City Reach Boardwalk Brisbane
Brisbane's City Reach Boardwalk offers stunning riverfront walks with iconic skyline and Story Bridge views, leading to vibrant dining precincts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
City Reach Boardwalk Brisbane
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Brisbane's City Reach Boardwalk offers stunning riverfront walks with iconic skyline and Story Bridge views, leading to vibrant dining precincts.
"Stroll along the river and ponder the deep and confusing thoughts in my head."
🚶♀️ Riverside Stroll
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the boardwalk for stunning city and river views. Great for contemplation!
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch breathtaking sunset colors reflecting on the river. Howard Smith Wharves is a prime spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
City Reach Boardwalk Views
Brisbane River
Stroll along the river, taking in iconic city skyline and Story Bridge views. Perfect for a relaxed walk.
Howard Smith Wharves
Under the Story Bridge
Vibrant precinct with dining and bars offering stunning views, especially at sunset. A local favorite.
Story Bridge
Brisbane River
Iconic landmark offering panoramic city and river vistas. Consider a bridge climb for an unforgettable experience.
South Bank Parklands
South Brisbane
Expansive parklands with gardens, cultural attractions, and riverside paths. Great for families and relaxation.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating the Boardwalk and Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Riverside Stroll
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the boardwalk for stunning city and river views. Great for contemplation!
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch breathtaking sunset colors reflecting on the river. Howard Smith Wharves is a prime spot. 
📱 Download the 'Brisbane' App
Discover more cool spots and local recommendations with this handy city app.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Riverside Stroll
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the boardwalk for stunning city and river views. Great for contemplation!
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch breathtaking sunset colors reflecting on the river. Howard Smith Wharves is a prime spot.
📱 Download the 'Brisbane' App
Discover more cool spots and local recommendations with this handy city app.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring.
🚲 Cycling Routes
Consider cycling routes along the river. The boardwalk can be narrow, so plan your path.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the City Reach Boardwalk for its stunning river and city views, especially at sunset. The adjacent Howard Smith Wharves is a popular spot for dining and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. While generally well-loved, some find the boardwalk can get crowded during peak times.
"I like to walk along the river and ponder the deep and confusing thoughts in my head. I always thought it would be fun to run along here, but not for me, I haven’t run in years. Emily is good at rollerblading and I reckon she’d enjoy it down here"
Digby Gosden
"what is this los santos crap, it makes no sense"
Man Unitedrtg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the City Reach Boardwalk from various points along the Brisbane River. Many visitors start at Captain Cook Park under the Story Bridge and walk along the river towards Southbank. Alternatively, you can reach it via public transport to the city center and walk down to the riverfront. Some Redditors suggest cutting through the city via Elizabeth Street for a good separated bike lane. +1
There are several parking stations in the Brisbane CBD near the boardwalk. However, parking can be expensive. Public transport or ride-sharing services are often more convenient and cost-effective options.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Brisbane's riverfront. While the boardwalk itself can be narrow, there are dedicated bikeways nearby. Consider routes via Southbank and the Go Between Bridge for a scenic ride. +1
Howard Smith Wharves is conveniently located under the Story Bridge. You can walk to it from the City Reach Boardwalk, or access it via the city center. It's also accessible by ferry.
Yes, Brisbane has an excellent public transport network. You can take buses or trains to the CBD and then walk to the boardwalk. The CityHopper ferry is also a free and scenic way to travel along the river.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the City Reach Boardwalk is a public space and is free to access. You can enjoy the views and walk along it without any cost.
Howard Smith Wharves itself is a public area and free to enter. However, individual restaurants and bars within the precinct will require payment for food and drinks.
Yes, attractions like the Imaginaria immersive light experience in Southbank require tickets. It's recommended to book these online in advance, especially during peak times.
The City Reach Boardwalk is accessible 24/7 as it's a public thoroughfare. However, the surrounding businesses and attractions will have their own operating hours.
