Did you know that Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park is one of the most in-demand sites under Brisbane’s revamped Food Trucks and Coffee Carts in Parks program? Since the scheme launched last year, the cliffs have recorded 68 bookings, placing it in the city’s top five most-frequented food truck locations.
Read: Kangaroo Point Premium Location Expects to Host More Food Trucks
A Program on the Rise
Launched in July 2025, the initiative has expanded where food trucks and coffee carts can legally trade in Brisbane’s parks. Approved trading locations grew from 13 to 98 across the city in less than eight months. By early 2026, the program had logged nearly 2,900 vendor bookings and more than 17,000 hours of trade — figures Brisbane has highlighted in promoting the program.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park sits among the top most-booked locations citywide, alongside Wynnum Wading Pool, Elanora Park in Wynnum, Sandgate Foreshores Park, and Les Atkinson Park in Sunnybank.
Some vendors say the expanded network has worked in their favour. One business owner said the program lets them bring food directly into neighbourhood parks, exactly where they want to be, and that the new booking website has made it easier to access a wider range of locations.
A dedicated platform features an interactive map so residents can find out who’s trading near them on any given day. The system also allows multiple vendors to trade at high-demand sites simultaneously, and includes drive-up sites on Brisbane-controlled roads for added flexibility.
Where It Gets Complicated
Despite the strong numbers, a number of operators say the program’s structure is not working for everyone.
The scheme runs on a three-tier fee model. Traders pay $450, $1,650 or $2,200 per year depending on the level of access they want, plus a $160 application fee that must be renewed annually. Those on the lowest tier have found the available sites are often poorly located, away from the playgrounds and activity hubs that generate foot traffic.
Booking security is another concern. Under the current setup, vendors can reserve sites no more than six weeks ahead of time, with a limit of one booking per site per week. For traders who rely on repeat customers at a fixed location, the model represents a significant change.
One food truck owner, who joined on the entry-level tier, eventually received a pro-rata refund on his licence after the poor quality of available sites became apparent. He noted that the booking system offers no guarantee a vendor can return to the same spot their customers have come to expect.
The website, too, has attracted feedback. Unlike the previous system, which allowed the public to browse all registered vendors at any time, the current site only shows who is trading on a given day. Brisbane has said it is working to incorporate a full vendor list.
Read: Brisbane City and Kangaroo Point Waterfront Route Restored with Wider Riverwalk
An Evolving System
A council spokesperson acknowledged the concerns and noted that further changes have already been made, including the addition of more drive-up sites, in response to vendor requests. Sixty-four operators have signed up since July 2025.
With 64 operators signed up and 98 locations now active, the program continues to expand. For locals at Kangaroo Point, the cliffs remain one of the program’s most active sites. Whether the operators behind the trucks feel the system is genuinely working for them may depend on what changes are still to come.
Published 7-March-2026
