Construction Begins on Colmslie Wharves Marina, a Major Boost for Brisbane’s Riverfront Tourism
Construction has officially begun on Colmslie Wharves Marina, a new commercial marina set to become the only purpose-built overnight berthing facility for tourism and commercial vessels on the Brisbane River’s “brown snake” stretch. Located just 9km from the Brisbane CBD, the project is being delivered by Raptis Investments with $4 million in support from the Queensland Government’s tourism expansion fund.
The marina will feature 50 berths capable of accommodating vessels up to 50 metres in length, along with fuel provisioning, waste management services, crew amenities, and on-site parking. Leasing for the first berths has already commenced, with an expected opening in mid-2026.
Addressing Years of Infrastructure Shortage
For years, marine tourism operators in Brisbane have operated under severe constraints due to a lack of reliable berthing infrastructure. The closure of key facilities at Eagle Street Pier and Kangaroo Point’s Dockside Marina in 2023 created a critical gap in the city’s riverfront ecosystem.
According to David Good, CEO of the Australian Commercial Marine Group, the absence of long-term berthing options has forced many potential operators to look elsewhere. “There has been an increase in the number of tourism operators wanting to service Brisbane and start operations, especially with the Olympics coming up, but there is a lack of infrastructure,” he said.
Good highlighted a stark example: thousands of tourists travel annually to Hervey Bay for whale watching, despite Moreton Bay being just a short trip from Brisbane. “Despite having Moreton Bay and whales on the doorstep, people are going north,” he noted.
Project Vision and Economic Impact
Colmslie Wharves is expected to inject more than $100 million annually into the local economy and attract nearly 110,000 additional visitors each year. It will support an estimated 337 ongoing tourism jobs, according to projections from Raptis Investments.
Arthur Raptis, head of leasing at Raptis Investments, said the marina would provide the certainty operators need to grow. “For years, marine tourism has suffered with operators forced to work around a lack of infrastructure without the certainty needed to expand or innovate,” he said.
He described Colmslie Wharves as a “launching pad for new ideas” — from boutique cruises and eco-tourism to adventure sports and private water taxis. The project is positioned not just as a marina, but as a catalyst for a new era of river-based tourism in Brisbane.
Strategic Location and Broader Development Context
The site is situated adjacent to the Raptis family’s long-established seafood facility at Morningside, an area that has seen steady development over decades. The proximity to the Brisbane CBD, combined with access to Moreton Bay and surrounding islands, makes it a strategic hub for both day-trippers and extended river journeys.
With Brisbane preparing for the 2032 Olympics, infrastructure investment across the city is accelerating. Colmslie Wharves is being positioned as a long-term solution for tourism operators displaced by inner-city redevelopment, particularly those previously reliant on Eagle Street Pier and Dockside Marina.
The marina’s location on the Brisbane River’s “brown snake” — a stretch known for its winding course and scenic views — adds to its appeal. It offers a rare combination of accessibility, space, and environmental sensitivity, with waste management systems built into the design to protect the river’s ecosystem.
Community and Business Response
Local business owners are welcoming the project. David Fisher, owner-operator of luxury river cruise provider Yot Club, said he had delayed expansion plans due to the lack of berthing options. “We’ve got plans to roll out new vessels, which means more staff and more business for all the contractors and suppliers we deal with, but we’ve just had to put it on hold until Colmslie Wharves is finished,” he said.
Other operators are already expressing interest. The marina is expected to attract not only local tourism providers but also major interstate marine businesses looking to establish a presence in Queensland’s capital city.
Next Steps and Public Engagement
Construction is progressing rapidly, with site preparation and foundational work underway. The Brisbane City Council granted development approval earlier this year, and the project is on track for completion by mid-2026.
Leasing for the first berths is open, with priority given to existing tourism operators and those with clear plans to boost river-based tourism. Public consultation on future uses of the adjacent wharf space is expected to begin in late 2024, with final design submissions due by early 2025.
Residents in the Colmslie and Morningside areas have raised questions about traffic, noise, and environmental impact. Council officials have confirmed that all construction will adhere to strict noise and waste management protocols, with a dedicated environmental monitoring team overseeing the site throughout the build.
