Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane
A repurposed tram power station turned vibrant arts hub, hosting shows, markets, and dining with stunning river views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience vibrant food & art
Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane
Best Time
Experience vibrant food & art

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A repurposed tram power station turned vibrant arts hub, hosting shows, markets, and dining with stunning river views.
"The best place to hold the Brisbane Comedy Festival. Great restaurant, great bar and fantastic venues."
🚢 Take the Ferry
The CityHopper ferry is a free and scenic way to reach the Powerhouse, offering great river views.
📅 Check Event Schedules
The Powerhouse hosts diverse events; check their calendar for shows, markets, and exhibitions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Night Feast Market
Brisbane Powerhouse
A vibrant twilight market featuring diverse food stalls from top Brisbane chefs, art installations, and pop-up bars.

Vertigo Dining Experience
Brisbane Powerhouse facade
A unique three-course dining adventure with a thrilling 17-meter abseil down the building's facade.

Comedy Festival Performances
Various venues within Brisbane Powerhouse
The Powerhouse is a premier venue for the Brisbane Comedy Festival, hosting a range of hilarious shows.

Farmers Markets
New Farm Powerhouse
A bustling Saturday market offering fresh produce, artisan goods, coffee, and food trucks.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Explore Dining & Parking Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Take the Ferry
The CityHopper ferry is a free and scenic way to reach the Powerhouse, offering great river views.
📅 Check Event Schedules
The Powerhouse hosts diverse events; check their calendar for shows, markets, and exhibitions.
🍽️ Dining Options
Restaurants may close for private events; check ahead or explore nearby New Farm eateries.
🅿️ Parking Fees Apply
Parking at the Powerhouse now has a daily fee. Consider nearby street parking or the ferry.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Take the Ferry
The CityHopper ferry is a free and scenic way to reach the Powerhouse, offering great river views.
📅 Check Event Schedules
The Powerhouse hosts diverse events; check their calendar for shows, markets, and exhibitions.
🍽️ Dining Options
Restaurants may close for private events; check ahead or explore nearby New Farm eateries.
🅿️ Parking Fees Apply
Parking at the Powerhouse now has a daily fee. Consider nearby street parking or the ferry.
🎟️ Book 'Restricted View' Wisely
Seating with 'restricted view' can be impacted by pylons; standing room might offer a better vantage point.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Brisbane Powerhouse for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse events like the Comedy Festival, and excellent riverside dining options. The unique architecture and transformation into a cultural hub are frequently highlighted. Some find the seating in performance venues a bit cramped, and drink prices at the outside bar can be high, but overall, the experience is highly regarded.
"Comedy festival- Dave Hughes show was very funny and entertaining..
Outside bar was very expensive for drinks and staff not overly happy.
Food from delicious from the outside stall.
Roof top dinning looks like a fun experience"
A Mc
"The best place to hold the Brisbane Comedy Festival. Great restaurant, great bar and fantastic venues. I just don't like the clipped together small seats they use. I'm 6'3 and I need to snuggle in between people. Unclipped the chairs, and it would be perfect. It won't stop me coming. Keep up the great work."
Geoff Young
"I went there for the first time last week for the comedy festival and thought it was really cool. Loved the building and even though the restaurant was closed for a private function, there were still plenty of food options available. The bar staff were amazing and kept the lines moving really quickly. I also thought it was great that it has many areas with different things happening - it felt fun and vibrant. I'm definitely keen for another visit soon."
Matt Anderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Brisbane Powerhouse via the free CityHopper ferry service, disembarking at the New Farm Park terminal, which is a short walk away.
Alternatively, driving is an option, though parking fees apply. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available.Yes, Brisbane Powerhouse has parking facilities, but a daily fee is now charged.
It can fill up, especially during popular events. Consider arriving early or exploring unrestricted street parking nearby.Absolutely! The free CityHopper ferry is a fantastic way to travel along the Brisbane River and alight at New Farm Park.
Buses also service the New Farm area, with stops a short walk from the venue.For evening shows, taking the ferry is a relaxed and scenic option.
If driving, factor in potential parking costs and availability. Some visitors prefer to park near a ferry terminal and catch the ferry in.Brisbane Powerhouse is generally accessible, with ramps and lifts available. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility needs related to performances or venues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased online through the Brisbane Powerhouse website or their ticketing partner, Ticketmaster.
It's recommended to book in advance, especially for popular events like the Comedy Festival.Yes, depending on the performance, you might find general admission, seated tickets, and sometimes VIP packages. Be aware that 'restricted view' seating is available for some shows and might not offer the best vantage point.
