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Brisbane Couple Turns to Dockside Marina Living to Beat Rising Rents

During a conversation with Nat and Shirvo on Sunrise on Tuesday, Grant and Louise Cause recounted how they have found a way to sidestep the housing crisis by swapping a traditional apartment for life on a $250,000 houseboat, cutting their weekly housing costs by hundreds of dollars while enjoying river views and a close-knit community.

From Rising Rents to River Living

About 18 months ago, the couple moved onto a houseboat at the Dockside Marina, after rent increases across Queensland made city living too costly. They wanted a long-term solution that fit their budget and lifestyle.

*Photo Credit: Dockside Marina/Facebook*

After researching options, they decided to buy a houseboat as an affordable asset. Docked at Dockside Marina, they pay about $500 a week in mooring fees )which include electricity and water), plus maintenance and insurance. A comparable apartment nearby costs around $700 a week, giving them an annual saving of about $10,400.

Living on the Water

The Causes describe their houseboat as a two-bedroom home with modern amenities and laundry facilities. They said they have settled easily into life on the river and enjoy its peaceful rhythm.

The move has given them better access to public transport and city activities. Louise Cause said the marina community has been one of the best parts of their new lifestyle. They have formed friendships with neighbours who share the same appreciation for river living.

A Housing Market Under Pressure

The couple’s move comes as housing prices across Australia continue to rise. Property data shows national home values grew by 0.6 per cent in July, marking six straight months of increases. The median home price now sits at about $927,000 in capital cities and $689,000 in regional areas.

With recent rate cuts from the Reserve Bank, experts expect further price growth. In this climate, options like houseboats, tiny homes, and shared living are attracting more Brisbane residents seeking affordable housing.

Life at Dockside Marina

Dockside Marina sits on the Brisbane River and provides permanent berths with power, water, and waste services. Residents describe it as peaceful and convenient, with easy access to the CBD and Kangaroo Point.

For the Causes, living there has become more than a short-term fix. They plan to stay long-term, valuing the financial relief and strong community connection.

Source: 7NEWS. Click to find the original article here: ‘Brisbane couple reveal the creative way they save $10,000 a year in rent amid Australia’s housing crisis. (7-October-2025)’

Published 9-October-2025

Public Divided Over Kangaroo Point Flying Fox Proposal

Photo Credit: Vertigo

Public opinion is divided over a proposal to build a wheelchair-accessible flying fox across the Brisbane River, linking Kangaroo Point with the CBD.

Public Reaction and Background

The concept of a flying fox at Kangaroo Point is not new. Brisbane tourism operator John “Sharpey” Sharpe first floated the idea in 2004 and has continued to pursue it as part of the city’s tourism offerings. The plan has now been revived through the Destination 2045 Tourism Icons Investment Fund, which has $80 million set aside for approved projects.

The attraction would involve participants being harnessed to a dual-line system for a glide from the Kangaroo Point cliffs to the city, with the return trip via the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, which opened on 15 December 2024. Sharpe has described it as the world’s first flying fox designed from the outset for wheelchair users, drawing on earlier adaptive systems used in his Vertigo dining experience.

While the proposal has been under development for years, the announcement that it could be ready ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has reignited debate. Supporters welcomed the concept as a step toward positioning Brisbane as a leading adventure destination, while critics voiced concerns about its practicality and relevance.

flying fox proposal — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Community Sentiment

Supporters have praised the project as an exciting addition that would showcase inclusivity and create a unique tourism experience. Some online comments described it as “cool” and “awesome,” while others said they hoped it would go ahead.

Critics raised safety concerns, questioning what would happen in the event of a fall and pointing to the condition of the Brisbane River, with references to debris, water quality, and wildlife. Others said the proposal was unnecessary, arguing funds should instead be directed to infrastructure improvements such as roads and bridges.

Questions were also raised about why the idea, first proposed in 2004, had not been realised sooner.

