Riverhills Among Brisbane River Sites Inviting Tourism and Leisure Proposals

Riverhills is among several Brisbane River locations now included in an Expressions of Interest process inviting tourism and leisure proposals to activate existing river infrastructure.



EOI Opens Riverhills and 10 Other Sites to Proposals

An Expressions of Interest (EOI) process is underway for 11 sites along the Brisbane River, including the Riverhills Recreation Hub. The process invites commercial operators to submit proposals for new tourism, hospitality and leisure uses across a mix of pontoons, jetties and recreation hubs.

The available locations span the river corridor from Northshore Hamilton through to Riverhills, incorporating two major river hubs, multiple recreation hubs and three pontoons. Submissions for the EOI close at 12 noon on 15 May 2026, marking the first stage of a formal procurement process.

Participation requires registration through the relevant supplier system, with access to the EOI documentation managed through the tender process.

Riverhills EOI
Photo Credit: Exploring the country with Ruth/YouTube

Range of Uses Under Consideration

The EOI seeks proposals that introduce new ways to use riverfront infrastructure while maintaining public access and amenity. Concepts identified during earlier industry engagement include dining experiences, water-based activities, wellness offerings and river tours.

Larger hubs, such as those at New Farm Park and the City Botanic Gardens, are suited to accommodating bigger vessels. Other sites, including Riverhills, were originally designed for short-term activities and are now being considered for broader commercial use.

All proposals are expected to demonstrate environmental performance, accessibility and community benefit.

Brisbane River EOI
Photo Credit: Exploring the country with Ruth/YouTube

Industry Interest Shapes Next Phase

The EOI follows a market sounding process conducted between late 2025 and early 2026, which attracted interest from operators across multiple regions, including interstate and international participants.

This initial stage of the procurement process allows businesses to submit detailed concepts, with shortlisted proposals to progress to a further request for proposal phase.

 tourism proposals
Photo Credit: Exploring the country with Ruth/YouTube

Riverhills Included in Wider River Activation

Riverhills forms part of a broader plan to expand activity along the Brisbane River by opening existing infrastructure to new uses. The approach focuses on increasing opportunities for recreation, tourism and local enterprise without requiring entirely new facilities.



By including Riverhills in the EOI process, the site is positioned alongside other river locations being considered for new tourism and leisure activity, contributing to a more active use of the river corridor.

Published 8-Apr-2026

Riverhills Included in Review of Brisbane Pontoons for Tourism Use

Riverhills has been listed among eight Brisbane river pontoons under review for expanded use by tourism and hospitality operators.



Review of Pontoons

On 9 September 2025, BCC confirmed plans to review the use of eight pontoons along the river, including the Riverhills Recreation Hub. The proposal would allow facilities currently used for recreation, such as kayaking and drop-offs, to support activities including river taxis, tour boats, and floating restaurants.

Proposed System and Infrastructure

The review will consider new infrastructure where required and a licensing framework intended to give operators more certainty. The proposal requires state government approval before commercial operators can use the facilities. Larger pontoons at New Farm Park and the City Botanic Gardens have been identified as best equipped to host bigger vessels.

Riverhills recreation hub
Photo Credit: ExploringTheCountryWithRuth/YouTube

Broader Context

The plan is being compared to earlier changes that introduced footpath dining in Brisbane. The review will also examine the former Gardens Point marina moorings near the City Botanic Gardens. Some pontoons, such as West End, are currently closed for repairs but remain part of the network under consideration.

Community and Industry Views

Industry representatives, including the Committee for Brisbane, said further activation of the river would create opportunities for locals and visitors. They noted investment along the river has been consistent, but on-water activity has remained limited to the CityCat service and small private ventures.

Existing operators, such as seafood and adventure services, have already shown interest in broader river use. Others have raised concerns about the potential shift from public to commercial access, underlining the need to balance business investment with community use.

Brisbane River
Photo Credit: ExploringTheCountryWithRuth/YouTube

Next Steps for Riverhills



The Riverhills Recreation Hub will be assessed alongside the other seven sites as part of the BCC review. Any changes will rely on state approval of commercial water licences. The initiative is linked to preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where Brisbane aims to showcase its river as part of the city’s visitor experience.

Published 17-Sep-2025