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The Trade-offs Behind Kangaroo Point’s Shafston Avenue Bikeway

A 1.2-kilometre stretch of Shafston Avenue is the focus of discussion about how walking, cycling, and motor traffic should share the constrained inner-city corridor.

Read: Shafston Avenue Bikeway Update: What Happens Next

Brisbane has released the preliminary design for the Shafston Avenue Bikeway, which would run from Deakin Street in Kangaroo Point to Mowbray Park in East Brisbane. The project is currently listed as planned and forms part of Stage 3 of the CityLink Cycleway.

The design includes a two-way bikeway and separate footpath, with Brisbane saying the upgrade would improve connections between the eastern suburbs, the CBD and the Kangaroo Point Bridge.

What is changing along Shafston Avenue

The preliminary design proposes changes to intersections, crossings and local traffic movements along the route.

Space for Cycling Brisbane has highlighted a raised crossing near Deakin Street, changes at Cairns Street, adjustments at Castlebar Street and a new raised crossing near Thorn Street. It also points to changes around Wellington Street, Park Avenue and a bus stop near Salston Street.

The cycling advocacy group supports the design while also identifying several limitations arising from the corridor’s constraints. Sections around Cairns Street would remain shared paths, while the footpath and bikeway would cross each other in some locations.

The existing counter-flow bike lane between Castlebar Street and Thorn Street would be removed, while a seat and shelter near Connor Street would also go. Space for Cycling Brisbane also noted the removal of a significant number of trees, although it said designers had worked to minimise the impact and plant replacement trees where possible.

The preliminary design therefore includes changes affecting how pedestrians, cyclists and motorists move through parts of the corridor.

Traffic, Riverwalk, and the bigger connection

BCC’s August 2026 traffic assessment says through movements on Shafston Avenue are predicted to receive travel-time savings of up to 40 seconds during the afternoon peak, while some local movements are expected to have longer wait times. The assessment says traffic modelling indicates the surrounding road network can continue to operate with broadly similar performance.

Brisbane CBD BUG has pointed to the modelling as evidence that concerns about worsening congestion do not tell the whole story, noting that through traffic could benefit while some local street movements could take longer.

CBD BUG also argued that separating people walking and riding would address concerns about interactions between different path users. Brisbane’s project description confirms the preliminary design provides a two-way bikeway alongside a separate footpath, although some shared sections remain.

The discussion also touches on the proposed Riverwalk connection between Dockside and Mowbray Park. CBD BUG has also raised the cost of that proposal, saying its estimated cost had risen from $22.3 million in 2020 to more than $90 million by 2024.

The group has described the Shafston Avenue bikeway as a step towards a dedicated active-transport connection through Brisbane’s inner east, linking with the Kangaroo Point Bridge and routes towards Mowbray Park.

Read: Preliminary Designs Released for New Kangaroo Point Bikeway Along Shafston Avenue

For the corridor itself, the preliminary design raises questions about traffic movements, trees, local access and existing pedestrian facilities.

With the project still at the preliminary-design stage, further decisions about the Shafston Avenue corridor are yet to be made.

Published 15-September-2026

Story Bridge Adventure Climb Takes the Thrill Higher with ‘The Swing’

What would you do if your next step took you 80 metres above Brisbane? That is the challenge facing thrill-seekers taking on the latest addition to the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, where reaching the summit is no longer necessarily the end of the adventure.

Read: Kangaroo Point Landmark, Story Bridge, Launches Inclusive Climb Experience

The attraction has launched The Swing, an adrenaline-focused experience that leaves participants suspended about 80 metres above the Brisbane River after completing their climb of the Story Bridge. Once they reach the top, climbers who have opted for the new experience can take on the additional challenge and see the city from a dramatically different perspective.

The launch comes as Story Bridge Adventure Climb marks 20 years of taking visitors to the top of the landmark, adding another high-altitude experience to its existing climb program. From the summit, climbers can see across Brisbane towards Moreton Bay and the Glass House Mountains before taking on The Swing.

From bridge climb to high-altitude swing

Photo credit: storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au

The Swing forms part of the Story Bridge Adventure Climb experience, with the climb itself taking roughly two hours. Participants check in, are fitted with a harness and receive a safety briefing from trained instructors before beginning the ascent. The group then climbs the north side of the bridge, reaching about 80 metres above the ground.

At the summit, climbers can take in the views while learning about the history of the Story Bridge and nearby landmarks.