Yes, you can book a Story Bridge climb for a unique perspective of Brisbane. Various tour operators offer these experiences, and booking in advance is highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The City Reach Boardwalk offers fantastic photo opportunities of the Brisbane skyline, the Story Bridge, and the river. Sunset and twilight are particularly magical times for capturing stunning shots.
Absolutely! Howard Smith Wharves provides unique angles of the Story Bridge and the city lights at night. Reflections in puddles after rain can also create interesting photographic effects.
Golden hour, just before sunset, and twilight, after sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. The city lights begin to twinkle, creating a beautiful urban landscape.
Yes, the Story Bridge is a prominent landmark and can be photographed from many vantage points along the river, including the City Reach Boardwalk and Howard Smith Wharves.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, be mindful of private businesses and any specific signage regarding photography within their premises.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Howard Smith Wharves, located directly beneath the Story Bridge, offers a vibrant dining scene with various restaurants and bars. You can also find numerous eateries in the Brisbane CBD and South Bank Parklands.
Yes, many establishments in Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank cater to families. Look for places with outdoor seating or a more casual atmosphere.
You'll find a diverse range of cuisines, from casual pub fare and pizza to more upscale dining experiences. Seafood, modern Australian, and international flavors are all well-represented.
Definitely! Howard Smith Wharves is renowned for its bars with stunning views of the river and city skyline, especially at night.
Yes, there are numerous cafes dotted along the riverfront and within the nearby CBD and South Bank areas, perfect for a coffee break.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more active outing, renting bikes and exploring the Bicentennial Bikeway can be fun. Many restaurants in Howard Smith Wharves offer kid-friendly menus, and the general atmosphere is relaxed enough for families.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
For a more immersive experience, exploring the Bicentennial Bikeway by foot or bike allows you to cover more ground and discover different perspectives of the city. Don't hesitate to pop into local shops or cafes that catch your eye – Brisbane has a friendly vibe for solo adventurers.
couples
+1 Enjoy a leisurely walk hand-in-hand, followed by dinner or drinks at Howard Smith Wharves, which provides a vibrant atmosphere and beautiful night-time vistas. Consider a Story Bridge climb for an exhilarating shared adventure, or a relaxing CityHopper ferry ride for a different perspective of the river and its landmarks. Many of the restaurants in the area are perfect for a date night, offering a mix of ambiance and delicious food.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Brisbane's Riverside Charm
Adjacent to the boardwalk, Howard Smith Wharves has transformed into a dynamic precinct under the Story Bridge. This area is a hub for dining, drinking, and entertainment, offering a unique perspective of the city, especially at night when the bridge and skyline are illuminated. It's a place where you can enjoy a meal with a view, catch up with friends, or simply relax by the water.
For those looking for more extensive riverside exploration, the Bicentennial Bikeway runs parallel to the boardwalk in sections, offering a dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians. This network connects various points of interest along the river, including South Bank Parklands and New Farm Park, making it ideal for longer excursions.
Iconic Brisbane Landmarks
Another significant landmark easily accessible from the boardwalk is South Bank Parklands. This cultural and recreational hub features beautiful gardens, man-made beaches, the Wheel of Brisbane, and various cultural institutions like the Queensland Museum and GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art). It's a perfect destination for a family day out or a cultural immersion.
Beyond the immediate boardwalk area, Brisbane offers other points of interest that can be reached via the river or nearby transport. These include the vibrant Fortitude Valley for nightlife and shopping, and the more relaxed atmosphere of New Farm Park, known for its stunning fig trees and picnic spots.
Discovering Brisbane's Hidden Gems
For a fun-filled evening, B Lucky & Sons provides an adult arcade and bar experience, combining classic games with cocktails and food, making it a great spot for a night out with friends.
TikTok creators often share their discoveries, from quirky cafes to unique shops, highlighting the city's evolving character. Downloading the 'Brisbane' app can also lead you to more local recommendations and lesser-known spots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit