Kangaroo Point Archives - Page 3 of 16

Public Divided Over Kangaroo Point Flying Fox Proposal

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

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

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

New ‘Toast at the Top’ Experience Launches at Kangaroo Point

Photo Credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb

A new group climbing experience on Brisbane’s Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point now includes a summit toast with beer or champagne.

New Experience for Groups

A new group package called ‘Toast at the Top’ has been introduced as a premium addition to the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. The experience allows participants to toast a glass of Felons beer or champagne upon reaching the summit. It is currently the only bridge climb globally offering an alcoholic drink at its peak.

The 90-minute guided experience accommodates up to 14 participants per group. Climb leaders provide commentary on the bridge and city during the ascent. Upon reaching the top, guests can choose between Felons Crisp Lager, Australian Pale Ale, or Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

The package also includes a group photo, a commemorative hat, a certificate of achievement, and a post-climb drink at Felons Brewing Co.

*Photo Credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb*

Safety Measures and Participation Conditions

To ensure safety, participants must be over 18 and register a blood alcohol reading of 0% before beginning the climb. All procedures are aligned with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb’s operating standards.

Booking and Pricing

‘Toast at the Top’ is available for private group bookings, with packages starting at $165 per person. Final pricing varies depending on drink selection and time of day. Bespoke options are available for smaller groups upon request. All enquiries are managed directly by the Story Bridge Adventure Climb team.

Community and Tourism Appeal

The launch aligns with broader efforts to enhance Brisbane’s tourism offerings and provide unique experiences in the lead-up to future international events, including Brisbane 2032.

Looking Ahead

The new group climb experience at Kangaroo Point adds a celebratory element to the existing Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Bookings are now open for private groups, with tailored options available.

Published 2-Aug-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 Landmark, Story Bridge, Launches Inclusive Climb Experience

Photo Credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Did you know that, in a world-first for inclusive adventure tourism, wheelchair users are now able to participate in guided climbs to the top of the Story Bridge? From the Howard Smith Wharves base, a special technology is used to ensure safe movement across inclines, with ergonomic and safety elements to ensure an enjoyable and inclusive climbing experience to the top of iconic bridge.

Custom Technology Enables Inclusive Access

The accessible climb includes a motorised stair climber wheelchair that has been specifically designed for the Story Bridge. The wheelchair incorporates advanced technology to ensure safe movement across inclines and features ergonomic and safety elements suited for the climb environment.

This initiative was made possible by a $250,000 grant through the State’s Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund.

Design Collaboration and Testing

The accessible climb system was co-designed by tourism operator John Sharpe, Box Wheelchairs’ Mike Box, and wheelchair motocross athlete Timothy Lachlan, who also took part in testing and refinement. The system has been customised to meet high safety standards and to accommodate the structural features of the Story Bridge.

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games — *Photo Credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb*

Climb Details and Participation

The new experience allows for up to nine participants per session, with a maximum of one wheelchair user supported by at least three companions. Each climb runs for 2.5 to 3 hours and includes commentary on Brisbane’s history, a group photo, and a commemorative cap.

The climb begins from the Story Bridge Adventure Climb headquarters at Howard Smith Wharves, near the bridge’s Kangaroo Point connection.

Local and State Support

City officials and community figures attended a launch event at the climb site, acknowledging the climb as a boost to local tourism ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Stakeholders said the initiative aligns with increasing demand for accessible experiences in Brisbane and broader Queensland.

Research cited by the operator indicated that three in five Brisbane residents see accessibility as a key priority for the city’s development.

Kangaroo Point accessible climb — *Photo Credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb*

Ongoing Significance for Kangaroo Point

While the climb base is located at Howard Smith Wharves, the Story Bridge remains a major landmark for both sides of the river, including Kangaroo Point. The development enhances visitor engagement with the bridge and its surrounding areas, offering new tourism opportunities and increased visibility for accessibility-focused infrastructure.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The accessible bridge climb positions Brisbane as a leader in inclusive tourism. It is expected to attract domestic and international interest. It represents a broader shift towards infrastructure and tourism services that cater to a wider range of physical needs, with more initiatives likely to emerge ahead of major international events in 2032.

Published 10-Apr-2025