Then comes the new addition. Participants who have selected The Swing are fitted with the approved safety equipment before being suspended about 80 metres above Brisbane. Story Bridge Adventure Climb describes The Swing as an adrenaline-focused finale and says it is equipped with a world-class safety system.

Photo credit: Google Maps/Story Bridge Adventure Climb

The new attraction follows a series of additions to the Story Bridge Adventure Climb after its acquisition by Howard Smith Wharves developer Artemus Group. These include Toast at the Top and the Accessible Climb, which uses a specially designed wheelchair to allow people with mobility impairments to take part in a bridge climb.

Business Manager Sarah Townsend has previously described the Accessible Climb as particularly meaningful, saying it has helped people create memories by achieving something they previously thought they could not do.

The Swing brings a different kind of challenge. After reaching the top, participants who choose the experience can swing out over the road while suspended by the safety system, turning the final part of the climb into a different test of nerve.

Who can take on The Swing?

The experience comes with several eligibility requirements. According to Story Bridge Adventure Climb, participants must be at least six years old and at least 140cm tall, and weigh no more than 120kg.

They must also meet Story Bridge Adventure Climb’s participation requirements, be correctly fitted with the approved harness and safety equipment, and follow all instructions from staff. The Swing is now open as an additional experience for Story Bridge climbers.

Read: Story Bridge Now Offers World Exclusive Thrill-Seeker Activities

For those accustomed to seeing the Story Bridge from the ground, the latest attraction offers a very different proposition: climb to the top, take in the view, and decide whether you are ready to make the jump.

Published 8-September-2026

Kangaroo Point Riverfire 2026 Guide: Best Views, Access and Road Closures

Photo Credit: Brisbane Festival

Kangaroo Point will offer some of the most prominent elevated views of Riverfire, with the cliffs and riverside parks giving spectators different perspectives across the Brisbane River, Story Bridge and city skyline.

Riverfire will be held on Saturday, 5 September, with Royal Australian Air Force flyovers scheduled between 4:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and the fireworks beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event opens Brisbane Festival and is free to attend.

The cliffs offer the broadest elevated view

Kangaroo Point Cliffs are among the official viewing locations promoted for Riverfire and provide an elevated outlook over the Brisbane River. The height of the cliffs gives spectators a wider view of the city skyline and fireworks display than many riverside locations at ground level.

The area is also one of the event’s more popular vantage points, so space is expected to be limited as the afternoon progresses. Spectators planning to watch both the aircraft displays and the fireworks will need to arrive well before the 7:00 p.m. start if they want a position along the cliff-top viewing areas.

Captain Burke Park gives a closer river-level alternative

Captain Burke Park, beneath the Story Bridge, provides a different viewing experience for people who prefer to stay closer to the river.

The park is another official Riverfire viewing location and offers a more enclosed setting beneath the bridge, with views across the river towards the city. Compared with the cliffs, the park sits at a lower elevation and provides a closer river-level perspective rather than a wide panoramic outlook.

Choice of location will largely depend on whether spectators prefer an elevated skyline view from the cliffs or a closer position near the Story Bridge and riverfront.

Accessible viewing is available at Kangaroo Point Cliffs

A dedicated accessible viewing area will operate at Kangaroo Point Cliffs for people with access requirements and their companions.

Brisbane Festival says capacity is limited to about 300 people and places are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bookings are available through the festival’s accessibility program.

The location is designated for patrons who require accessible viewing, making Kangaroo Point the main officially identified accessible Riverfire viewing area.

Road closures will tighten access around the cliffs

Several roads around Kangaroo Point will close during the day, affecting direct access to the most popular viewing areas.

Lower River Terrace and Kangaroo Point Cliffs Drive will close from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., while Holman Street will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. River Terrace and several streets connecting it with Main Street will close from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Temporary no-standing and tow-away restrictions will also apply to streets including Holman Street, River Terrace, Main Street and Lower River Terrace from Friday evening through Saturday night.

RIVERFIRE TRANSPORTATION CHANGES

Walking routes will also face restrictions

Pedestrian and e-mobility access around Kangaroo Point will change during the event. Brisbane City Council has advised that river-adjacent walkways in Kangaroo Point will have speed and parking restrictions for e-mobility devices.

The Kangaroo Point Bridge will also close from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., removing one pedestrian link between the suburb and the CBD during the period surrounding the fireworks.

For spectators deciding where to stand, the cliffs offer the widest elevated outlook, while Captain Burke Park provides a closer riverside setting beneath the Story Bridge. Access restrictions around both locations mean the best position may depend as much on how spectators plan to arrive and leave as on the view itself.

Riverfire opens three weeks of Brisbane Festival

Riverfire marks the opening weekend of Brisbane Festival, but the citywide program continues well beyond Saturday night. Brisbane Festival runs from 4–26 September, with theatre, music, dance, installations, family activities and free events scheduled across Brisbane, including a substantial program at South Bank. Events range from Bright Nights, running throughout the festival, to concerts, workshops, community celebrations and performances at Festival Village.

CHECK FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Published 4-Sept-2026

Karni Liddell Pushes For Greater Independence Through Better Brisbane Access

Photo Credit: QCOSS/YouTube

Paralympian and disability advocate Karni Liddell, who previously lived in Kangaroo Point before moving to the Sunshine Coast, has called for better accessibility across Brisbane, saying inaccessible locations can severely limit where she is able to go.

Liddell has advocated for practical infrastructure changes such as ramps and lifts as part of improving access for people with disability across the city.

Her position has centred on independence, with better physical access potentially reducing the need for some people with disability to rely as heavily on support workers when moving between everyday locations.

Greater Independence Through Brisbane Accessibility

Liddell has said many places across Brisbane remain inaccessible to her as a wheelchair user.

Rather than focusing solely on additional personal support, she has argued for physical barriers to be addressed through infrastructure that makes locations easier for people with disability to enter and use independently.

Her connection with Kangaroo Point predates her move to the Sunshine Coast in 2026, where she relocated to be closer to family.

The broader accessibility concerns she has raised apply across Brisbane and cover the ability of people with disability to move through public and community spaces.

Karni Liddell — Photo Credit: QCOSS/YouTube

Public Facilities Form Part Of Access Picture

Current Brisbane public toilet data provides one measure of accessibility across facilities used by the community.

BCC’s open data recorded 582 public toilet facilities within its local government area, with 476 listed as accessible and 106 recorded as not accessible.

The dataset also provides more detailed information about the facilities available at each location. It recorded 85 toilets with ambulant facilities, 23 with adult change facilities and 13 identified as Changing Places.

A further 181 facilities were recorded as having baby-change facilities, while 17 had baby-care rooms.

The data covers public and private public toilet facilities listed on the National Public Toilet Map and filtered to locations within the BCC area.

public toilets — *Photo Credit: The National Public Toilet Map*

Access Data Updated Daily

The Brisbane dataset was created using information from the National Public Toilet Map, with details including location and accessibility for people with disability.

The range of accessibility information extends beyond a simple accessible or inaccessible classification. The dataset separately records features including ambulant facilities, adult-change areas, Changing Places facilities, left- and right-hand transfer arrangements and accessible parking.

Liddell’s wider advocacy has focused on physical changes that can allow people with disability to navigate Brisbane with greater independence, with ramps and lifts among the measures she has identified as important to improving access.

Published 2-September-2026

Kangaroo Point’s Valerie Simons Named ShelterBox Fundraiser Of The Year

Kangaroo Point local Valerie Simons has been recognised nationally for her fundraising efforts supporting families left without homes following disasters and conflict.

Read: George Wegener: An Australian Drag Racing Icon, Born and Raised in Kangaroo Point

Ms Simons has been named ShelterBox Australia’s Fundraiser of the Year, after raising more than $21,000 for the international disaster relief charity.

Ms Simons began volunteering with ShelterBox Australia at the start of 2025 and received the charity’s Rising Star Award during her first year. Her fundraising efforts have included presentations to Rotary Clubs, community events, and a sponsored trek along Western Australia’s Cape-to-Cape trek.

From volunteer to award winner

Ms Simons during her Cape-to-Cape fundraising trek for ShelterBox Australia (Photo supplied)

A keen photographer and Belgian native, Ms Simons recently stepped into the role of President of the Rotary Club of Paddington.

ShelterBox Australia is part of the global ShelterBox network, which specialises in emergency shelter for families who have lost their homes through disaster or conflict. Ms Simons said living in Australia had made her feel particularly fortunate compared with people in countries frequently affected by disasters or conflict.

“I feel really, really lucky and blessed that we’re in a country where we don’t suffer disasters like earthquakes and floods constantly,” she said.

“We do have some issues here obviously but not on the scale of countries like Venezuela or the Philippines that are hit all the time and we’re also a country that doesn’t suffer conflict so we’re very, very blessed.”

Ms Simons said she felt a responsibility to support people facing difficult circumstances elsewhere.

“I feel like it’s kind of my duty here being in Australia to be able to support other people because I’m very lucky to be here and there is so much need in the world.”

Supporting families after disaster

ShelterBox responded after an earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines (Photo supplied)

ShelterBox was founded by a Rotary Club, with Rotary members and clubs continuing to support the organisation through fundraising, raising awareness, sharing local expertise and providing practical assistance during disaster responses.

ShelterBox says it has supported more than three million people in around 100 countries, responding to major earthquakes, conflicts, tropical storms, droughts and floods.

Funds raised by volunteers help provide families left with nowhere to live after a disaster with practical essentials including tents, shelter kits, mosquito nets, blankets, solar lights, kitchen sets and water filters.

Ms Simons said her experiences living in different countries and travelling around the world had given her first-hand exposure to some of the issues faced by people elsewhere.

“Being a citizen of the world, as I always call myself because I have lived in some different countries and I have travelled a lot around the world, I have seen first-hand some of the issues,” she said.

“So, if we can bring a little bit of hope and shelter should be a human right, no one should be without shelter.”

Recognition for fundraising effort

ShelterBox Australia CEO Mike Greenslade praised Ms Simons for the passion and determination behind her fundraising.

“The Fundraiser of the Year Award recognises an individual whose passion and determination have generated outstanding support for ShelterBox,” he said.

Mr Greenslade also recalled walking with Ms Simons during the Cape-to-Cape trek, saying she exceeded her fundraising target and helped inspire others to support ShelterBox’s work.

Read: Virtual Reality Program in Kangaroo Point Transports Patients to Australia’s North-West

ShelterBox Australia said it was working with local partners and Rotary to support families displaced by earthquakes in the Philippines and Venezuela. It also said it was responding to displacement crises in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso.

Ms Simons said it was “really important that we can do what we can in the world” and that contributions to ShelterBox Australia could support families and “bring smiles on the face of children.”

Published 28-August-2026

Brisbane German Club Brings Rare Bavarian Brews to Kangaroo Point for Five-Week Celebration

Photo Credit: Oktoberfest Brisbane

Beer lovers in Kangaroo Point can finally taste rare brews from all six official Munich festival makers in one place for the very first time in Australia.

Bringing together rare imports across 24 dedicated taps, the local clubhouse is gearing up for its 52nd annual autumn gathering. Organisers noted that securing every single one of the historic Munich makers—Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu München, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten—cements a major win for local patrons that started last year and continues into the current season.

Club manager Trent Boyle explained that focusing on these specific heritage makers forms the foundation of creating a genuine Bavarian atmosphere.

Why settle for standard pours when visitors can sample items from Giesinger Bräu, widely recognised as Munich’s seventh brewery? While this rising contender campaigns for official festival recognition abroad, local patrons get a front-row seat to taste its craft alongside industry heavyweights. Organisers also highlighted a special early shipment from Paulaner, noting that tracking cargo ships crossing the globe adds plenty of suspense while waiting for the seasonal brew to clear customs.

Beyond the extensive tap list, the halls host traditional Oompah bands performing lively renditions of rock and pop classics designed to get crowds singing along. Long communal tables groan under the weight of fresh pretzels, golden schnitzels, and the venue’s signature one-kilogram pork knuckle.

Could you imagine a better companion to a heavy ceramic stein? Residents looking to complete their look can browse a pop-up boutique near the entrance offering authentic Tracht attire, including traditional Dirndls and Lederhosen. Stein-holding competitions and classic games round out the program. Organisers aim to transport local patrons straight to Bavaria without needing a passport.

The Brisbane German Club marks its milestone anniversary with more than 40 imported beers poured across five full weekends of festivities throughout October. Daily celebrations kick off at 5:00 pm on Fridays and from 11:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays. The venue sits directly opposite Gate 4 of The Gabba at 416 Vulture Street. Entry packages start at $40, which includes a commemorative stein and the first drink fill.

Published Date 27-August-2026

Kangaroo Point Building Boom Raises Questions Over Construction Pressure

Photo Credit: Fortis River House

Kangaroo Point’s riverfront is undergoing another wave of high-density development, with major apartment projects rising within a compact pocket around Lambert and O’Connell streets.

The concentration highlights a planning challenge: Brisbane’s system provides mechanisms to manage noise, vibration, dust and construction traffic associated with individual developments, while impacts from nearby construction sites can overlap across the same neighbourhood.

