← Brisbane cruise guide
culture · Brisbane

South Bank, CityCat River Cruise & Howard Smith Wharves Dining

Glide along the Brisbane River on the iconic CityCat ferry, explore South Bank's lush parklands and man-made Streets Beach, then settle in for a long, exquisite lunch at the award-winning Howard Smith Wharves precinct beneath the Story Bridge.

What to expect

Step aboard the beloved CityCat catamaran at Portside Wharf for a scenic river glide past mangroves, glittering glass towers, and riverside parks to South Bank. Wander the Parklands' rainforest walk and snap a selfie at the famous Streets Beach — a real sandy beach in the city centre. Cross the Goodwill Bridge on foot to Howard Smith Wharves, where restaurants like Greca and Felons Brewing Co. serve outstanding food with front-row Story Bridge views. As the afternoon sun drops, the entire precinct glows gold.

Book it with
Howard Smith Wharves (official dining & precinct)
CityCat ferry: AUD 6.30 per trip (Translink); lunch at Howard Smith Wharves from AUD 80–150 per person
Book it →

Good to know

The CityCat departs directly from Portside Wharf — no transfer needed, making this the easiest and most elegant self-guided excursion from the ship. Reserve lunch at Howard Smith Wharves well in advance via their website. The precinct is a 10-minute walk or short Uber from South Bank CityCat stop.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Brisbane — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Oceania · Oceania Riviera
12 nights · calls at Brisbane
from $2,850
View sailing →
Azamara · Azamara Pursuit
14 nights · calls at Brisbane
from $4,880
View sailing →
Oceania · Oceania Vista
14 nights · calls at Brisbane
from $6,499
View sailing →
Viking Ocean · Viking Orion
16 nights · calls at Brisbane
from $6,499
View sailing →
See all cruises to Brisbane →
← Back to the full Brisbane guide

⚓ Your bucket-list concierge

Doing the whole cruise?

Tell us your sailing and we'll send the bucket list for every port — the operator to call, real prices, and an honest verdict on each ship tour.

No spam. The honest plan, even when it says skip the ship’s tour.