Opening hours vary depending on events and venue operations. The Powerhouse itself is generally open, but specific venues and bars may have different hours. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
For some events, tickets may be available on the door, but it's not guaranteed, especially for sold-out shows. Booking online in advance is the safest bet to avoid disappointment.
Entry to the Brisbane Powerhouse grounds and public areas is generally free. However, specific ticketed events, exhibitions, and performances will require admission fees.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Brisbane Powerhouse features various dining options, including Bar Alto for Italian-inspired cuisine and Mary Mae's for casual drinks and bites.
During events like Night Feast, expect a wide array of food trucks and stalls.Yes, even if a restaurant is closed for a private function, the onsite bar usually offers a bar menu with food options.
Food trucks are also often present during festivals and events.Many of the food stalls and restaurants at Brisbane Powerhouse offer vegetarian and vegan choices. The Night Feast market, in particular, tends to have diverse culinary offerings.
Night Feast showcases a diverse range of food from Brisbane's best chefs and restaurants, including international flavors, gourmet dishes, and creative culinary experiences.
Prices can vary. While Bar Alto offers a more formal dining experience, the bars and food stalls can provide more casual and budget-friendly options.
Some visitors have noted the outside bar can be expensive. [^Review]📸 📸 Photography
The iconic industrial architecture of the Powerhouse itself offers great photographic opportunities. The riverfront views and surrounding parklands also provide scenic backdrops.
Photography policies vary per event. Generally, flash photography is prohibited during performances to avoid distracting performers and other audience members. Always check the specific event's guidelines.
While general photography for personal use is usually fine, commercial photography or filming may require prior permission. Be mindful of other visitors and performers.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the Powerhouse and the Brisbane River.
The Vertigo dining experience offers a unique perspective for photos, though capturing it might be challenging during the abseil itself.
The art installations at Night Feast also provide visually interesting subjects.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During events like Night Feast, while it's a food-focused market, there are often art installations and a vibrant environment that can be engaging for older children. For specific family events, like the 'Sound Space - Silent Disco', it's noted as being family and autism-friendly.
🎭 Arts & Culture Enthusiasts
Beyond the main stage, the Powerhouse hosts significant cultural events like the Brisbane Comedy Festival and the immersive Night Feast market. The World Press Photo Exhibition is also a recurring highlight. It's a place to discover emerging artists and experience thought-provoking productions.
🍔 Foodies & Nightlife Seekers
When it comes to nightlife, Bar Alto and Mary Mae's offer great spots for drinks with river views. While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, the Powerhouse often hosts live music and DJ sets, contributing to the city's vibrant evening scene. (Note: B Lucky & Sons is in Fortitude Valley, not at the Powerhouse, but is a popular nightlife spot mentioned in the TikToks).
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Brisbane Powerhouse: A Cultural Hub
Beyond the main performance spaces, the Powerhouse features Bar Alto, an Italian-inspired restaurant, and Mary Mae's, a riverside bar offering casual dining and drinks. These venues add to the overall experience, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal or a drink with scenic views of the Brisbane River. The precinct is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
The Powerhouse is also a key venue for major Brisbane events, including the annual Brisbane Comedy Festival and the popular Night Feast market. These events draw large crowds and showcase the venue's versatility in hosting large-scale, immersive experiences.
Experiencing Night Feast
Beyond the gastronomic delights, Night Feast immerses attendees in a world of art and entertainment. The event often includes stunning art installations, light projections, and live performances, creating a multi-sensory experience. The temporary village setup, inspired by Queensland's unique architectural elements, adds to the magical ambiance.
This event is a must-do for foodies and art lovers, offering a unique opportunity to sample a wide range of flavors and engage with creative works in a lively, festive setting. It's recommended to arrive with an appetite and an open mind to fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Getting Around Brisbane: The CityHopper Advantage
The CityHopper ferries run regularly, allowing visitors to hop on and off at various terminals. It's an excellent way to see the city's skyline, iconic landmarks like the Story Bridge, and the South Bank precinct without the hassle of driving or parking.
For those heading to the Brisbane Powerhouse, taking the CityHopper to the New Farm Park terminal offers a pleasant arrival, followed by a short, picturesque walk to the venue. This method not only saves money but also provides a more relaxed and immersive introduction to Brisbane's riverside charm.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit