Howard Smith Wharves Brisbane
A vibrant riverside precinct beneath the Story Bridge, offering dining, bars, and stunning city views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical city lights
Howard Smith Wharves Brisbane
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical city lights

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant riverside precinct beneath the Story Bridge, offering dining, bars, and stunning city views.
"Magical atmosphere with captivating city lights and a unique riverside vibe."
📸 Capture the Skyline
Visit at night for the best city and Story Bridge views. Golden hour is also stunning!
🍻 Brewery Vibes
Felons Brewing Co. is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Great for casual drinks and bites.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Story Bridge Views
Under the Story Bridge
Iconic views of the illuminated Story Bridge and Brisbane skyline, especially magical at night.

Felons Brewing Co.
Riverside
Enjoy craft beers and casual bites with a lively atmosphere and great riverfront seating.

Mr. Percival's
Riverside
A chic, boat-themed bar offering cocktails and a relaxed vibe with stunning river views.

Playground & Lawn
Main Lawn Area
A family-friendly spot with a pirate ship playground and open green space for picnics and relaxation.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
BYO Alcohol Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Skyline
Visit at night for the best city and Story Bridge views. Golden hour is also stunning!
🍻 Brewery Vibes
Felons Brewing Co. is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Great for casual drinks and bites.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids love the pirate ship playground and open lawns. Perfect for a relaxed family outing.
🚶♀️ Riverside Strolls
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the river, taking in the sights and sounds of Brisbane.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Skyline
Visit at night for the best city and Story Bridge views. Golden hour is also stunning!
🍻 Brewery Vibes
Felons Brewing Co. is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Great for casual drinks and bites.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids love the pirate ship playground and open lawns. Perfect for a relaxed family outing.
🚶♀️ Riverside Strolls
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the river, taking in the sights and sounds of Brisbane.
🚢 CityCat Access
Easily accessible via the CityCat ferry, offering scenic river views on your journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Howard Smith Wharves is consistently praised for its stunning riverside location, offering magical views of the Story Bridge and Brisbane skyline, especially at night. Visitors love the vibrant atmosphere, diverse dining options, and family-friendly amenities like the playground. It's considered a must-visit for its unique vibe and accessibility.
"I visited Howard Smith Wharves on a rainy winter night, and the atmosphere was magical. The mild chill in the air, combined with the soft drizzle, made the lights on the Story Bridge and Brisbane’s towering skyscrapers even more captivating. The reflections on the wet ground added a romantic touch to the whole experience. Despite the weather, the area was lively yet peaceful — a perfect spot for a night stroll or a quiet drink by the river. It’s a must-visit location in the heart of Brisbane, especially if you enjoy scenic views and city lights with a unique riverside vibe."
Najmeh Sam
"What a fab place to visit ,great eateries,super walks along river.Ferry scheme works well,back & forth constantly all day & evening .Lots of good hotels,dotted along the wharf.Always can grab a drink or 2 at Felons ,good atmosphere,busy place."
Julie W
"Always a great day/night out with family or friends. We caught the citycat which had frequent stops. There's several food options (we had pizza and seafood, yum) great cocktails, even on busy days the wait time isn't too long. There's a pirate ship to keep the kids entertained and live music on the weekend, we love it here!"
Kristy Knezevic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) is easily accessible by various means. You can take a CityCat ferry to the Howard Smith Wharves stop, which offers scenic river views and is a public transport option.
Driving is also an option, with parking available, though it can be busy. Alternatively, you can walk or cycle from the CBD or South Bank, enjoying the riverside paths.Yes, there is parking available at Howard Smith Wharves. However, it can get very busy, especially during peak times and events. For free parking on weekday nights, consider parking up the top of the cliffs near Bowen Terrace, along Malt Street or Arthur Street, and then walking down.
Absolutely! Howard Smith Wharves is a fantastic destination for a walk. You can easily access it from the CBD or South Bank via pedestrian-friendly paths and bridges, offering beautiful riverfront scenery.
For Riverfire, arriving via CityCat is highly recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles. HSW is a top viewing location, but expect large crowds.
Yes, HSW is very well-connected by public transport. The dedicated Howard Smith Wharves CityCat ferry terminal makes it a breeze to get to. Buses also service the nearby CBD areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Howard Smith Wharves itself is generally free. It's a public space with various restaurants, bars, and open areas. You only pay for food, drinks, or specific ticketed events.
The grassy areas and parks at Howard Smith Wharves are free to access. You can enjoy picnics and relax on the lawns without any entry fee.
You can bring your own food for picnics in the designated park areas. However, bringing your own alcohol might be restricted, especially near licensed bars. It's best to check the specific rules for the area you plan to use.
Howard Smith Wharves is generally open throughout the day and into the night, with individual venues having their own operating hours. It's a vibrant precinct that comes alive in the evenings.
For popular restaurants like Ciao Papi, Stanley, or Mr. Percival's, booking a table in advance is highly recommended, especially for dinner or on weekends, to secure your spot.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
HSW boasts a diverse culinary scene. Popular choices include Ciao Papi for Italian with river views, Stanley for Cantonese, Mr. Percival's for relaxed river dining, and Felons Brewing Co. for casual brews and bites.
Most restaurants at Howard Smith Wharves offer a range of options, including vegetarian and often vegan dishes. It's always a good idea to check the menu or inform your server of any dietary requirements.
Felons Brewing Co. offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying craft beers and pub-style food with great views of the river and Story Bridge. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Yes, Mr. Percival's is a standout for cocktails with its unique boat-themed setting and riverfront views. Stanley Exclusive also offers sophisticated cocktails in an intimate setting.
You can have a picnic on the grassy areas at Howard Smith Wharves. While food is welcome, bringing your own alcohol might be restricted in certain spots.
📸 📸 Photography
The area directly under the Story Bridge offers stunning perspectives, especially at night when the bridge is illuminated.
The riverfront promenade provides great shots of the city skyline and the Brisbane River. For a unique angle, consider the views from Wilson's Outlook Reserve above HSW.Absolutely! Howard Smith Wharves is renowned for its spectacular night photography opportunities. The illuminated Story Bridge and the glittering city skyline create a magical backdrop.
While night offers the iconic illuminated views, golden hour (just before sunset) provides beautiful soft light for capturing the river and city. Daytime offers clear views of the architecture and river activity.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, for commercial shoots or professional photography, it's advisable to check with the HSW management for any specific permits or guidelines.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the Story Bridge and skyline, close-ups of the river activity, atmospheric shots of the bars and restaurants, and candid moments of people enjoying the precinct.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🥂 Couples & Date Nights
🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Riverfire at HSW
While HSW offers fantastic vantage points, it's important to note that the main lawn area is licensed, meaning bringing your own alcohol might be prohibited during major events like Riverfire. The atmosphere is electric, with live entertainment often preceding the fireworks. It's an unforgettable experience, but be prepared for a bustling environment and plan your transport and viewing strategy well in advance.
Dining and Drinks at HSW
Many of these venues are situated right on the riverfront, allowing diners to soak in the picturesque Brisbane skyline and the iconic Story Bridge. Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially for dinner on weekends, as these popular spots can fill up quickly. Even if you don't have a reservation, enjoying a drink at one of the bars and soaking in the atmosphere is a quintessential HSW experience.
Family-Friendly Fun at HSW
Beyond the playground, the general atmosphere of the wharves, with the riverboats and city buzz, can be captivating for children. Many of the restaurants offer kid-friendly menus, and the accessibility via CityCat ferry adds an element of adventure to the outing. It’s a great spot for a relaxed family day out or an evening stroll where kids can enjoy the open space and unique surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit