Kangaroo Point Archives - Page 2 of 17

Kangaroo Point Berths Turn Into Homes as Brisbane Rents Stay High

About a third of the boats tied up at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point are now lived in full-time, according to the marina’s manager, as some Brisbane residents look beyond apartments for a place they can afford close to the city.

Dockside Marina manager Ken Allsop has seen more people living at the marina in recent years, and he estimates around one-third of the docked boats are now used as permanent homes. Reports cited that residents are making use of shared marina facilities such as bathrooms, showers and laundry, which can help make long-term stays workable in small cabins.

Dockside Marina promotes its berths as an inner-city option at Kangaroo Point. One resident was described as moving from a house to an apartment, then onto a 1966 boat after deciding unit living did not suit him. His monthly marina fees included basics such as power and water. However, there are practical limits to boat life, including cramped space, low headroom, tight storage, and ongoing maintenance issues that can interrupt day-to-day routines.

Rents and Prices Remain High

New figures help explain why some people are exploring unusual housing choices. Domain’s Rental Report for the December 2025 quarter put Brisbane’s median rent at $670 a week for houses and $650 a week for units, with quarterly rises in both categories.

Cotality’s national rental analysis has also pointed to tight conditions, including low vacancy and strong rent growth over five years. While those figures are national, they reflect the broader strain many renters feel in high-demand markets.

Buying a home has not become an easy alternative for many households. Reports stated that Queensland’s housing market continued rising into December, with Brisbane values increasing while affordability stayed a challenge.

*Photo Credit: Dockside Marina/Facebook*

Boat Life Has Limits

Living aboard can reduce some weekly housing costs, but it can also bring extra work and unexpected expenses. Full-time boat living has its trade-offs, balancing potential savings with ongoing upkeep, including maintenance demands that can be heavier on older vessels.

In Kangaroo Point, boat living can be both practical and personal. Residents who saw the move as a lifestyle change as well as a way to manage costs, while also acknowledging the limits of space and the reality of repairs.

Living aboard is not the same everywhere. Some marinas set conditions and require approval for liveaboards, covering issues such as safety and the use of facilities.

Published 28-Jan-2026

Data-Responsive Light Installation Planned for Kangaroo Point Hotel Tower

Photo Credit: DA/A006924144

A dual-tower mixed-use development featuring a data-responsive illuminated facade has been proposed for Main Street in Kangaroo Point, combining hotel suites, apartments and a ground-level food and drink venue.

Dual-Tower Proposal on Main Street, Kangaroo Point

A development application has been lodged for 215–229 Main Street, Kangaroo Point, on a consolidated 2,600-square-metre site opposite the Story Bridge Hotel and within walking distance of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge.

The proposal is for two towers positioned at either end of the site, linked by a shared podium containing short-term accommodation, communal areas and building services.

Illuminated Facade Designed to Respond to Local Conditions

A landmark illuminated facade element is proposed on the northern face of the southern tower. The lighting concept is described as live and data-responsive, influenced by local environmental inputs including river movement, wind, humidity and sky conditions.

The illumination is intended to act as a subtle vertical marker between the Story Bridge and the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, without using fixed imagery or high-intensity visual effects.

An illumination and traffic assessment referenced in the planning material found the proposed lighting would not create unacceptable impacts for motorists on Main Street or the Story Bridge, with analysis identifying a low safety risk in the surrounding road network.

Height, Layout, And Uses

The southern tower is proposed at 18 storeys and approximately 70 metres AHD, while the northern tower is proposed at eight storeys and approximately 35.9 metres AHD. The shared podium is described as limited to around 6.2 metres above ground level.

The plans list 29 apartments and 41 short-term accommodation rooms or suites. A food and drink outlet is proposed at ground level.

Kangaroo Point illuminated tower — *Photo Credit: DA/A006924144*

Rooftop Amenities And Landscaping

Rooftop landscaped areas are shown for both towers, including seating areas and planting zones. The rooftop level includes a pool and barbeque area alongside landscaped spaces intended to soften the built form when viewed from surrounding streets and the Story Bridge.

Landscape plans describe subtropical planting, including deep soil zones, podium gardens and vertical greening.

Planning Context And Next Steps

The site sits within a High Density Residential Zone and is covered by the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan. The application is listed as impact assessable, with assessment expected to consider built form, height, streetscape and design quality in the local context.

Published 14-Jan-2026

Kangaroo Point Hotel Spark Lifestyle Shift for Riverside Suburb

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A well-known hospitality venue in Kangaroo Point is leading a major shift in the area’s identity by launching a comprehensive redesign aimed at turning the quiet riverside suburb into one of the city’s primary social and cultural hubs.

A New Vision for the Neighbourhood

The venue formerly known as The Point Brisbane Hotel has rebranded simply as Point Hotel. This change signals more than just a new name; it represents a serious effort to make the precinct a top choice for locals, business travellers, and digital nomads. The hotel management wants to highlight the potential of the area, which is bordered by the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge. While the location has always been liked for its views and relaxed feel, the new plan focuses on adding convenience and culture to the mix.

Director Jin Keng Ng explained that the goal is to create a true landmark that the local community can feel proud of. He noted that the team is upgrading the experience with confidence and a strong respect for the unique location. The idea is to build a space where visitors naturally want to go, rather than just pass through.

Design Inspired by Queensland Life

To bring this vision to life, the hotel has partnered with design studio Bergman & Co and fit-out specialists Unita. These teams have worked on other famous Brisbane venues like Supernormal and The 203. The new look will focus on the subtropical rhythm of Queensland life. The design plans include the use of natural textures, plenty of lush greenery, and intimate lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.

General Manager Aaron Roberts stated that the priority is for every guest to feel relaxed and inspired, whether they are staying overnight or just visiting for a meal. He emphasised that the hotel aims to offer a style of hospitality that helps guests feel more connected to the city.

Dining and Future Plans

Renovation work started in mid-December to reinvent the lobby, bar, and restaurant areas. During this time, all dining services have moved to the rooftop. This allows guests to keep enjoying meals with views of the skyline while the main spaces are updated. A refreshed food and drink menu is also in the works under Head Chef Marcus Turner. When the new spaces are ready in early 2026, the restaurant will feature modern dining based on seasonal Queensland produce.

This current work is just the first step in a larger plan. Future stages will include a refresh of the pool and wellness areas, as well as upgrades to guest rooms. The long-term goal is to firmly establish the hotel as a leading lifestyle destination as Brisbane prepares for its Olympic decade.

Published Date 31-December-2025

Illuminated Tower Development Proposed in Kangaroo Point

Photo Credit: DA/A006924144

The owners of the Story Bridge Hotel have submitted plans for a hotel and residential development in Kangaroo Point, proposing two towers opposite the historic venue with an illuminated façade feature.

Background and Site Context

The proposal (DA/A006924144) has been lodged by Grant Park Holdings for land at 215–229 Main Street, on the corner of Bright Street, Kangaroo Point. The site spans about 2,600 square metres and is formed from five amalgamated lots.

The location sits opposite the heritage-listed Story Bridge Hotel, which has operated since 1886. A three-storey apartment block currently occupies the site and would be demolished if the project proceeds.

Development Details and Design

Plans outline two towers constructed above a shared two-level podium. The southern tower would rise to 18 storeys, exceeding the height limit by three storeys, while the northern tower would reach eight storeys.

The podium would contain 41 hotel suites, with 29 apartments located in the towers. The residential mix includes 12 three-bedroom and 17 four-bedroom units, with several apartments occupying full floors. A ground-level café and short-term accommodation uses are also proposed.

The development includes 113 car parking spaces, with 81 allocated to residents, and has been designed by WallaceBrice Architecture.

illuminated tower — *Photo Credit: DA/A006924144*

Illuminated Artwork Feature

A central element of the proposal is an illuminated artwork projected onto one tower façade. Developed with Illuminart, the installation would respond to real-time environmental conditions, including temperature, wind, humidity, river movement and sky characteristics.

Independent assessment by Colliers International found the lighting feature is not expected to cause unacceptable distraction for motorists travelling southbound on the Story Bridge. The installation has been described as the first live data-responsive architectural feature of its kind in Brisbane.

Kangaroo Point tower — *Photo Credit: DA/A006924144*

Planning Pathway and Access

Planning material prepared for the application recommends approval despite the height exceedance, citing the building’s layout and unused space between the towers.

The proposal is classified as impact assessable, meaning it is open to public submissions. Improved pedestrian access is also proposed, including a raised wombat crossing across Main Street linking the development with the Story Bridge Hotel.

What Happens Next

The Kangaroo Point proposal remains subject to assessment and public feedback. If approved, the project would introduce hotel accommodation and large residential dwellings close to major inner-city transport connections, including the Kangaroo Point Bridge.

Published 28-Dec-2025

How Kangaroo Point Residents Turned Traffic Signal Boxes into Time Capsules

Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane

Residents of Kangaroo Point are walking past a permanent outdoor gallery where traffic signal boxes capture everything from the recent history of the pandemic to playful nods to the suburb’s name.

Capturing the Moment

The artwork on the streets of Kangaroo Point often serves as a time capsule for the community. Astra Ellis’s piece, “COVID Gabba Lights,” documents a specific moment in local history, referencing the nearby stadium and the unique atmosphere of the past few years. Nearby, Nadir Runkovski explores narrative themes with “Freedom – a tale of two cities.”

These works turn standard utility boxes into storytelling devices, allowing locals to reflect on shared experiences and the changing face of the inner city as they wait for the lights to change.

A Family Affair

One specific location, box B0479, highlights the collaborative nature of the Artforce Brisbane program. This single utility box features contributions from three different artists: Anna Sutherland with “Pattern Box,” Michael Romans with “Landscape no. 2,” and Oona Romans with “A gathering place.”

The clustering of these distinct styles—ranging from abstract patterns to scenic views—demonstrates how the initiative brings people together, quite literally sharing the canvas to create a multi-layered piece of public art.

Local Character

Other artists have drawn inspiration from the suburb’s name and residential spirit. Lucia Laus adds a touch of humour to the streetscape with “Climbing Kangaroo,” a literal interpretation that plays on the area’s identity. On a more poetic note, Rachael Dale’s “Two Houses, One Thousand Goodnights” evokes a sense of home and domestic life.

These designs soften the hard edges of the busy roads, reminding commuters that despite the high-rises and traffic, Kangaroo Point remains a neighbourhood where people live, sleep, and dream.

These colourful additions are part of the Brisbane City Council’s long-running Artforce Brisbane initiative. Established in 1999 to combat graffiti on metal infrastructure, the program has grown into a city-wide project involving over 5,000 volunteers.

By providing residents with the supplies to paint over 1,200 boxes, the council has empowered locals to take ownership of their streets. The result is a suburb that feels less like a concrete jungle and more like a community gallery, showcasing the creativity of the people who call it home.

Published Date 22-December-2025

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

Kangaroo Point Guide to Proposed Short-Stay Accommodation Permit Changes

Photo Credit: Pexels

Proposed short-stay accommodation rules could affect operators and residents in Kangaroo Point, with a permit system and complaint-response requirements outlined in a draft local law.

Why The Proposal Is Being Considered

Brisbane’s rental market has faced low vacancy rates and rising prices, with short-stay rentals frequently raised in discussions about housing availability. A taskforce examining short-stay accommodation began work in 2023, and a local law approach was later identified as a key recommendation in 2024.

The proposal is framed as a way to improve oversight of short-stay rentals and reduce issues such as noise and disruption in neighbourhoods.

What The Proposed Permit System Covers

The Proposed Short Stay Accommodation Local Law 2025 would introduce a permit system for homes and apartments used for short stays, defined as stays of less than 90 days at a time.

Hotels, serviced apartments with on-site managers, and home-hosted stays where a resident remains on-site are listed among the exemptions set out in the proposal.

Operating Rules And Complaint Timeframes

Under the draft rules, permit holders would need to provide house rules to guests and display a permit number in advertisements. Public liability insurance would be required for the duration of each booking.

A nominated 24/7 contact person would be required to respond to complaints within 60 minutes and report actions taken within 24 hours. Serious incidents would continue to be handled by police.

Kangaroo Point short-stays — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Planning Approval And Other Requirements

Some properties may also require development approval under Brisbane City Plan 2014, depending on zoning and any overlays such as flooding. The proposal notes that other approvals, where relevant, would need to be in place before a permit application can proceed.

