Brisbane, Queensland Cruise Ship Port Guide

Where is The Port Located?

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The Brisbane Cruise Terminal has two main locations for you to know about:

1. Portside Wharf (Hamilton):
   • Located 9 kilometres from Brisbane’s centre
   • Sits along the Brisbane River
   • You can find shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities on-site
   • Features river views
   • Handles smaller cruise ships
2. Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (Luggage Point):
   • Opened in 2020
   • Accommodates larger vessels
   • Serves as the city’s newest cruise facility

You can reach both terminals easily by:

• Car
• Taxi
• Public transport
• Shuttle services

Each terminal gives you direct access to Brisbane’s main attractions and transport links. The Portside Wharf location puts you closer to the city centre, while Luggage Point offers more space for modern cruise ships.

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Brisbane’s Cruise Terminals:

By Air:

You’ll find Brisbane Airport 13km from Portside Wharf and 24km from the International Cruise Terminal. You can take:

• A taxi or rideshare (15-30 minute journey)
• The Airtrain to Central Station, then connect to local services

By Train:

You need to travel to:

• Northgate Station for Portside Wharf
• Wynnum North for International Terminal

Take a short taxi ride from either station to reach your terminal.

By Road:

You can drive directly to both terminals:

• Both locations offer secure parking
• You should book your parking spot ahead in busy periods
• Follow road signs to ‘Cruise Terminal’ or ‘Portside Wharf’

Transport Tips:

• Check your cruise documents for your exact terminal
• Allow extra travel time during peak hours
• Keep your terminal address handy for taxi drivers
• Book your parking online to save money

Port Parking Options

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Parking for Your Port Visit

You have several practical parking options when departing from Brisbane’s cruise port:

Port Terminal Parking:

• Secure, covered parking next to the terminal
• Highest pricing but closest location

Off-Site Parking:

• Lower rates than terminal parking
• Free shuttle service to your ship
• Regular transfers throughout the day

Airport Long-Term Parking:

• Budget-friendly rates
• Direct train connection to port
• Regular train services

Hotel Park-and-Cruise:

• You stay one night pre-cruise
• Your car remains at hotel during your trip
• Many hotels near port offer this service

Choose your parking based on your budget and convenience needs. Early booking often gives you better rates at all locations.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting to Brisbane’s Cruise Terminal

You have several easy transport options:

Taxis and Rideshares:

• Direct service to the terminal
• Cost: £30-45 from city centre
• You can book on demand

Port Shuttle:

• Runs every hour from city locations
• Cost: £15 per person
• You need to book in advance

Budget Option:

• Take public bus to Eagle Farm
• Connect with short taxi ride to terminal
• You save money but need extra travel time

Hotel Transfers:

• Many hotels offer cruise packages
• You get free transport with your stay
• Check when booking your accommodation

Group Travel:

• Book a private minibus
• You choose pickup time and location
• Best for keeping your group together

Note: All prices shown in GBP, converted from AUD for UK travellers.

Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility

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Brisbane’s Portside Cruise Terminal offers five key facilities for your journey:

1. Access features
   • Wheelchair ramps
   • Lifts
   • Accessible toilets
2. Essential services
   • Duty-free shops
   • Currency exchange
   • Free Wi-Fi
   • Information desks
3. Waiting areas
   • Comfortable seating
   • Device charging points
   • Refreshment kiosks
4. Security
   • Quick check-in process
   • Safety screening points
5. Storage
   • Luggage holding area
   • Short-term storage options

You can find friendly staff at the information desks to help with your questions. You’ll spot clear signs throughout the terminal to guide you. The terminal layout lets you move easily between areas, whether you’re departing or arriving.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Pre-Cruise Activities in Brisbane

You can explore several quick attractions near the cruise terminal while waiting to board your ship.

Visit these free locations:

• City Botanic Gardens: Walk along the riverside paths (5 minutes from port)
• Queensland Museum: Discover local history and culture
• Gallery of Modern Art: Browse contemporary exhibitions

Shop and dine:

• Queen Street Mall: Find Australian brands and souvenirs
• Howard Smith Wharves: Try fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants
• Eagle Street Pier: Enjoy lunch with river views

All these spots sit within easy reach of the cruise terminal, letting you make the most of your pre-boarding time. You can reach any of these locations by foot or a short taxi ride.

Remember to watch your time and keep your cruise documents handy for a smooth boarding process later.

Walks near the port

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Your walking options near Brisbane’s cruise terminal:

You’ll find several clear paths right by the terminal for a quick walk. The New Farm Riverwalk stretches 870 metres over the water, giving you direct views of the city. This path connects you to the broader Brisbane Riverwalk system.

You can walk to the City Botanic Gardens in just a few minutes. The path takes you past local subtropical plants and green spaces.

You’ll get the best city views from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs walk. This route shows you Brisbane’s CBD skyline from across the river.

These paths are popular with Brisbane locals. You can join them for morning jogs, afternoon strolls or evening walks. The routes are well-lit and maintained, making them safe and easy to navigate at any time.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Cooktown, Queensland for a different Victoria, Queensland Cruise destination.

Dining and Shopping

You’ll find plenty of dining and shopping choices just steps from Brisbane’s cruise terminal.

The Eat Street Markets pack dozens of food vendors into colourful shipping containers, serving dishes from around the world. Locals love it here, and you will too.

Howard Smith Wharves offers true Australian dining by the river. You can enjoy fresh seafood while looking out at the city skyline.

Queen Street Mall stands as Brisbane’s top shopping spot. You’ll discover luxury international brands alongside Australian shops all in one place.

For unique souvenirs, visit the Collective Markets at South Bank. Local artisans sell their handmade items here every weekend.

The James Street area combines boutique shopping with café culture. You can browse upmarket stores and stop for coffee at trendy local spots.

Accommodation near the port

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You’ll find plenty of places to stay near Brisbane’s cruise terminal. The Portside Wharf area offers luxury apartments overlooking the river, right next to where your ship docks.

Hamilton’s boutique hotels sit close by and specialise in cruise passenger stays. If you’re watching your budget, try Ascot or Clayfield – you can drive to the port in 10 minutes from either suburb.

You can also choose to stay in Brisbane’s city centre, just a 15-minute taxi ride from the terminal. Many hotels offer special cruise packages with port transfers included, making your journey to the ship simple and stress-free.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Essential Tips for Your First Cruise from Brisbane

You need to arrive three hours before your departure time to complete check-in.

Download your cruise line’s app now. You’ll get boarding updates and ship layouts at your fingertips.

Pack these items in your carry-on bag:

• Passport
• Boarding pass
• Essential medications
• Australian dollars for port expenses
• Reusable water bottle
• Seasickness tablets

Your main luggage will reach your cabin later in the day, so keep immediate essentials with you.

Remember to:

• Check your passport’s expiry date
• Set up the cruise app before boarding
• Exchange money for local ports
• Pack seasickness remedies, even if you don’t usually need them

You’ll find these preparation steps make your cruise experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

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Customs & Immigration at The Port

You need to arrive three hours before your cruise departure from Brisbane to complete customs and immigration.

Essential items to bring:

• Your passport (must be valid for 6+ months after return)
• Your cruise documents
• Your completed Outgoing Passenger Card

The process takes 30-60 minutes:

1. You go through security screening
2. Your bags pass through scanners
3. Border Force officers check your documents
4. Officers may ask about your travel plans

When you return to Australia:

• You must declare all food items
• You must declare plant materials
• You must declare animal products

This follows Australia’s strict biosecurity rules to protect the country.

The process works like airport security, making it familiar if you’ve flown before.

Local Currency & Payment Options

Currency Guide for Brisbane

You’ll use Australian Dollars (AUD) during your Brisbane visit. The city offers many ways to pay:

Credit Cards

• Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere
• American Express has limited acceptance
• Most shops accept contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay

Getting Cash

• ATMs are easy to find in the city centre and cruise terminal
• Exchange currency at the airport, city centre or port
• Tell your bank you’re travelling to avoid card blocks

Key Tips

• Prices include service charges
• You don’t need to tip in Australia
• Most venues display ‘card preferred’ signs
• Keep some cash for small purchases or markets

The AUD generally trades lower than GBP, making Australia relatively affordable for UK visitors.

Emergency Contacts

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Emergency Numbers You Need in Brisbane

You should save these essential contacts before your arrival:

• Triple Zero (000) for police, ambulance and fire
• Brisbane Visitor Centre: 07-3006-6290

Medical Emergencies:

Royal Brisbane Hospital offers round-the-clock emergency services.

Cruise Passengers:

• Keep your ship’s emergency number in your phone
• Your cruise line can help with medical assistance
• Your cruise line can confirm your insurance coverage

Extended Stays:

You should register with your country’s consulate if you’re staying longer in Queensland.

History of The Port

Brisbane Port welcomes you with 180 years of maritime history since the 1840s. You can see how this busy harbour evolved from a small colonial dock to Queensland’s main cruise port.

Your visit connects you to these key moments:

• 1846: Brisbane opened its first trading wharf at Petrie Bight
• 1897: Workers deepened Hamilton Reach for bigger ships
• 1940s: The port served as a vital Allied naval base
• 1977: Container shipping changed how the port operates
• 2020: You can now use the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal

You’ll find the same waters have carried ships, sailors and travellers for nearly two centuries. The port continues to grow and change, just as it has since its earliest days.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

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The Best Times to Cruise from The Port

You’ll find the most enjoyable cruising conditions between April and November, with mild weather and minimal rain. The winter months of June to August give you the calmest seas and pleasant temperatures – perfect for exploring the South Pacific and Great Barrier Reef.

You should watch for tropical storms and cyclones during summer (December to February), though you can find cheaper cruise deals in this period. Between September and November, you can spot migrating humpback whales along the Queensland coastline.

You’ll get the best combination of good weather and value for money by booking your cruise in May or October. These months balance comfortable conditions with reasonable prices.

The main cruising seasons:

• Peak season: April to November
• Winter cruising: June to August
• Whale watching: September to November
• Budget-friendly: December to February

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Luggage Storage Facilities at Brisbane Cruise Terminal?

Brisbane Cruise Terminal does not offer luggage storage facilities. You can store your bags at nearby hotels or private storage services if you need to explore the city before your cruise or after disembarking. Storage options away from the terminal let you enjoy Brisbane hands-free while managing your departure or arrival schedule.

What Is the Wi-Fi Availability and Cost at the Terminal?

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Brisbane cruise terminal. You can connect your devices without any charges to check emails, browse the internet or share your travel updates. The network name appears in your Wi-Fi settings when you’re inside the terminal building.

Are There Height Restrictions for Cruise Ships Due to Bridges?

Bridge height restrictions affect many cruise ships worldwide. The Gateway Bridge in Brisbane stands 55 metres high, which means you need to check your cruise ship’s height before booking. Your ship’s specifications will determine whether it can access Brisbane’s terminals by passing under this bridge. Many cruise lines already factor these height limits into their route planning, but it’s worth confirming this detail when booking your cruise.

What Cruise Lines Regularly Operate From Brisbane Port?

Several cruise lines operate regular sailings from Brisbane port to suit your travel needs. You can book voyages with:

• P&O Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises

These operators sail from Brisbane’s International Cruise Terminal to destinations including the South Pacific, Australian coast and New Zealand. You can choose from short coastal trips or longer international cruises throughout the year.

Is There a Shuttle Service Between Brisbane Terminals?

Yes, you can use shuttle services between Brisbane’s terminals!

The free transfer bus connects all terminals at the port, making your journey easy and comfortable. You don’t need to walk or arrange separate transport – simply hop on the shuttle at your terminal and get off where you need to be.

The shuttle service operates regularly throughout cruise ship operating hours, helping you move between terminals with your luggage without hassle.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Cairns, Queensland Cruise Ship Port.