Kangaroo Point flying fox — *Photo Credit: Space4cyclingbne/Facebook*

Accessibility and Engineering

Accessibility is central to the design, with features intended to allow wheelchair users to take part safely and comfortably. The plan builds on the success of adaptive systems developed for the Vertigo restaurant at Brisbane Powerhouse, where a liftable wheelchair was created to give mobility-impaired guests access to the suspended dining platforms.

Early engineering work has already been undertaken, including assessments to avoid vegetation removal along the Kangaroo Point cliffs. Sharpe has also outlined additional ideas for the precinct, including a climbing “sky ladder” and a high ropes course.

Timeline and Next Steps

The flying fox proposal will require consultation, environmental assessment, and statutory approvals before it can proceed. Sharpe has indicated he wants the attraction operating years ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games, to ensure adequate preparation and operational experience.

Published 30-Sep-2025

Luxury Apartments, Heirloom, with Story Bridge Views Coming to Kangaroo Point

Photo Credit: Molti

Kangaroo Point is set to transform with one of Brisbane’s final riverfront parcels earmarked for five luxury apartments, named Heirloom, priced from $9.5 million each, bringing a new chapter of high-end living to the community.

Developer Molti has confirmed plans for a six-storey residential building at 4 MacDonald Street, Kangaroo Point. The project will feature one apartment per floor, each spanning about 340 square metres.

Designed by Bureau Proberts and Carr, the layout places living and sleeping areas along the building’s edge to maximise views of the Brisbane River and CBD.

Heirloom Kangaroo Point — *Photo Credit: Molti*

The Molti project aims to balance luxury with neighbourhood value by adding to the character of Kangaroo Point. The crescent-shaped balconies, inspired by the nearby Story Bridge, mimic the landmark’s curves while providing uninterrupted city outlooks.

The development also dedicates an entire floor to health and wellbeing, with a gym, sauna and cold plunge pool modelled on spa and longevity centres.

The site, measuring 797 square metres, is currently occupied by a small complex of two-bedroom apartments that changed hands in mid-2024.

With Brisbane City Council allowing a maximum of eight storeys in the high-density zone, the proposed six-storey design complies with planning requirements. Developers said they were confident the views would remain unobstructed as the block sits opposite parkland.

Approval for the project has already been granted, and construction is expected to begin shortly.

Sales are scheduled to launch in mid-October 2025, with the riverfront residences positioned among the most expensive new apartments in Brisbane.

Published 30-Sept-2025

Craig & Karl’s Colourful Takeover Connects Brisbane at Kangaroo Point

Photo Credit: Brisbane Festival

Kangaroo Point has become a focal point of Brisbane Festival 2025, featuring a large-scale installation by international art duo Craig & Karl as part of a citywide creative takeover celebrating colour, community, and connection.

A City Transformed Through Art

Artists Craig Redman and Karl Maier, known globally as Craig & Karl, have returned to their hometown for Brisbane Festival 2025 with their most extensive project to date. The pair have created 75 artworks across 20 key sites, including striking inflatables and geometric designs that now brighten the Kangaroo Point Bridge and other major landmarks.

The installation, which runs until 27 September 2025, forms part of the festival’s Public Art Trail presented in partnership with Griffith University Art Museum, BCC, and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Craig & Karl Kangaroo Point — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Festival*

Kangaroo Point Bridge Installation

At Kangaroo Point, the walking bridge has been transformed into a series of large inflatable arches, described as one of the duo’s most ambitious projects in nearly three decades. The colourful display symbolically connects Brisbane’s city centre to the Kangaroo Point headland, celebrating the city’s riverfront identity and creative culture.

This major public intervention is part of ANZ’s Walk This Way and reflects Craig & Karl’s hallmark aesthetic of bold colours, symmetry, and playfulness.

Rear Vision and Double Vision Exhibitions

The Kangaroo Point display is complemented by Craig & Karl: Rear Vision, an Outdoor Gallery exhibition running from 14 June to 20 October 2025 across Brisbane’s streets, laneways, and car parks. The exhibition, co-curated by Carrie McCarthy and Angela Goddard, showcases works exploring community, identity, and imagination.

At Griffith University Art Museum, Craig & Karl: Double Vision runs from 28 August 2025 to 7 January 2026, mapping three decades of the duo’s creativity and marking the 50th anniversary of Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art and Design, where both artists began their collaboration.

Public Art Trail and Guided Tours

Beyond Kangaroo Point, the Public Art Trail extends to locations such as Brisbane Airport, Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane Quarter, Fish Lane Arts Precinct, and South Bank Cultural Forecourt. The artworks collectively create a visual journey celebrating Brisbane’s evolving creative landscape.

Although sold out, guided tours held between 5 and 27 September 2025 offered participants a closer look at these installations, tracing the artists’ journey from their early Brisbane days to their global career. Each tour ran for 90 minutes, following accessible paths through key city highlights.

Creative Homecoming

Now based in London and New York, Craig & Karl’s return to Brisbane is regarded as a creative homecoming. Their playful pop art style—rooted in the city’s subcultures of the 1980s—continues to evolve through international collaborations with brands like Nike, Apple, and Vogue.

Through Rear Vision, Double Vision, and the Public Art Trail, the duo’s installations invite locals and visitors alike to rediscover familiar cityscapes through a new lens of colour and imagination.

Published 25-Sep-2025

‘World-first’ Wheelchair-accessible Flying Fox to Link Kangaroo Point and CBD before Brisbane 2032

A ‘world-first,’ wheelchair-accessible flying fox has been proposed for Kangaroo Point, targeting lift-off before Brisbane 2032.

Brisbane adventure entrepreneur John “Sharpey” Sharpe has outlined plans for a dual-line flying fox stretching over the Brisbane River from the Kangaroo Point cliffs to the city. Sharpe says the attraction would be a world first for wheelchair accessibility, positioning Brisbane to showcase inclusive adventure tourism in the lead-up to 2032.

Known locally for Riverlife, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb and the high-perched Vertigo dining experience, Sharpe says the flying fox would be a world first of its kind because of its built-in accessibility.

The proposal has been taking shape in the background for years and is now being progressed through Queensland’s new Tourism Icons Investment Fund under the state’s Destination 2045 plan.

The goal is to open ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the attraction designed from the ground up to accommodate wheelchair users.

How it would work

The concept uses two parallel cables for a one-way glide from the cliffs to the CBD. Guests could then make the return journey via the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, which officially opened on 15 December 2024 and now provides a direct link between the two banks.

Photo Credit: Facebook/ space4cyclingbne

Accessibility is built into the design brief: the flying fox would incorporate hardware and procedures so wheelchair users can take part safely, comfortably and without being treated as an exception.

The pitch builds on a recent run of inclusive tourism moves in Brisbane. Earlier this year, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb launched a wheelchair-accessible experience — another claimed global first — reinforcing that major attractions here are starting to design for all abilities from the start.

The Vertigo connection

Sharpe is also the man behind Vertigo Restaurant at Brisbane Powerhouse — a vertical dining experience where guests are clipped into safety gear and seated on platforms suspended roughly 17 metres above the ground.

Vertigo offers an “Access Vertigo” option that uses a purpose-built lifting wheelchair: guests transfer with staff assistance, are raised to the dining platform, and the chair locks securely into the table for the meal before a controlled descent.

That hands-on experience with adaptive equipment and procedures is informing the flying fox proposal’s accessibility features, with the goal of ensuring wheelchair users can participate from day one.

Where the project sits now

Funding pathway: The proposal is being prepared for consideration under Queensland’s Tourism Icons Investment Fund, part of the state’s Destination 2045 agenda.
Consultation and approvals: Exact launch and landing points would be confirmed through community consultation, engineering, environmental assessment and statutory approvals.
Design considerations: Early engineering work has reportedly focused on minimising vegetation impacts along the Kangaroo Point cliffs.
Timing: The stated aim is to be operating well before Brisbane 2032 so staff, systems and partnerships are in place ahead of the Games.