Penalties And Enforcement

The draft framework sets out a stepped compliance approach, ranging from education and warnings through to fines and, in serious cases, prosecution. Proposed penalties include on-the-spot fines and court-imposed penalties, with the maximum proposed total reaching $141,865.

The proposal also allows for permit revocation following three breaches, and operating without a permit may trigger immediate enforcement action.

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Consultation Dates And Commencement

Public consultation is open from 12 December 2025 to 16 February 2026. The proposal states the local law would commence on 1 July 2026, with permits required from that date.

Published 17-Dec-2025

Accommodation Pressure In Kangaroo Point As Pubs Identified For Hotel Rooms

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Two pubs in Kangaroo Point have been listed among suburban venues identified as potential contributors to Brisbane’s hotel room supply as the city prepares for increased accommodation demand ahead of the 2032 Games.

A Prolonged Slowdown In Hotel Development

Brisbane’s hotel supply has struggled to keep pace with demand, following a sharp decline in new developments over recent years. Industry research shows the number of hotel rooms delivered between 2019 and 2024 fell by around 90 per cent compared with the preceding five-year period.

Construction challenges, rising costs and reduced investment activity have all contributed to the slowdown. Over the same period, the cost of building a hotel room increased by almost 40 per cent, making many traditional projects harder to deliver.

Suburban Pubs Enter The Accommodation Conversation

To help address the shortfall, a suburban pub strategy has identified around 70 pubs across Brisbane located on sites of 2,000 square metres or more. Of these venues, only 15 currently provide accommodation.

Analysis suggests redeveloping just 20 suburban pubs could add more than 1,600 hotel rooms to the city’s supply, offering an alternative to large-scale inner-city hotel developments.

Kangaroo Point pubs — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Kangaroo Point Venues Listed

Within Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge Hotel and the Shafston Hotel have been listed among suburban pubs without existing accommodation. Both venues are located on large sites and have been identified as part of the broader assessment of potential locations capable of supporting additional hotel rooms.

No redevelopment plans have been confirmed for either site, with the listings forming part of a wider city-wide review rather than site-specific proposals.

Smaller Projects, Faster Delivery

Smaller-scale suburban pub redevelopments have been highlighted as potentially quicker to deliver than major hotel towers. One recent suburban pub redevelopment elsewhere in Brisbane was completed in just over a year, demonstrating how modest projects can add capacity within shorter timeframes.

These developments are also considered more accessible for smaller construction firms, which face fewer capacity constraints than those delivering large infrastructure projects.

Brisbane accommodation — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Visitor Growth Intensifies Demand

More than nine million people visited Brisbane in 2024, contributing $13.7 billion to the south-east Queensland economy. Hotels recorded higher occupancy and stronger returns per room compared with pre-pandemic levels, further tightening availability.

Next Steps

Public consultation on the suburban pub strategy remains open until 28 February 2026. Feedback will inform future planning approaches aimed at increasing accommodation supply while maintaining long-term residential availability in surrounding suburbs.

Published 17-Dec-2025

QUT Team Supports Predictive Maintenance System for Story Bridge

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

A QUT research team is backing predictive structural monitoring for the Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point to help extend its service life and maintain safety for daily users.

Background on the Kangaroo Point Bridge

The Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point is 85 years old and remains a vital transport link for Brisbane. QUT researcher Professor Tommy Chan reports that the bridge carries more than 100,000 vehicles and about 4,000 pedestrians each day. Built with a 100-year design life, it now requires major restoration to ensure it continues operating safely, particularly with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching.

On Wednesday, 26 November, Professor Chan and his team submitted a proposal to the Australian Research Council seeking $5 million in funding to develop an advanced monitoring system. The submission is supported by $6 million in industry contributions.

Predictive System for Kangaroo Point

The QUT team is working on a data-led structural health monitoring system designed to detect, locate and assess damage across the Story Bridge. Strategically placed sensors would identify deterioration, monitor performance and estimate the structure’s remaining life. This approach aims to shift from fixed inspection cycles to predictive management of the bridge at Kangaroo Point.

The proposal highlights that elements of the bridge can be replaced as needed, allowing the structure to remain functional beyond its original design life.

