Kangaroo Point Bridge Archives - Kangaroo Point News

Brisbane City and Kangaroo Point Waterfront Route Restored with Wider Riverwalk

Brisbane City and Kangaroo Point residents, commuters and visitors can once again move freely along a key stretch of riverfront, with the rebuilt CBD Riverwalk now reopened as a wider shared path linking two of the inner city’s busiest walking and cycling routes.

The upgraded section has been closed since 2023 during construction at the Waterfront Brisbane site. Developers say the reopened strip will restore the riverfront link between Charlotte Street and Alice Street and create a continuous path stretching from the Story Bridge through to the City Botanic Gardens, with Brisbane City involved in an official reopening event.

A pinch point beside the Kangaroo Point Bridge

The reopened Riverwalk section sits near the city-side access points for the Kangaroo Point Bridge, which can be accessed from Scott Street in Kangaroo Point and from the corner of Alice Street and Edward Street in the CBD. With more people using the bridge approaches, the restored Riverwalk link is expected to provide walkers and riders with a clearer way to move along the waterfront without being forced into longer detours.

During the closure, some pedestrian and cycling groups publicly criticised the loss of a key public route, saying the blocked section made daily trips harder.

Developers say the strip has been rebuilt rather than patched. A new concrete path and steel railings, along with public-facing artwork, including a mural visible from the riverfront side.

Project material for Waterfront Brisbane states the Riverwalk is being widened from a narrow route to a minimum of six metres and up to 15 metres wide in places, designed as a shared zone for pedestrians and cyclists with improved access points between Eagle Street and the river.

Public space and dining plans along the river edge

The Riverwalk reopening is one part of a broader riverfront redesign at the former Eagle Street Pier precinct. The wider plan includes public open space, landscaping, and future outdoor dining set back from the walkway. Developers have also flagged end-of-trip facilities for cyclists, including secure storage and e-bike servicing, to support regular commuting.

Construction activity on the larger site is expected to continue behind hoardings, with the overall Waterfront Brisbane development targeting completion in late 2028.

The development next door and why it caused a long closure

Waterfront Brisbane is a multibillion-dollar redevelopment led by Dexus with builder John Holland, replacing the old Eagle Street Pier site with two office towers and a mix of shops, food venues and public space. John Holland has outlined its role in earlier stage works in a project announcement.

Dexus has previously attributed delays and cost pressures to adverse weather and the challenges of construction along the river, while stating that the Riverwalk reopening has been prioritised.

A wider shift toward safer walking and cycling routes

The Riverwalk update comes as other key routes have also been under pressure in recent years. The Story Bridge restoration works have included new footpath decking and accessibility upgrades, which Council says are part of a longer program to maintain the bridge.

For Kangaroo Point residents and CBD workers alike, the reopened Riverwalk section is expected to make everyday river crossings and waterfront trips easier, especially at the bridge approaches, where foot and cycle volumes are growing.

Published 29-Jan-2026

Kangaroo Point Bridge Celebrates First Anniversary

Photo Credit: BCC/Facebook

Kangaroo Point is marking one year since the opening of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, with the river crossing recording strong daily use and becoming a key link between the suburb and the central city.

A Long-Awaited River Crossing

The Kangaroo Point Bridge opened on 15 December 2024, delivering the first direct pedestrian and cycling connection between Kangaroo Point and the CBD. The link had been identified as a missing part of Brisbane’s river crossings as early as the 1860s, but remained unrealised for more than a century.

Early concepts for a central river crossing were prepared by the late 1800s and revisited several times during the 20th century. The project was revived in the 2010s as part of a renewed focus on active transport and public access across the river.

Design and Construction

Construction commenced in late 2021 and was temporarily paused during the 2022 floods. More than 1,800 workers contributed around 760,000 hours to complete the structure.

The 460-metre bridge features a four-legged mast rising 95 metres, making it the tallest bridge mast in Queensland. The deck sits 12.7 metres above the Brisbane River and is supported by 32 cables extending a combined length of 3.5 kilometres.

Key features include dedicated walking and cycling lanes, lifts, viewing platforms and seating areas positioned to take in river and city views.

active transport Brisbane — *Photo Credit: BCC/Facebook*

Usage Exceeds Early Forecasts

In its first year of operation, the Kangaroo Point Bridge recorded approximately 3.4 million crossings, averaging close to 10,000 trips per day. This exceeded early projections, which had anticipated significantly lower daily use by 2036.

The bridge experienced its highest single-day use during Riverfire 2025, when more than 27,000 trips were recorded. In the first month alone, more than 315,000 people crossed the bridge.

A Destination as Well as a Link

Beyond its transport role, the bridge has developed into a destination in its own right. Riverside dining venues located on the structure have attracted steady patronage, while the elevated platforms have become popular stopping points for walkers and cyclists.

Public comments shared online describe the bridge as visually appealing and practical, with many users noting its contribution to safer and more direct off-road travel.

Looking Ahead

One year on, the Kangaroo Point Bridge is now an established part of daily commuting and leisure activity. With continued high usage, it is expected to remain a central feature of movement and recreation in Kangaroo Point for years to come.

Published 21-Dec-2025

Landmark Light-Up Marks Child Safety Reform in Kangaroo Point

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Major landmarks in Kangaroo Point will take part in a nationwide light-up to mark the start of new child safety social media laws, recognising the reform’s rollout across Australia.

Campaign Sparks a National Moment

Landmarks across the country will illuminate on 10 December as new rules limiting access to social media for people under 16 take effect.

This follows a campaign launched on 19 May 2024, which raised concerns about heightened psychological distress among young people. The campaign highlighted rising cases of self-harm, eating disorders and other behavioural challenges, noting their alignment with the rapid expansion of major social platforms.

Timeline data accompanying the campaign illustrated the introduction of key digital features and milestones, such as the widespread adoption of the like button, the rise of large-scale user bases and the international rollout of fast-growing video-based platforms. These developments were presented as the backdrop to increasing levels of distress recorded across multiple youth age groups.

Kangaroo Point Joins the National Display

Kangaroo Point will participate in the coordinated lighting event, with the Kangaroo Point bridge set to feature green and gold illumination. Nearby, the Story Bridge and Reddacliff Place will also light up as part of the wider Brisbane contribution.

social media age limit — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

The coordinated illumination will begin at sunset in each location, marking the first evening the new laws come into effect. The inclusion of Kangaroo Point places it among several significant sites around the country participating in the national display.

Brisbane light-up — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Major Online Platforms Begin Compliance Measures

Around one million social media accounts belonging to users under 16 are expected to shut down as the rules are enforced. In the days leading up to the rollout, young users received notifications advising them that their accounts would close until they reach the age threshold.

Major platforms confirmed they will implement age-verification systems to comply with the new requirements, following earlier concerns raised by industry groups about feasibility and enforcement.

The reform has drawn significant attention internationally. Regions across Europe, Asia and the United States are monitoring the implementation closely as they consider age-based access restrictions of their own.

child safety reform — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Public Support Visible Across Communities

Many families have expressed strong support for the new rules. Parents described growing concern about harmful online content, prolonged screen exposure and the challenges of managing access once children become active on major platforms.

The national lighting display, including the event at Kangaroo Point, reflects this widespread support and marks a shared moment acknowledging youth online safety.

A National Shift Begins at Sunset

The illumination of Kangaroo Point reinforces the introduction of the reforms and signals the beginning of a broader change in how young people engage with the online environment. As platforms disable under-16 accounts and verification systems expand, the rollout represents the first stage of a coordinated response to concerns around youth wellbeing in the digital era.

Published 9-Dec-2025

Kangaroo Point Bridge Honoured at Engineers Australia Excellence Awards

Photo Credit: COX Architecture

The Kangaroo Point Bridge in Brisbane has been recognised as Queensland’s Project of the Year at the 2025 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards, acknowledging its world-class engineering, sustainable design, and contribution to active transport.

