Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane - a palm tree on a street
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Howard Smith Wharves Brisbane

4.6
·2k reviews·Brisbane City, Australia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, magical city lights

CrowdLow
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Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane - a palm tree on a street

Howard Smith Wharves Brisbane

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, magical city lights

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Magical atmosphere with captivating city lights and a unique riverside vibe."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Story Bridge Views

Story Bridge Views

Under the Story Bridge

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

Felons Brewing Co.

Felons Brewing Co.

Riverside

Enjoy craft beers and casual bites with a lively atmosphere and great riverfront seating.

Mr. Percival's

Mr. Percival's

Riverside

A chic, boat-themed bar offering cocktails and a relaxed vibe with stunning river views.

Playground & Lawn

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

Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) can get busy, especially on weekends and during events like Riverfire. Consider visiting on a weekday evening for a more relaxed vibe. Booking ahead for popular restaurants is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

BYO Alcohol Rules

While the grassy areas of HSW are technically public, bringing your own alcohol might be restricted, especially near licensed bars. It's best to check specific area rules or stick to purchasing drinks from onsite venues to avoid issues.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, magical city lights
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, live music
Crowd
Medium
When
During Riverfire
Why
Spectacular fireworks views
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

So you only have 3 days in Brisbane! This is how I would do it! @VisitBrisbane AD #visitbrisbane
@joslaloh
41.9K likes • 6.3M views

📸 Capture the Skyline

Visit at night for the best city and Story Bridge views. Golden hour is also stunning! Instagram

🍻 Brewery Vibes

Felons Brewing Co. is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Great for casual drinks and bites. Reddit

Link in bi-hoe #brisbane #thingstodobrisbane #brisbanecafe #brisvegas #queensland
@lenasdoingthings
39.3K likes • 491.3K views
Swipe to see how long it took to get the shot and why 🥰✌🏽 #mysmalldrinkstealer #sundaydatenight 📍@yokodining #howardsmithwharves #brisbanecity
justpriiaaa006
202 likes • 0 views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

Kids love the pirate ship playground and open lawns. Perfect for a relaxed family outing. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Strolls

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the river, taking in the sights and sounds of Brisbane. Reddit

I need to go back asap 🥹☁️ #massagetherapy #plussizemassage #inclusivemassage #massagetips #massagebrisbane #brisbanemassage #thingstodobrisbane #sizeinclusive #sizeinclusivebrisbane #mysticmoonmassage
@alismithhhh
30.5K likes • 288.5K views

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! Instagram

🍻 Brewery Vibes

Felons Brewing Co. is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Great for casual drinks and bites. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

Kids love the pirate ship playground and open lawns. Perfect for a relaxed family outing. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Strolls

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the river, taking in the sights and sounds of Brisbane. Reddit

🚢 CityCat Access

Easily accessible via the CityCat ferry, offering scenic river views on your journey. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

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

Spectacular night views
Vibrant atmosphere
Diverse dining options

What People Dislike

Can get very crowded
Parking can be difficult

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.Reddit Driving is also an option, with parking available, though it can be busy.Reddit 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.Reddit

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.TikTokReddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit+1

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.Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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.Reddit+1

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.Reddit

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.Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

The area directly under the Story Bridge offers stunning perspectives, especially at night when the bridge is illuminated.Instagram 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.Reddit

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.TikTok

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

Howard Smith Wharves is a fantastic destination for families. The pirate ship playground on the main lawn is a major drawcard for children, providing hours of entertainment.Reddit The open grassy areas are perfect for picnics and letting kids burn off energy. Many of the restaurants, like Felons Brewing Co., offer casual dining options that are suitable for families, and the easy access via the CityCat ferry adds to the adventure.

🥂 Couples & Date Nights

For a romantic evening, Howard Smith Wharves is hard to beat. The illuminated Story Bridge and city skyline create a magical ambiance, especially at night.TikTok Enjoy cocktails at Mr. Percival's with its unique boat-themed setting, or opt for a fine dining experience at Stanley or Ciao Papi with stunning river views.Instagram A leisurely stroll along the riverfront after dinner is the perfect way to cap off a date night.

🍻 Beer Enthusiasts

Beer lovers must visit Felons Brewing Co. at Howard Smith Wharves. This popular brewery offers a range of craft beers brewed on-site, perfect for sampling while enjoying the riverside atmosphere.Reddit It's a great spot to relax with friends, enjoy some pub-style food, and soak in the vibrant precinct.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing Riverfire at HSW

Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) is a prime location for watching Brisbane's annual Riverfire fireworks display.TikTok The proximity to the Story Bridge and the river means you get incredible, up-close views of the pyrotechnics. However, this popularity comes with significant crowds, so arriving early is essential if you want a good spot.Reddit Many visitors opt to arrive by CityCat ferry to navigate the crowds more easily.Reddit

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.Reddit 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

Howard Smith Wharves is a culinary hotspot, offering a diverse range of dining and drinking experiences. From casual brews at Felons Brewing Co. to sophisticated Cantonese at Stanley, there's something to satisfy every palate.Reddit Mr. Percival's provides a chic, boat-themed bar perfect for cocktails and relaxed vibes, while Ciao Papi offers Italian fare with stunning river views.Instagram

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

Howard Smith Wharves is surprisingly family-friendly, with several features designed to entertain younger visitors. The main lawn area boasts a pirate ship playground, which is a huge hit with kids.Reddit This open space also makes it ideal for families to spread out, enjoy a picnic, and let children run around safely.

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.

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