Brisbane Travel Forum

My wife and I will be docked at the Cruise ship (Rhapsody of the Seas) on Thur 26/2 from 8am to 6 pm. Could any VTér advise best (efficient/cheap) way to get to the Southbanks ? Also, anything else to do to soak in the atmosphere of Brisbane ?

We were there during the Expo in 1988 and also passed by a couple of years back in a car (went up to Mt Cooltha ?) then. This time, we do not have the luxury of a car.

Thanks in advance.

Hope you enjoy your return to Brisbane. The ship docks at the Grain Terminal at Fishermans Island at the mouth of the Brisbane River (south side of the River). This is located quite a long way from the city. I suspect that there is no convenient public transport available. Other than the cruise company's own tours, a taxi to the closest city cat ferry terminal (probably Norman Park)then a city cat to Southbank would be the most interesting method of arrival.

Peter is correct: docking at Fisharmans Island Grain Terminal. I don't know of any public transport either. Black & white cab from there in to South Bank will cost you around $45. Like Peter's idea of taking a cab to Bretts Wharf, Hamilton, which will cost you about $37 and then travelling via City Cat to the Parklands.

At South Bank Parklands, look out for the Nepalese Peace Pagoda and the Rain Forest; the beach is allways popular. You can walk all along the river towards the Kangaroo Point cliffs, cross over the Goodwill Bridge to the Botanical Gardens and/or cross the Victoria Bridge towards the Casino and Queen Street Mall. Another option is to cross the William Jolly Bridge and relax in the Roma Street Parklands.

Two railway stations conveniently located within the South Bank area: South Brisbane Rail (closer to Victoria Bridge) and South Bank Rail (closer to Vulture Street). Either one will also take you to Roma Street or the city centre.

Actually they now dock at Portside Terminal, a fairly short drive to the city. Catch a cab and on Kingsford Smith Drive you should spot the Hamilton City Cat pier ( or ask the driver, provided he speaks English). Return to your ship by city cat from Southbank as an alternative.

Wayne, the Port of Brisbane Cruise Liner Schedule for 2009 lists the Rhapsody of the Seas berthing at FI Grain on 26/2... Has that changed since they published their schedule?

If the ship is indeed docking at Fisherman's Island, then the closest City Cat Terminal is Apollo Road. The City Cat will then take you directly to Southbank cost each way $2.90 but if you ask for a "2 zone daily" then you will be able to use the same ticket all day on buses, ferries, trains etc. Cost of the daily is $5.80. Remember if you go back to Apollo Road on your way back to the ship, you may have trouble finding a cab. It would probably be better to get off at Bulimba or Brett's Wharf as cabs will be easier to find nearby to those terminals.

Thanks guys,
Really appreciate your replies. I love holidaying in Australia and Brisbane. In March, we will be circumnavigating Australia from Sydney round WA back to Syney for a month on the RH. Been to all the ports except Port Moresby (!)
Below is a quote from one of your tabloids........Thanks again.

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Paul Lucas said yesterday he might have to use taxpayers' money to build the new terminal after Cunard announced it would bypass Brisbane in 2009 because its huge superliners could not fit under the Gateway Bridge to berth at the badly planned Hamilton port.

Cunard was furious when its superliner Queen Victoria was forced to dock downriver at the Fisherman Islands container terminal in February, with passengers having to wade through ankle-deep water to get to waiting buses.

Thanks guys,
Really appreciate your replies. I love holidaying in Australia and Brisbane. In March, we will be circumnavigating Australia from Sydney round WA back to Syney for a month on the RH. Been to all the ports except Port Moresby (!)
Below is a quote from one of your tabloids........Thanks again.

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Paul Lucas said yesterday he might have to use taxpayers' money to build the new terminal after Cunard announced it would bypass Brisbane in 2009 because its huge superliners could not fit under the Gateway Bridge to berth at the badly planned Hamilton port.

Cunard was furious when its superliner Queen Victoria was forced to dock downriver at the Fisherman Islands container terminal in February, with passengers having to wade through ankle-deep water to get to waiting buses.