How The Technology Operates

The system focuses on real-time data collection through sensors positioned at critical points on the bridge. These sensors are intended to provide engineers with detailed information on how the structure behaves, supporting decisions on when and where maintenance is required. The monitoring approach is expected to reduce costs, improve safety and extend asset life by enabling earlier intervention.

Professor Chan has seen similar technology used in Hong Kong. He notes that while Australia’s research capability in this area is advanced, the application of these systems to existing infrastructure has not kept pace with some other countries.

Kangaroo Point Story Bridge — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Comparison With Traditional Inspections

Traditional bridge inspections occur on fixed intervals, such as every three months. According to Professor Chan, this method can miss deterioration that develops between inspection dates. Predictive maintenance using continuous or frequent monitoring allows engineers to assess the condition of the whole structure rather than reacting only when visible problems appear.

Expert Context from QUT

Professor Chan specialises in structural dynamics, bridge analysis, system identification, non-destructive damage detection and structural health monitoring, including the use of optical fibre sensors and fatigue analysis. According to his QUT profile, he has received more than $10 million in research funding for projects involving bridge monitoring, intelligent infrastructure systems and related technologies.

Outlook for the Story Bridge

The proposal is aimed at ensuring the Story Bridge can continue serving Kangaroo Point and the wider Brisbane community well beyond its original design life. If the project proceeds, the monitoring system is expected to modernise how the bridge is managed and support its role during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The next steps will depend on the outcome of the Australian Research Council funding process.

Published 4-Dec-2025

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

Photo Credit: Australian Muscle Car Magazine

George Wegener, a pioneer of Australian drag racing who spent his early childhood in the Brisbane suburb of Kangaroo Point, passed away in December 2024 at the age of 89. Over five decades of racing, Wegener earned more than 200 championship titles and cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.

Born on 26 October 1935, Mr Wegener spent the first 10 years of his life in Kangaroo Point before his family moved to Landsborough. While his time in the Brisbane suburb was brief, it marked the start of a remarkable journey that would take him from quiet streets to racetracks across Australia and beyond.

From Landsborough Garage to National Champion

Mr Wegener’s mechanical genius took root in Landsborough, where his father’s garage became a workshop for his early experiments. Leaving school at 14, he apprenticed under his father, learning the skills that would define his career as a mechanic and racer.

By the late 1950s, Mr Wegener was making a name for himself in go-kart racing, quickly rising to prominence as Queensland’s Champion of Champions. His success continued with a transition to TQ (Three Quarter) racing in the 1960s, culminating in a Queensland championship win in 1968.

The Shift to Drag Racing and Unparalleled Success

Mr Wegener entered the world of drag racing in 1969, trading circuit racing for the adrenaline-fuelled thrill of the quarter-mile track. His first drag car, a 350 GTS Bathurst Monaro, set the stage for a series of iconic builds, including ‘Mighty Mouse,’ ‘Lil’ Hot Stuff,’ and ‘Little Sprinter.’

Over his illustrious career, Mr Wegener set 15 Australian records across four racing classes and became the first racer to hold six national records simultaneously. His achievements earned him induction into the Australian National Fuel Association’s Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2014, recognising his innovative contributions to the sport.

Throughout his career, Mr Wegener achieved numerous milestones, including multiple national championships and record-breaking runs that solidified his status as a legend. He was also instrumental in promoting the sport across Australia, organising events and mentoring young racers.

Dedication to Family and Community

Despite his fame, Mr Wegener remained deeply committed to his family and the racing community. After meeting his long-term partner Gaylene in 1974, he enjoyed decades of happiness with her and their blended family, which included step-children Arun and Joanne. Mr Wegener was equally passionate about mentoring young drivers and improving safety standards, helping to elevate drag racing to a professional level in Australia.

Even in his late 80s, Mr Wegener was still active on the track, securing a runner-up position at Willowbank Raceway in August 2024. As Australia’s oldest active drag racer, he exemplified a lifelong dedication to the sport.

Remembering a Racing Icon

Mr Wegener’s passing has been met with tributes from across the motorsport community, highlighting his technical brilliance, sportsmanship, and influence on generations of racers.

Though his time in Kangaroo Point was brief, it remains a proud part of his legacy, serving as the starting point for a life that would inspire countless Australians.

Updated 29-November-2025