Why it matters for Kangaroo Point

If approved and built, the flying fox would add a fresh “river-to-city” experience to Kangaroo Point’s outdoor line-up — launching from the cliffs, soaring to the CBD, and strolling home over the new bridge. Just as importantly, it would continue Brisbane’s shift toward designing major attractions with accessibility at the centre rather than as an afterthought.

Key facts at a glance

What: Proposed dual-line, wheelchair-accessible flying fox across the Brisbane River
Where: Kangaroo Point cliffs to Brisbane CBD (one-way)
Return route: Via the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge (opened 15 December 2024)
Proponent: John “Sharpey” Sharpe (Riverlife, Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Vertigo)
Target opening: Before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Status: Concept progressing through funding, design, consultation and approvals

Future of Brisbane River Travel? Electric Hydrofoil Taxis Raise Hopes

Visitors and commuters may one day see futuristic river taxis gliding silently past Kangaroo Point and beneath the Story Bridge, as talks progress to bring Swedish-made electric hydrofoil taxis to Brisbane.

Read: Queensland Architecture Awards Honour Kangaroo Point Bridge for Urban Design

The sleek vessels, made by Scandinavian firm Candela, appear to “fly” above the water on submerged wings, allowing them to travel up to 55km/h without creating a wake. The design means they avoid the destructive riverbank erosion that Brisbane’s first CityCats once caused, including along the busy stretch of river near Kangaroo Point.

At present, Maritime Safety Queensland limits vessels to 15 knots (about 28km/h) between the William Jolly Bridge and the Story Bridge. However, in Stockholm authorities allow Candela ferries to travel much faster because they generate no wake, raising the possibility of a similar arrangement in Brisbane.

Local hospitality operators are already in discussion with the company, which unveiled its vessels at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show earlier this year. The interest follows Brisbane’s move to open eight river pontoons for businesses such as water taxis, floating bars and restaurants.

Candela’s Australian distributor has argued that the electric hydrofoil taxis are far more energy-efficient than conventional ferries, needing only compact batteries that can recharge with the same type of equipment as an electric car. Unlike larger CityCats, which can carry up to 170 passengers, the P-12 hydrofoil shuttle has capacity for about 30 people, positioning it more as a nimble commuter service than a mass transit option.

Supporters say that could be a perfect fit for Kangaroo Point, where new riverside developments are drawing residents, workers and tourists who may benefit from faster, cleaner connections across the water. The vessels’ long range and quiet operation could also add to the precinct’s appeal as a lifestyle destination, just minutes from the CBD.

Read: Kangaroo Point Bridge Becomes Centrepiece in Bezzina’s Final Brisbane Festival

Although previous river taxi schemes in Brisbane have faltered, proponents believe the hydrofoil’s unique design and efficiency could finally make the idea viable. If so, Kangaroo Point could soon become one of the first places in Australia where the futuristic boats take flight.

Published 17-September-2025

Developer Seeks Approval for Design Amendments at Kangaroo Point Tower

Photo Credit: YPM Group

AS Mountain Pty Ltd, owned by Sam Sgroi and Peter Schmidt, has taken Sorano House seek approval for more than 40 design changes to the near-complete Kangaroo Point apartment tower.

Latest Application

The developer lodged the application on 26 August 2025, with proposed modifications including the removal of a column in the ground-level swimming pool, repositioning of the rooftop pool and deck on level eight, widening of the lobby, and a reduction in the size of the dining and meeting room.

Architect affidavits filed stated that the adjustments will not alter the number of apartments, bedrooms, floors, or the height of the building. Additional changes include moving air-conditioning units behind screening and minor amendments to the sun hood profile.

Brisbane apartments — *Photo Credit: YPM Group*

Project Background

Sorano House is located at 12 Hamilton Street, Kangaroo Point. The development comprises seven full-floor apartments, with each residence spanning an entire level. AS Mountain Pty Ltd purchased the site for $16.69 million on 10 May 2022.

