Howard Smith Wharves Guide
Howard Smith Wharves is set in a prime spot along the Brisbane River, tucked in at Petrie Bight beneath the Story Bridge where the CBD and Fortitude Valley meet. The old wharf buildings have been repurposed into riverside restaurants and dining venues, including Felons Brewing Co., alongside event spaces and Crystalbrook Vincent, with the river running beside the precinct and the sandstone cliffs rising behind. If you can make it down in the late afternoon, the historic buildings are still visible in daylight, but sunset over Brisbane is the real showstopper — the city lights up across the water, making it the perfect excuse for dinner and drinks by the river as the bridge illuminates.
- Full Day
- 9 hours
- $ 149,00 AUD
- $ 129,00 AUD
- Half a Day
- 3 hours
- $ 320,00 AUD
- $ 299,00 AUD
- Full Day
- 8 hours
- $ 199,00 AUD
- $ 179,00 AUD
- Full Day
- 9 hours
- $ 199,00 AUD
- $ 189,00 AUD
- 1 Day
- 6 Hours (approx.)
- $ 215 AUD
- $ 115 AUD
- Half day
- 8 Hours (Approx)
- $ 129,00 AUD
- $ 119,00 AUD
Iconic Riverside Precinct
Howard Smith Wharves is set in a prime spot along the Brisbane River, tucked into Petrie Bight beneath the Story Bridge where the CBD and Fortitude Valley meet. The old wharf buildings have been repurposed into restaurants, Felons Brewing Co. and event spaces, with the river running alongside and the sandstone cliffs rising behind the precinct. If you can make it down in the late afternoon, the old buildings are still visible in daylight, but sunset is the real showstopper — the city lights up across the water, making it an ideal time for dinner and drinks as the bridge illuminates.
The Wharves themselves date back to the 1930s Great Depression era, when they were constructed beside the new Story Bridge. At the time, they were leased to William Howard Smith & Sons Ltd. Port activity eventually moved downstream in 1960, leaving the site largely unused until the redeveloped precinct opened in 2018.
The history of the place still shows through. The heritage wharf buildings and air-raid shelters form an important part of Brisbane’s maritime story, while the site’s heritage significance is recognised through its inclusion on the Queensland Heritage Register.
Few inner-city spots bring together as many different parts of Brisbane as the Wharves do — the Story Bridge overhead, river directly in front, sandstone cliffs behind and CBD skyline across the water. New Farm and Fortitude Valley are just down the road but, once you get onto the wharves, the atmosphere feels distinct from both.
FAQ
Is Howard Smith Wharves worth visiting?
Yes. The combination of food, craft beer and Brisbane heritage with impressive river views makes the precinct one of the city’s distinctive waterfront destinations. The old wharf buildings, sandstone cliffs, bridge and skyline create a recognisable Brisbane riverfront setting that is very different from a conventional dining district.
Best time to visit Howard Smith Wharves?
Late afternoon into early evening is an excellent time to visit. Arrive before dark to see the heritage buildings and cliffs clearly, then stay through sunset as the city skyline begins to light up and the bridge becomes the dominant feature of the view.
What can you eat and drink at Howard Smith Wharves?
The precinct offers a broad mix of venues, including Felons Brewing Co., Felons Barrel Hall, Ciao Papi’s Italian Kitchen, Mr Percival’s, Stanley, Greca and Yoko Dining. Collectively, they cover everything from locally brewed beer and casual brewery fare to Italian, Greek, Cantonese-inspired and izakaya-style dining.
Do you need to book at Howard Smith Wharves?
You do not need a booking simply to visit and explore the precinct. However, reservations are sensible if you have a specific restaurant or dining time in mind, particularly during busy weekend evenings, major events and popular seasonal periods.
Can you stay at Howard Smith Wharves?
Yes. Crystalbrook Vincent provides luxury accommodation within the precinct, with its 166 rooms and suites, rooftop bar, guest-only infinity pool and substantial collection of Vincent Fantauzzo artworks. Its position beneath the Story Bridge also provides direct access to the Howard Smith Wharves waterfront.
Experience The Best Of Brisbane
The river is the natural place to start. Ferries and bridges connect the two banks, while riverside walking paths lead between gardens, restaurants and city views.
South Bank Parklands sits directly opposite the Brisbane CBD, bringing together around 15 hectares of parkland, Streets Beach and the Queensland Cultural Centre. Across the river, Queen Street Mall and the 18-hectare City Botanic Gardens offer a mix of busy city streets and quieter waterfront spaces.
Kangaroo Point has some of the best views of the Brisbane skyline and Story Bridge. Nearby, Howard Smith Wharves brings dining and riverside spaces beneath the bridge. New Farm, Fortitude Valley and West End add another mix of parkland, nightlife, leafy streets and charming cafés.