Queensland’s Leading Engineering Achievement

The 2025 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards highlighted outstanding engineering projects across the nation, with the Kangaroo Point Bridge standing out as Queensland’s winner. Designed by WSP Australia and constructed by BESIX Watpac, the 460-metre asymmetric cable-stayed bridge is among the world’s longest of its kind. The structure serves as a major active transport corridor linking Brisbane’s CBD with Kangaroo Point, easing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable travel.

The annual Excellence Awards, held in September across all states and territories, recognise projects and engineers whose work demonstrates innovation, community benefit, and environmental impact. The Kangaroo Point Bridge will now represent Queensland at the national awards gala in Sydney on 13 November 2025, to be held at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. AEDT.

Innovative Design and Environmental Focus

The bridge incorporates solar power systems into its canopy and achieved an “Excellent” Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) Design Rating. Flood resilience was a key design consideration, ensuring the structure’s durability in Brisbane’s river environment. The project prioritised local procurement and sustainable construction practices, underscoring its commitment to long-term community and environmental outcomes.

Public spaces were also integrated into the design. The bridge includes shaded rest areas, panoramic viewing decks, and riverside hospitality venues such as an above-water restaurant and café. These features transform the bridge into a civic destination that encourages walking, cycling, and social interaction.

Reducing Car Trips and Encouraging Active Travel

According to Engineers Australia, the bridge helps remove up to 84,000 car trips each year by offering safe and efficient alternatives for pedestrians and cyclists. This reduction supports cleaner urban mobility and lowers emissions while improving connectivity between key inner-city areas.

The project’s recognition underscores the growing importance of sustainable infrastructure in shaping Australian cities. By merging design excellence with functionality, the Kangaroo Point Bridge has become a benchmark for future active transport developments.

Representing Queensland at the National Stage

As Queensland’s representative, the Kangaroo Point Bridge will compete against other state and territory winners for top national honours in November. The national event celebrates the achievements of engineers and project teams who are redefining infrastructure across Australia.

Through its innovative engineering and community-focused design, the Kangaroo Point Bridge stands as an example of how modern infrastructure can enhance both mobility and liveability.

Published 13-Oct-2025

Queensland Architecture Awards Honour Kangaroo Point Bridge for Urban Design

Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects

Kangaroo Point Bridge in Brisbane has been recognised for its design, sustainability, and contribution to urban mobility at the 2025 Queensland Architecture Awards.

Kangaroo Point Bridge Highlighted in State Awards

Kangaroo Point Bridge, a 460-metre cable-stayed pedestrian, cycling, and e-scooter bridge, has received top recognition at the 2025 Queensland Architecture Awards.

The bridge was acknowledged with the Queensland Architecture Medallion, the Karl Langer Award for Urban Design, and an award for Sustainable Architecture, reflecting its contribution to urban connectivity and climate-responsive infrastructure.

Queensland Architecture Awards — *Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects*

Background and Project Details

Completed in December 2024, Kangaroo Point Bridge is the longest structure of its type for pedestrians in Australia. It was designed by Blight Rayner Architecture with Dissing + Weitling. It is based on a concept and reference design prepared by BCC with Arup and Cox Architecture.

The bridge was developed as part of a broader program to improve access between residential areas and the city’s commercial precincts, while enhancing liveability and public amenity for a growing population.

Design and Sustainability Features

The bridge accommodates pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooters with dedicated lanes and safety features. It integrates solar energy systems to power lighting and facilities. It also provides continuous shading along its length to improve user comfort.

Resting areas with seating double as viewing platforms, and riverside dining venues have been incorporated to activate the public space. The project was praised for demonstrating functional, sustainable design.

Brisbane infrastructure — *Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects*

Community and Expert Views

Judges noted the bridge as a key example of how public infrastructure can strengthen connections between communities and workplaces. It also offers an improved public realm experience. The design was described as providing moments of engagement for users.

Future Implications

Kangaroo Point Bridge sets a benchmark for future infrastructure across Queensland. Its recognition at the state awards highlights growing expectations for public works to address both functional and social outcomes in rapidly developing cities.

Published 1-July-2025

Kangaroo Point Bridge Recognised at Queensland Landscape Awards

The Kangaroo Point Bridge has been recognised for its design integration and civic contribution, receiving an infrastructure award at the Queensland landscape architecture awards.