Court approvals were granted in 2021, 2023, and 2024, despite opposition from some neighbours during BCC’s initial consideration of the project. The development is being delivered by Trezetto Developments, also directed by Sgroi.

Sales and Market Position

The project has already seen strong sales, including a two-level penthouse sold off the plan for $14 million and another apartment for $9 million. Each residence features views of the Brisbane River and city skyline.

Earlier marketing material highlighted interior finishes such as a 5.5-metre natural stone kitchen bench, oak flooring, and premium appliances. Shared amenities include a rooftop pool, spa, sauna, gym, outdoor dining, and a private wine cellar. Apartments were originally marketed from $7.75 million, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2025.

Community Context

Local residents had previously opposed the development, but their objections were unsuccessful. The developer has said the new design changes are intended to respond to demand in the inner-city apartment market. Architects involved in the project described the adjustments as functional refinements with minimal visual impact.

Outlook

The Planning and Environment Court will review the application and determine whether the requested modifications can proceed as Sorano House approaches completion on Kangaroo Point’s riverfront.

Published 11-Sep-2025

Brisbane’s Best Dog-Friendly Walks: Why Kangaroo Point Cliffs Deserves a Spot on Your List

Brisbane is known for its abundance of dog-friendly walks, offering everything from bushland trails to riverside strolls. Among them, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park stands out as one of the city’s most scenic spots for dog owners looking to combine history, exercise, and sweeping views of the skyline.

Read: Safety Upgrade to See Old Bollards Removed from Kangaroo Point Cliffs

The 1.1 kilometre loop at Kangaroo Point Cliffs takes around 15 minutes to complete, but its appeal goes far beyond the short walk. The heritage-listed cliffs, created through convict quarrying in the early days of the Moreton Bay penal settlement, have since been transformed into a lively recreational hub. Today, the site attracts walkers, runners, and climbers, as well as locals enjoying a barbecue or picnic by the river.

dog-friendly walks — Photo credit: David Lai/Google Maps

For those bringing their dogs, the park is fully accessible and pet-friendly, though leash rules apply for safety. With its proximity to busy roads and steady stream of cyclists and joggers, dogs are required to stay on-lead, making it a secure but enjoyable outing for pets and their owners. The well-maintained paths and open spaces provide plenty of opportunity for exercise, while the river views add to the experience.

Reviews from visitors highlight the park’s versatility—wheelchair-friendly paths, picnic facilities, climbing areas, and grassy spaces where families and pets alike can relax. Dog owners in particular value the clean environment, the mix of shade and sun, and the chance to combine a leisurely stroll with social activities in one of Brisbane’s most photographed locations.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park joins other Brisbane favourites such as the Hamilton to New Farm Riverwalk, Mount Coot-tha trails, and Kedron Brook Floodway as part of the city’s network of dog-friendly walks. Each offers its own character, but the cliffs are unique in blending heritage with lifestyle, giving dog walkers not only exercise but also a glimpse into Brisbane’s early history.

Read: Soaring Over Brisbane: Kangaroo Point Cliffs Eyed for High Diving at Brisbane 2032 Olympics

For those seeking a short, scenic, and pet-friendly walk with a strong sense of place, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park is an essential addition to the list.

Published 1-September-2025

Oktoberfest in Kangaroo Point to Feature Munich’s Six Breweries

Photo Credit: Brisbane German Club

The Brisbane German Club in Kangaroo Point will host its annual Oktoberfest, showcasing beers from all six official Munich breweries alongside food, music, and traditional festivities.

Event Dates and Schedule

Oktoberfest will take place across the first four weekends of October 2025 at the Brisbane German Club on Vulture Street. Events will run from 5:00 p.m. on Fridays and from 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets are priced at $40 for Fridays and Sundays and $50 for Saturdays. First-release tickets include entry, access to all areas, a commemorative half-litre stein, and the first drink.

