The Brisbane River and Moreton Bay
Brisbane River runs through Queensland’s capital and has long been an inspiration to residents in this ‘River City’.
Riverlife Adventure Centre’s kayak tours or adrenalin-pumping jet ski tours, the river is sure to deliver fun. Not to mention being an important transport link.
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Origins
The Brisbane River and Moreton Bay have played a critical role in shaping south-east Queensland’s history. Before European settlement, its waters provided food sources to Turrbal people living in the region; post European arrival, they have served as an indispensable vehicle for trade and travel along its banks.
The Brisbane River rises in the Brisbane-Cooyar ranges and flows southeasterly and northeasterly through rural areas before meeting Moreton Bay. Its primary tributaries are Stanley River, Moggill Creek, Breakfast Creek, Lockyer Creek and Bremer River; steamers may navigate below Brisbane; its waters may appear murky due to environmental pollution from hydrocarbons; swimming can be hazardous due to bull sharks present – its name was chosen in honour of Sir Thomas Brisbane (1773-1860), governor of New South Wales from 1821-1825.
Floods
In the first week of January, heavy rainfall and flooding occurred along the Brisbane River, Mary River and their tributaries, due to an inland trough* lying across Queensland and an air mass bringing moisture east of it.
Floodwaters reached Brisbane and Bremer rivers, leading to major floods across many suburbs such as Rocklea (image upper left), Milton, Oxley and Sherwood – which had most city wharves submerged and created a muddy lake up to Stanley Street in South Brisbane.
Floodwaters will inevitably reach any large river located in tropical regions, and their height depends largely on rainfall. With that being said, Brisbane River often creates challenges to overtaking by floodwaters.
Ports
Motoring around several more bends of the river (sailing isn’t recommended unless you want to risk being washed off your berth) brings you to Dockside Marina, one of only two marinas with easy city access – you can walk from your boat directly into cafes, restaurants, Toowong Village shopping centre and even heritage-listed libraries!
Technology of various sorts had for centuries alienated Brisbane people from their river, until modern containerised shipping revolutionised port and ironically allowed Brisbane people to reconnect with it again through containerised shipping. Before then, its murky brown hue served as a constant reminder that you were somewhere unknown; today however CityCat and Kitty Cat ferry services transport passengers along inner-city reaches of it.
Bridges
There are 16 bridges spanning the Brisbane River, used by cars, buses and trains, in addition to pedestrian and cyclist bridges. One of the best-known is Story Bridge – popular among tourists for taking photos – particularly beautiful at night when its lights reflect off of water surface.
Brisbane River floods frequently. In 1974, its most damaging flood ever was recorded causing 66,000 tonne Robert Miller ship to break free from its moorings and drift downstream. More major flood events also took place in January 2011 and throughout 1893.
Breakfast Creek/Yowoggera Bridge construction will be complete by 2024, providing new walking and cycling connections between its landing on Scott Street in Kangaroo Point and Scott, Main, and Deakin streets of Kangaroo Point.
Boating
Brisbane River offers plenty of fun activities, from kayaking under Story Bridge to picnicking beneath jacaranda trees. Maiwar (as its indigenous owners refer to it) meanders through Brisbane city and suburbs before draining out into Moreton Bay.
Private boat rental on the Brisbane River is an increasingly popular way to host special occasions ranging from 21st birthday parties with beer and nibbles, sit-down catering services, and top-class event venues. Floatspace provides boats suitable for seating 200 guests as well as smaller options.
Take the CityCat for a fast and cost-effective ride around the city and inner suburbs using your GoCard or SmartGo card; service runs every 10 minutes during the day.
