.

Cruise ship terminal directions and parking

• (to Multiuser Terminal) - follow the street signs to "Port of Brisbane". Continue along Port Drive. Look on the left for tall grain silos. Turn left into Seafarers Str. Security will guide to the Grain Wharf's entrance gate. For dropping off / picking up cruise passengers, the onsite security will assist and direct through to the terminal's parking area.
• (to Portside cruise terminal) the facility has a taxi rank. It is also at some 10 min walking distance to a City Council bus station and a CityCat ferry stop.
• (from Portside Terminal to the city) Council Bus - walk around 650 ft / 200 m to the Bretts Wharf bus stop and catch bus line 300 (runs every 15 minutes Monday to Friday). Getting into the city takes ~ 25 min.
• (from the city to Portside Terminal) - catch bus line 300 on Adelaide Str (City Hall, bus stop 18) and travel to Bretts Wharf (bus stop.Riverview Tce).
• (by CityCat ferries) - Bretts Wharf ferry stop is around 650 ft / 200 m from Portside cruise terminal. CityCat ferries run every 10-15 min (during all the week). It it takes around 30 min from the Portside Terminal to the city.
• (by train) two train stations (Ascot and Doomben) are at ~ 30 min walking distance from Portside Terminal. Trains run at 30 min intervals (Monday to Saturday only).
• Car parking areas are available at the Brisbane Cruise Terminal and at the "retail and dining precinct". The number of parking spaces is 350 (some shaded). However, both car parks are short-term only and free of charge up to 3 hours.
• The list of available long term car parks in the area (which is close to Brisbane Airport) includes: Portside Parking, Abel Park, Kingsford Smith Parking, Brisbane Airport Parking, Gateway Parking, Alpha Car Parking. Each of those has a website and also offers car cleaning services (for a fee). Some of those even offer car repair services.

River cruise: explore the city with a tour by City Cats. The trip is 19 km from Lucia to Hamilton and you can bargain the price.

Riverlife Adventure Centre: a lot of sun and adventure activities in Kangaroo Point (Brisbane’s inner city).

Moreton Island: get wild or just laid back, the Island won’t disappoint you.

Cuddle a koala: go to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and catch a cutie, located half an hour from downtown Brisbane.

Brekky Creek Hotel: Queensland’s most popular watering hole. Try amazing steaks and taste “beer off the wood.”

Stradbroke Island: quiet place with beautiful sand. Explore amazing nature and lakes with fresh water.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb: you will need two hours and a half to climb to reach the bridge’s eastern side. The view from the top will take your breath away.

Go to a park: 25% of the area in Brisbane is green. The city is proud of its public gardens and parks (nearly 1,500). Visit the City Botanic Gardens, walk along Energex Brisbane Arbour to South Bank Parklands or just smell rose aroma at New Farm Park.

The Museum of Brisbane: explore the people, the culture and the heritage of Brisbane. The museum is located at the King George Square in the City Hall, ground floor.

Queensland Art Gallery/ Museum of Modern Art: you will find one of the biggest Aboriginal and Asian art collections in the world.

The Brewery at Milton: you will go through all the process of beer making and you will have the opportunity to try it at the Ale House bar.

Brisbane tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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More From Forbes

Disney cruise line reveals name and theme of new ship.

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Disney Cruise Line revealed the name of its next ship, the Disney Destiny, along with details about ... [+] its design theme, “Heroes and Villains.” The ship, sister to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will draw on the legacy of beloved Disney stories, characters and theme park attractions to forge a cruise vacation that will empower guests to embrace their own calling aboard every unforgettable voyage. (Disney)

Disney Cruise Line continues its rapid expansion with the reveal of the third Triton-class ship name and theme. The ship will be called the Disney Destiny, be themed after heroes and villains and is scheduled to be delivered in 2025.

The new ship continues Disney’s commitment to its cruise line , which launched the first Triton class ship, the Disney Wish in 2022 and is getting ready to launch a second, the Disney Treasure in December 2024. The cruise line also bought and is currently renovating a partially built ship to be called the Disney Adventure, which will homeport in Singapore. Disney bought the Adventure for a reported $44 million after Genting Cruise Lines fell into administration.

Disney Cruise Line revealed the name of its next ship, the Disney Destiny, as it reached a new ... [+] construction milestone today with the keel laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. With the good luck garnered by this maritime tradition, this sister ship to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure is beginning to take shape. (Omark Reyes, photographer)

About The Disney Destiny

The design theme of Disney Destiny will continue Disney’s legacy of storytelling by drawing inspiration from movies, characters and theme park attractions. According to a press release, “The Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering teams were inspired by the dynamic duality of every great Disney story, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their purpose, when developing the Disney Destiny.”

Those who take a cruise on the ship will be able to enjoy spaces, experiences and entertainment themed around stories like The Lion King , Hercules and One Hundred and One Dalmatians .

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“The Disney Destiny will celebrate our most legendary Disney stories and characters, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line in a press release. “As we continue to expand our fleet, the Disney Destiny will further strengthen our position as a leader in family cruising as we offer even more ways for families to experience Disney magic and world-class service at sea.”

Home ports, cruise routes, cost and onboard activities are not yet known. Like the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, there will be plenty of spaces for kids to play and spaces dedicated for adults to enjoy all around the ship. There will also be three main dining rooms that cruisers will rotate through during a sailing.

Cruising Is Back

According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), cruising is back in full force as of 2023. This is good news for Disney, who has three new ships debuting before the end of 2025. The 2023 State of the Cruise Industry CLIA report states that 85% of travelers who have cruised plan to cruise again, which is nine percent higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Disney Cruise Line guests can look forward to a signature island experience that celebrates nature ... [+] and the spirit and culture of The Bahamas at a new Disney port of call, which will be located on the breathtaking island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point. (Disney)

Other Disney Cruise Projects

Along with new cruise ships, Disney Cruise Line is getting ready to welcome cruisers to an all-new private island destination in The Bahamas, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The new island is set to welcome Disney fans for the first time in June 2024. With Lighthouse Point, Disney plans to invest between $250 million and $400 million into the project.

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