Background of the Celebration

The Brisbane German Club, founded in 1883, began hosting Oktoberfest in 1975, making it Queensland’s oldest festival of its kind. Each year, thousands of people attend to experience Bavarian culture in Kangaroo Point.

Oktoberfest Kangaroo Point — *Photo Credit: Brisbane German Club*

view events info

Securing Munich’s Six Breweries

For 2025, the club has arranged for draught beers from Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. The venue team believes this may be the first time all six official Munich Oktoberfest breweries will be available on tap at a single event in Australia.

To achieve this, organisers ordered 301 kegs, with 240 shipped together in one container. These beers, which are rarely available in kegs locally, were secured through careful planning and coordination with importers.

Food, Drinks, and Authentic Traditions

Across the four weekends, around 6,000 attendees are expected to drink more than 15,000 litres of beer. Traditional dishes such as pork knuckles, schnitzels, and pretzels will be served, while choirs, dance groups, and bands provide cultural entertainment.

The event will feature 30 German beers on tap and more than 100 bottled options. Authentic German glassware has also been imported to enhance the experience.

Entertainment and Activities

Festivalgoers can expect choirs, Alpine performances, DJ sets, yodelling, trivia, and competitions including stein-holding, sausage eating, pretzel cutting, potato bowling, and Mr and Mrs Oktoberfest.

On Sunday, 19 October, a dedicated Family Day will feature puppet shows, craft activities, and free entry for children under 18.

Visitor Information

A popup store at the entrance will sell dirndls and lederhosen for attendees looking to dress traditionally. The club will offer a range of food options and will accommodate dietary requirements where possible, though cross-contamination may occur. Pets are not permitted except for service animals.

No on-site parking will be available during the event, but surrounding street parking and public transport services provide alternatives.

Looking Ahead

With its long history in Queensland and the rare inclusion of Munich’s six breweries, Oktoberfest in Kangaroo Point is set to deliver one of the most authentic Bavarian-style celebrations in Australia.

Published 27-Aug-2025

A Century of Compassion: Celebrating the Life of Sister Angela Mary Doyle

Sister Angela Mary Doyle, one of Queensland’s most remarkable women, marked her 100th birthday this year, a milestone in a life defined by compassion, courage, and quiet determination.

Read: Evans Deakin Shipyard: Brisbane’s Wartime Engine of Industry

Born on the 19th of August, the Irish-born Catholic nun first arrived in Brisbane in 1947 at the age of 21. Her first posting was to St Joseph’s Convent, Kangaroo Point, where she began teaching before moving into health care. It was the start of a vocation that would see her become one of Queensland’s most influential figures in education, nursing and hospital leadership.

Angela Mary Doyle — Photo credit: Mater Foundation/Facebook

Sr Doyle later trained as a nurse and rose to administrator of the Mater Hospital, where she helped modernise services and expand care across the state. But it was during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s that her bravery shone most clearly.

With Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen refusing federal funding for treatment, she quietly took the funds herself and channelled them through the Mater to the Queensland AIDS Council. She often visited patients under the cover of night, meeting them in their homes, listening to what they needed, and arranging care despite the risk of being discovered.

Federal Health Minister Neal Blewett once described the Sisters of Mercy as “the most altruistic of money launderers” for their covert role in supporting AIDS patients. For those facing illness and stigma, Sr Doyle’s actions brought comfort and dignity at a time of widespread fear.

Although she stepped back from leadership in the 2000s, Sr Doyle has remained closely involved with the Mater, continuing to support staff, visit patients and advocate for those in need.

Reflecting on her long life, she has often said that her focus was always more on helping others than on herself, and that her faith remained at the centre of everything she did.

Read: WilsonArchitects Marks 140 Years, Highlights Kangaroo Point Project

From Kangaroo Point to the Mater, from the classroom to the frontline of the AIDS crisis, Sister Angela Mary Doyle’s 100 years tell the story of a woman whose life has been lived for others.

Published 20-August-2025