One Packed Precinct

At 108 Lambert Street, Pikos Group is developing Gaia—two 15-storey residential towers totalling 215 apartments, with expected completion in January 2027. Nearby, Fortis is constructing River House at 44 O’Connell Street, a 14-level project scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027.

Further development activity remains in the pipeline, including a material change of use application lodged for 39 Lambert Street in April 2026. Planning records also show development activity at 112–130 Lambert Street, adding to the concentration of residential proposals along the corridor.

Although the developments differ in scale and design, their overlapping construction timelines mean activities such as excavation, heavy-equipment movements and deliveries can place demands on the same local road network. The central question is whether cumulative neighbourhood impacts become more significant when several developments proceed at once.

Density Meets Growth Strategy

Brisbane City Council’s Management Plans Planning Scheme Policy guides the preparation of management plans that address noise, vibration, dust, and construction traffic at individual developments. The framework also provides requirements for site-specific management of approved out-of-hours works.

There are planning conditions attached to individual developments, while construction impacts such as noise and vehicle movements can extend beyond site boundaries.

The concentration of new housing also sits within Brisbane’s broader growth strategy. Brisbane’s housing and inner-city planning policies support additional housing in well-located areas with access to infrastructure and transport.

Kangaroo Point has many of those characteristics, sitting beside the CBD and linked directly to the city by the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, and these projects highlight such connectivity.

A Construction-Management Test

More housing in a well-connected inner-city suburb can advance Brisbane’s growth objectives while creating a difficult transition for an established neighbourhood. Completed towers eventually become part of the urban fabric. Building them requires years of construction activity that may overlap with other projects nearby.

Kangaroo Point presents a broader question for a growing Brisbane: whether managing each construction site individually remains sufficient as more high-density projects are delivered simultaneously within established residential precincts.

Published 25-Aug-2026

Brisbane Turns to Darren Lockyer in Push for $3.6B Story Bridge Renewal

Rugby league legend Darren Lockyer has been recruited to front a new advertising campaign promoting the renewal of Brisbane’s Story Bridge, as the city works towards finalising a business case for a project expected to cost about $3.6 billion over 20 years.

Read: Under The Story Bridge: The E-Scooters Hidden In Brisbane River

The campaign, titled “A Good Story Needs a Sequel,” features Lockyer on top of the bridge and uses historical imagery from its construction, natural disasters, and major Brisbane events including Riverfire and football grand finals.

The campaign comes as Brisbane promotes its proposed renewal plan and works towards finalising the business case for the ageing heritage-listed structure.

Why the renewal costs billions

The Story Bridge opened in 1940 and is now more than 86 years old. It was built for a very different Brisbane and is approaching the end of its original design life.

Today, the bridge carries about 100,000 vehicles each day, as well as thousands of pedestrians and cyclists. Brisbane says it handles around 10 times more daily traffic than when it first opened, including modern cars, buses, freight and commercial vehicles, some weighing up to 42.5 tonnes.

More than $120 million has been spent on bridge maintenance over the past 20 years, alongside other improvement and renewal works. However, BCC said ongoing maintenance alone will not be sufficient. Engineering investigations indicate that a full renewal is needed to extend the bridge’s service life into the future.

The proposed program includes major steel and concrete repairs, replacement of ageing components, improvements to bridge access and upgrades to essential services. The work would be staged over two decades, balancing engineering requirements, heritage considerations and the practical challenges of working on a live transport route.

Renewal versus replacement

The $3.6 billion estimate covers a long-term renewal program rather than a single construction project. Business case investigations indicate that replacing the Story Bridge with a new structure would not be a practical or realistic alternative. A new bridge on the same constrained inner-city alignment could cost more than $8.5 billion, while decommissioning the existing bridge alone is estimated at about $740 million.

Renewal is therefore being pursued as the preferred long-term option. Brisbane local officials said doing nothing would also have consequences, including increased congestion on the road network and greater reliance on toll roads.

The proposed renewal is designed to preserve the existing bridge while addressing the structural and operational work needed to keep it functioning for decades to come.

The funding challenge

The current business case indicates that about $1.35 billion would be required before 2032 as part of the broader renewal program.

Brisbane has committed $135 million through to 2032 for priority works and says the full renewal needs funding from all levels of government. The city is seeking support from the Australian authorities as the business case progresses.

The draft business case has been completed, with feedback from Infrastructure Australia to be sought before it is formally released later in 2026. Minor renewal works are expected to begin in late 2026, with major renewal works scheduled from late 2027, subject to funding availability.

Read: QUT Team Supports Predictive Maintenance System for Story Bridge

For Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge is both a familiar landmark and a major transport connection. The Lockyer campaign is promoting the case for renewal as Brisbane works to secure the funding required to keep one of the city’s best-known structures operating for generations to come.

Published 21-August-2026

St Joseph’s Riverfire Family Festival Gives Kangaroo Point Families a Calmer Way to Enjoy Riverfire

Photo Credit: FB/StJosephsPrimarySchool

The St Joseph’s Riverfire Family Festival gives Kangaroo Point families a local way to enjoy Riverfire on September 5. And for plenty of parents, that will sound like a relief.

Riverfire is one of Brisbane’s biggest nights. It brings colour, noise and a real sense of occasion. But it also brings crowds, queues and a fair bit of effort. Not every family wants to wrestle with that.

This is where the Kangaroo Point event steps in. It offers something simpler. It offers something closer to home.

A school message that lands well

St Joseph’s Primary School shared the event on Facebook. The post calls it “a Night to Remember… Without the Riverfire Crowds!”. It also invites families to join a relaxed, welcoming and family-friendly evening.

That pitch is clear, and it works.

Photo Credit: FB/StJosephsPrimarySchoolKangarooPoint

The school is not trying to outshine the main event. It is offering a softer option. It gives families a way to enjoy Riverfire without the usual city scramble. That will appeal to parents who want the night, but not the hassle.

It is a neat little local answer to a very big Brisbane evening.

Kangaroo Point knows this rhythm

Kangaroo Point has always sat close to the action. The river does that to a suburb. It ties the place to the city skyline and to the moments that light it up.

So a local Riverfire gathering makes sense here. It fits the suburb’s rhythm. It also gives families a reason to stay nearby, rather than head into the thick of the CBD.

That is part of the charm of the St Joseph’s Riverfire Family Festival. It feels practical. It feels familiar. And it feels built for people who want a good night without the pressure that usually comes with big city events.

A community night that keeps things simple

There is a lot to be said for simple.

A community event does not need to be loud to matter. It does not need to be flashy to feel special. Sometimes, it just needs to be well timed and well placed. This one appears to do both.

The St Joseph’s Riverfire Family Festival gives Kangaroo Point families a relaxed way to be part of Riverfire. It also adds a local touch to one of Brisbane’s most talked-about nights.

And really, that is often what community events do best. They make a big city moment feel smaller, warmer and a bit more human. That is no small thing on a busy September night.

Published 20-August-2026

Kangaroo Point Diners Could Soon Have Dirk’s Closer to Home

Photo Credit: Dirk's Dog Australia/Facebook

A new Brisbane fast-casual brand has opened its first store at Buranda Village, with plans for a second location at South Bank bringing the concept closer to Kangaroo Point.

Dirk’s began trading at the Ipswich Road shopping centre on 20 August, according to Buranda Village. The venue specialises in hot dogs made with beef, chicken or plant-based sausages, alongside loaded sides, chicken tenders, salads, soft serve and house-made sodas.

Buranda Village lists the store as trading from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

While the first outlet sits south of Kangaroo Point in Woolloongabba, the fledgling brand is already looking towards the river. Dirk’s operations manager Tahlia Deen said in a recent LinkedIn post that a South Bank store is planned to open in October 2026.

Hot Dogs Take Centre Stage

Dirk’s is built around a familiar food given a dedicated fast-casual format. Customers can choose among several hot dog combinations, including a classic topped with tomato relish, mustard, pickles and red onion. Another option pairs a sausage with three-bean chilli, chipotle cheese sauce and jalapeños.

The Buranda Village store page describes the concept as combining premium sausages and soft buns with globally inspired flavours.

Hot dogs are the main attraction, but the broader menu gives Dirk’s the shape of a quick-service restaurant rather than a specialist takeaway stand.

The business has also introduced an initiative called “Dirk’s Loves Dogs”. Buranda Village says Dirk’s has partnered with RSPCA Queensland to support animal welfare.

Experienced Hospitality Names Behind the Brand

The team behind Dirk’s has experience associated with well-known businesses including Boost Juice, Grill’d and BOUNCEinc. Chef Matt Wilkinson has also been involved as a culinary consultant.

Co-founder Liam Dempsey has publicly described Dirk’s as a brand intended to grow beyond its first location, while the announced South Bank outlet provides the clearest indication so far of its immediate expansion plans. For Kangaroo Point residents, this planned store would bring the brand considerably closer to the peninsula than its first home at Buranda Village.

Published 20-Aug-2026