Major Infrastructure Honoured in Kangaroo Point

The Kangaroo Point Bridge, a pedestrian and cycle link, has been acknowledged in the 2025 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Queensland Awards. Designed by ASPECT Studios for BCC, the project received a Landscape Architecture Award in the infrastructure category.

Cultural and Urban Integration

The project was noted for its landscape integration, connecting Kangaroo Point to the city through deliberate design interventions that enhance existing public spaces. Delivered in collaboration with Turrbal and Yuggera Elders, the design responds to both the natural environment and the area’s cultural history. The landscape element was credited for its sustainable approach and efforts to recognise traditional stories while improving public life and accessibility.

Design and Delivery Partners

The bridge was developed with input from multiple stakeholders including Blight Rayner Architecture, Dissing + Weitling, and engineering teams from WSP and RWDI. It involved collaboration with groups such as UAP, Blaklash, and Right Angle Studio for design and interpretation. The project also benefited from concept work led by BCC in partnership with Arup and COX Architecture.

Broader Award Context

The 2025 AILA Queensland Awards, held at Blackbird in Brisbane, assessed more than 50 entries across multiple categories. Projects were evaluated for their contribution to community, sustainability, and engagement with the Country. Jury Chair David Hatherly noted a statewide shift toward landscape solutions that prioritise climate responsiveness and public benefit.

National Recognition Ahead

Projects receiving Awards of Excellence or Landscape Architecture Awards, including the Kangaroo Point Bridge, will now progress to the national stage, with winners to be announced in Hobart in October.

Published 17-June-2025

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

In 2021, while standing on the deck of the Brisbane Festival’s Art Boat, Louise Bezzina looked up at the city’s bridges and imagined something more. She saw not just pathways over water, but blank canvases ready for bold colour, joyful shapes and the kind of public art that could stop people in their tracks. Four years later, Kangaroo Point Bridge, alongside the Neville Bonner and Goodwill bridges, is about to become that canvas. As Ms Bezzina prepares to deliver her final Brisbane Festival as artistic director, her vision is finally coming to life in vivid fashion.

From 5 to 27 September, these three bridges will be wrapped in playful inflatable installations by internationally acclaimed artists Craig & Karl. The duo, originally from Brisbane, have returned home with their largest project yet, Walk This Way, turning river crossings into open-air galleries that stretch high above the water.

From Pandemic to Public Art

Appointed in 2020, Ms Bezzina’s tenure began in the thick of the pandemic. With restrictions and uncertainty hanging over the arts industry, she steered Brisbane Festival through uncharted waters. Her approach was always grounded in optimism and accessibility, with a clear goal: to bring art into the everyday lives of Brisbane residents.

Louise Bezzina Brisbane Festival — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Festival/Facebook*

This year, the city becomes her final stage. Over 1,000 performances, including 21 world premieres, will play out in theatres, parks, gardens and public spaces. More than a third of the program is free.

Ms Bezzina has said this last festival feels like a gift to the city. It’s a thank you and a love letter to the place that shaped her artistic leadership. Her curatorial eye has always favoured boldness and joy. Past festivals have featured giant birds wearing party hats and hundreds of drones lighting up the river. But this time, she’s going even bigger, drawing a direct line between the art and the people who live among it.

Telling Brisbane’s Story

The Craig & Karl bridge project is just one part of a wider transformation. Their artworks will also appear across the city in an extended trail reaching the CBD, South Bank, New Farm and even Brisbane Airport. It’s designed to encourage walking, to get people off the bus or out of their car, and into the streets to experience Brisbane in a new way.

For Ms Bezzina, these visual elements are more than decorations; they are also invitations. An invitation to look up, to slow down, to feel like the city itself is celebrating.

That same philosophy shapes other parts of the program. Baleen Moondjan, created by renowned choreographer Stephen Page, will unfold on a floating barge at Queen’s Wharf. Drawing on a First Nations story passed down by Page’s grandmother, it blends dance, music and striking visual design to honour country and kin.

