In a stirring nod to Brisbane’s riverfront legacy, a bold new development is preparing to drop anchor, one that promises to steer the city’s aquatic tourism into a dynamic new era.

Colmslie Wharves, a $100 million commercial marina development mooted for the banks of the Brisbane River at Morningside, is being hailed as the missing link in the River City’s tourism arsenal. Backed by the Queensland Government and spearheaded by Raptis Investments—the property arm of the legendary seafood group—the wharf is poised to deliver not just berths, but a much-needed jolt to Brisbane’s marine economy.

The project is expected to generate over $100 million annually for the local economy, draw nearly 110,000 new visitors each year, and create 337 long-term tourism jobs. Crucially, the development is timed to coincide with Brisbane’s preparations for the 2032 Olympic Games, acting as a springboard for river, bay and island-based experiences that will showcase Moreton Bay’s natural charms to the world.

River City Reclaims Its Nautical Crown

Raptis Investments CEO Tim Beirne didn’t mince words when outlining Brisbane’s untapped potential.

“While Brisbane is known as the River City, we’re drastically underperforming when it comes to river tourism,” Beirne said. “Less than 10 per cent of overnight visitors take part in river or bay activities. That has to change.”

And change it will.

With a Development Application already lodged with Brisbane City Council, the Colmslie Wharves site—just 9km from the CBD—will include 51 marina berths accommodating vessels up to 35 metres, plus on-water fuelling, wastewater facilities, ample car parking, and crew amenities. Designed with commercial tourism in mind, the marina’s logistics are purpose-built to support provisioning outside regular business hours, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding community.

Government Support Anchors Ambition

Recognising the project’s alignment with Queensland’s tourism and economic development strategies, the state government has committed $4 million in support through its Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

Queensland Tourism Minister (link to gov website) said the project ticked all the boxes: “It will deliver on jobs, stimulate local visitation, and put Brisbane’s natural beauty back in the spotlight.”

And not a moment too soon.

Since 2023, Brisbane’s commercial tourism operators have been scrambling for suitable marina berths. The closure of Dockside Marina and Eagle Street Pier left many without a permanent home, forcing them to juggle operations between temporary docks at Colmslie and Rivergate, neither of which was built to handle the scale of modern marine tourism.

Operators Applaud the Lifeline

Among the city’s seasoned river operators is Barrie Coonan, owner of Brisvegas Cruises, who has spent three decades navigating the Brisbane River.

“In all my years, there’s never been a proper long-term berthing solution,” Coonan said. “We’ve dealt with objections from residents, lack of facilities—you name it.”

He’s bullish on the Raptis plan.

“This proposal finally gives commercial operators a stable, fit-for-purpose home that’s well away from residential grumbles. If Brisbane wants to call itself a river city, then this is a no-brainer.”

Coonan’s comments strike at the heart of what Colmslie Wharves seeks to resolve: giving Brisbane’s tourism operators the confidence to invest, expand, and innovate.

A Greener, Smarter Marina

While some might fret at the environmental impact of increased river activity, Beirne assures that sustainability is baked into the plan.

“We’ve prioritised minimal disruption to the river’s ecosystem,” he said. “We’re also cracking down on unauthorised moorings, which have far greater environmental risks.”

In other words, it’s not just about building infrastructure—it’s about building it responsibly.

The marina’s strategic location, situated away from residential areas and close to commercial supply hubs, enables clean, quiet, and coordinated operations—something rarely achieved in high-density city centres.

Reviving Brisbane’s Aquatic Identity

The potential ripple effect of Colmslie Wharves cannot be overstated. Beyond hosting charters and cruise operators, the marina will serve as a launch pad for bay island tours, sunset cruises, and eco-adventures that celebrate Moreton Bay’s rich marine life and storied past.

It’s a throwback to Brisbane’s maritime roots—a city once shaped by its river—and a timely revival as the 2032 Olympics loom large.

With construction slated to begin immediately upon approval, the first berths could welcome commercial vessels by 2026, positioning the marina to capitalise on pre-Olympic tourism surges.

To find out more, visit colmsliewharves.com.au.

If Brisbane’s ambition is to reclaim its title as Australia’s River City, then Colmslie Wharves is shaping up to be the vessel to get it there, with wind in its sails and a nation watching.

By Charmaine Lu

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