Theatre, Music and Memory

In Bowen Hills, the Twelfth Night Theatre, long home to amateur productions, is undergoing a refresh just in time for Gatsby at the Green Light. The show, a stylish cabaret inspired by The Great Gatsby, played to packed houses in Sydney and will now transform this beloved venue into a 1920s speakeasy. Ms Bezzina championed its inclusion as part of her ongoing commitment to breathing new life into underused local spaces.

Across the broader festival, audiences will find everything from cutting-edge contemporary dance to family-friendly music nights. Gems, a ballet trilogy by LA Dance Project and Benjamin Millepied, will make its world debut in Brisbane. And shows like The Lovers, Back to Bilo, and Tina – A Tropical Love Story continue the festival’s strong focus on storytelling with cultural roots.

Returning favourites include Riverfire and the spectacular Skylore drone display, while a new light and fire sculpture event called Afterglow will take over the City Botanic Gardens with more accessible pricing and a shorter run.

A New Chapter Begins

This year marks the festival’s 29th year, and Louise Bezzina’s last as its leader. In October, she will move into her new role as CEO and Artistic Director of Brisbane Powerhouse. But her mark on Brisbane Festival is likely to endure far beyond this season.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Festiva/Facebook*

She often described her goal as helping Brisbane fall in love with its festival. As the city gets ready to walk across bridges turned into rainbows, float beside whales made of bone, and gather under fireworks and firelight, that love seems stronger than ever.

Published 11-June-2025

Kangaroo Point Bridge Opens Without Riverside Path to Mowbray Park

The Kangaroo Point Bridge will connect Brisbane’s CBD to Kangaroo Point for pedestrians and cyclists but has no direct riverside path to Mowbray Park, forcing users onto alternative routes.

A Missed Opportunity for Riverside Connectivity

The bridge that many have been eagerly awaiting, set to open on 15 December, was designed to improve active transportation in the inner-east, while still leaving a gap in connectivity towards the east. Cyclists and walkers seeking a seamless route from Kangaroo Point to Mowbray Park must navigate Shafston Avenue’s narrow footpaths or detour through Kangaroo Point’s side streets to reach established trails.

A once-promised Riverwalk connecting the two points was cancelled in mid-2023 due to spiralling costs, leaving community members frustrated with the lack of a complete network.

The Cost of Shelving the Riverwalk

Originally estimated at $22.5 million, the Riverwalk project faced budget blowouts that pushed the price tag to $93 million. Challenges included land acquisition, environmental constraints, and the need for complex construction along the Brisbane River.

Council confirmed it has no plans to revive the Riverwalk, citing the prohibitive costs and the logistical hurdles posed by private pontoons and residential developments along the riverbank.

The scrapped Riverwalk plan would have required the Dockside ferry terminal to be demolished and rebuilt, with much of the walkway built on piles or micropiles over the river. Despite strong community support during consultation, local authorities shifted focus to a more cost-effective alternative.

Shafston Avenue Bikeway: The Chosen Alternative

Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads have committed to a joint project: a $35-million bikeway along Shafston Avenue. This route will connect the new bridge’s Deakin Road landing to the Lytton Road bikeway, bypassing the need for a costly riverside path. Council transport officials argued this solution would deliver faster and more direct benefits for residents and cyclists in East Brisbane.

The Shafston Avenue bikeway is expected to be completed by 2027–28. However, some locals worry that the alternative plan means the Riverwalk may never be revisited.

Previous studies showed strong public preference for a riverside route, with over 600 submissions to the council’s active transport study between 2021 and 2022 supporting the Riverwalk project.

Published 10-Dec-2024

Kangaroo Point Bridge Opening to Boost Brisbane Connectivity

The new Kangaroo Point Bridge, a major infrastructure project aiming to boost local connectivity and reduce traffic congestion, will officially open with a community celebration.

Community Celebration with Local Involvement

To mark the occasion, residents are invited to join a public event on Sunday, 15 December 2024, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., offering a chance to be among the first to walk, cycle, or scooter across the bridge.

The opening festivities will include a Welcome to Country ceremony, live music, and performances suitable for all ages, reinforcing the bridge’s focus on community spirit.

Organisers encourage attendees to use active and public transport to access the event, and Translink provides journey planning assistance to ensure a smooth experience. Additionally, several local businesses will offer exclusive discounts and deals for those joining the celebration.

Innovative Construction and Sustainability

The Kangaroo Point Bridge has earned an “excellent” rating from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, recognising its environmentally friendly approach and innovative techniques.

This rating, a first for any Brisbane City Council project, highlights the bridge’s use of renewable energy, local supplier engagement, and advanced construction methods. The bridge features 75 solar panels to promote sustainable energy use, which will power its lighting and lifts. The project has also introduced unique technology, including drones for water sampling and infrared cameras to monitor river levels, helping safeguard against flood risks during heavy rain.

A river-based tower crane, a first in Queensland, was employed to allow above-water construction, reducing the impact on the Brisbane River and nearby communities.

Part of a Broader Vision for Brisbane’s Future

The Kangaroo Point Bridge forms part of Brisbane’s Bridges for Brisbane program. It is supported through the South East Queensland City Deal, a collaborative infrastructure initiative between the Australian Government and Brisbane City Council.

Officials view the bridge as essential in accommodating Brisbane’s growing population and encouraging active, sustainable transportation. The project is anticipated to divert around 84,000 cars from Brisbane roads each year, reducing congestion and promoting a healthier lifestyle for residents.

Published 15-Nov-2024

From Vision to Reality: Kangaroo Point Bridge Nears Grand Opening

The countdown has begun for the grand opening of the Kangaroo Point Bridge. This eagerly anticipated addition to the city’s infrastructure and skyline is set to transform the way residents and visitors experience the river city.

Read: Kangaroo Point Bridge Reaches 90% Completion, Newest Landmark Takes Shape in Brisbane

Scheduled for 15 December 2024, weather permitting, the project has already achieved several significant milestones. All 32 tensioned cables along the bridge deck have been installed, the eight bridge spans now connect the CBD to Kangaroo Point, and concrete pours for the bridge deck are complete.

About the Kangaroo Point Bridge

Stretching approximately 460 metres, the Kangaroo Point Bridge will connect Alice Street and Edward Street in the CBD to Scott Street at Kangaroo Point. The bridge’s elegant single-mast cable stay structure is designed to complement the city skyline while minimising visual impact.

Accessibility and user experience are at the forefront of the design. The bridge features dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths, 6.8 metres wide, with a gentle 1:20 grade. It maintains a navigable clearance height of 12.7 metres, matching the Captain Cook Bridge, and provides a 60-metre wide navigation channel. Visitors and commuters alike will enjoy viewing platforms and rest nodes offering panoramic city and river views.

Dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths (Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The Kangaroo Point Bridge project goes beyond transportation, aiming to create a destination in itself. Two unique dining venues, operated by the Tassis Group, will offer unparalleled experiences: an above-water restaurant and bar on the bridge itself, and a riverside café at the city landing. These venues promise to make the bridge an iconic destination for Brisbane residents and visitors for generations to come.

Sustainability has been integrated into the design, with features including solar panels, cooling vegetation, and shade cover along the length of the bridge. The project also focuses on community connections, with high-quality landing points designed to activate communities on both sides of the Brisbane River.

Final Touches Underway

While the main structure is in place, work continues to ensure everything is perfect for the December opening. The focus has now shifted to completing the bridge landing areas and the testing and commissioning phase of the project.

Over the coming months, the CBD landing area will be completed, with paving and landscaping works currently underway. Following this, work will continue on the above-water restaurant and riverside café.

At Kangaroo Point, landscaping activities are being completed along with the plaza area in CT White Park and the bridge landing in Scott Street. These final touches will transform the areas around the bridge into vibrant public spaces.

Read: Key Construction Milestone Achieved: Kangaroo Point Bridge Nears Completion with Final Span Installation

This new landmark promises not just to connect two sides of the river, but to become a destination in its own right, offering new perspectives on the city and new ways for residents and visitors to engage with Brisbane’s beautiful riverside.

Published 2-October-2024