Queen’s Wharf Archives - Fortitude Valley News

Brisbane City Markets to Bring Fresh Finds to Queen’s Wharf Every Thursday

Brisbane’s newest lifestyle destination, Queen’s Wharf, is set to come alive every Thursday with the launch of the Brisbane City Markets, bringing local produce, artisan goods, and gourmet street eats to the heart of the CBD.

Read: Free ‘Fan Land’ Opens at Queen’s Wharf for NRL Magic Round

Launching on Thursday, 8 May 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the markets will take over the George Street Foyer—a bustling new thoroughfare that connects the city to the riverfront and South Bank. The space will host a vibrant selection of stalls from Brisbane’s best local vendors, turning a regular weekday into a reason to celebrate.

Set against the impressive backdrop of Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, the markets are part of a broader vision to create engaging, city-focused experiences for locals and visitors alike.

“The launch of these markets is one of many initiatives designed to drive visitation into the city centre and meet Brisbane’s growing appetite for unique, city-focused experiences,” said Kelvin Dodt, Chief Operating Officer of The Star Brisbane.

Offering everything from fresh flowers and handmade crafts to sizzling gourmet food perfect for a quick lunch break, the weekly event invites city-goers to step out of their routines and into a lively atmosphere. The George Street Foyer entry also gives easy access to The Terrace dining precinct on Level 4 and the Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge linking to South Bank.

“Queen’s Wharf offers a world-class dining experience, and the market complements that with a more casual, accessible format. Starting at the George Street foyer entry—which connects to both the riverfront and Neville Bonner Bridge—it’s an ideal, central meeting spot for locals and visitors alike,” said Dodt.

For Brisbane-based start-ups and small businesses, the market provides a fresh opportunity to engage with a growing customer base right in the city’s core.

“Connecting exciting local start-ups and some of Brisbane’s best artisan vendors within the new Queen’s Wharf shows just how much Brisbane’s CBD is evolving as a place to work, socialise and invest,” said Mark Power, Director of Goodwill Projects Markets.

Read: Queen’s Wharf to Welcome New Live Entertainment Hub LiveWire

Each week will feature rotating artisan stalls, live entertainment, and pop-up activations, making it more than just a shopping trip—it’s a weekly city ritual in the making.

So whether you’re looking for your next foodie fix, a thoughtful gift, or just a sunny excuse to stretch your legs, the Brisbane City Markets at Queen’s Wharf promises a vibrant mid-week escape.

Published 17-April-2025

Rooftop Luxury: Inside Brisbane’s Isoletto Pool Club

Photo Credit: The Star Brisbane/Facebook

Brisbane’s skyline just got a little brighter with the arrival of Isoletto Pool Club, a new rooftop escape giving hotel guests access to luxury pools and local views.

Isoletto Pool Club Brings Resort-Style Luxury to Brisbane City’s Skyline

A new pool club has surfaced in the heart of Brisbane City, and it’s one of the most impressive in Queensland. Isoletto Pool Club now offers hotel guests three sparkling infinity pools and sweeping river views from Level 7 of The Star Brisbane.

*Photo Credit: The Star Brisbane/Facebook*

The Isoletto Pool Club quietly opened to guests over the weekend on Saturday, 12 April, and is already making waves for its elegant design, panoramic views and peaceful atmosphere atop the Queen’s Wharf precinct.

A Queensland Escape Above the City

Isoletto Pool Club sits on one of Brisbane’s largest leisure decks, with 530 square metres of pool space across three zones, outdoor, semi-covered and sheltered. Two pools are heated to 28 degrees in winter, while the spa-style swim-up pool stays at 32 degrees year-round.

Guests can relax with panoramic views from the club, stretching across the Brisbane River to South Bank and Mount Coot-tha. The space also hosts select private and corporate events.

Designed for Comfort and Connection

It also includes a gym, sauna and steam room, with spaces designed for Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle and inspired by the Amalfi Coast, blending relaxation and social connection near the CBD.

The poolside menu blends fresh local ingredients with summer-inspired flavours, offering dishes like prawns, burrata, Roman-style pizzas and club sandwiches.

Drinks include classic and creative cocktails such as a Toblerone-style mix and a vibrant Fruit Tingle, alongside mocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic options. Guests can enjoy food and drinks delivered directly to their lounge chairs.

A New Chapter at Queen’s Wharf

Isoletto Pool Club is part of the Queen’s Wharf project, which includes residences and the Sky Deck, now topping one million visitors. The Star Brisbane CEO Daniel Finch said the club supports efforts to boost tourism. Despite recent setbacks, the venue remains fully operational, with Isoletto enhancing its premium offerings.

It’s open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for pool and gym access, with the bar and café operating from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access is through the George Street entrance or lifts inside The Star Grand Hotel.

Published 14-April-2025

Free ‘Fan Land’ Opens at Queen’s Wharf for NRL Magic Round

Photo Credit: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane

Featuring the city’s biggest outdoor screen for live sports, ‘Fan Land’ is a new, free public precinct set to open soon at Queen’s Wharf for the Brisbane community.

New Hub for Sports Fans

The new outdoor entertainment area, presented by Queen’s Wharf Brisbane in partnership with global agency Rizer, is set to open next month. It aims to provide a central, lively spot for NRL fans and the wider community, especially during the Magic Round weekend. Festivities are planned to kick off from Thursday, 1 May to Sunday, 4 May. Fan Land will offer a place for people to gather and enjoy the excitement of major sporting events together.

Giant Screen Centrepiece

The main attraction at Fan Land will be a huge 9-metre by 5-metre (350-inch) LED screen, described as the largest outdoor sports screen in Brisbane. Organisers state this high-definition screen is designed for clear viewing, ensuring everyone gets a good view of the sporting action, including every tackle, try, and replay, without the viewing angle issues sometimes found in stadiums.

Entertainment and Activities

Beyond watching the games, Fan Land promises a full schedule of entertainment. This includes interactive games, DJ music, and appearances from well-known commentators and former rugby league players like Willie Mason and Justin Horo.

Social media personalities Archie and Miles Shepherd, known as The Shepmates, are scheduled to start the opening day’s events. Additionally, Matty, Trish, Jack, and Cooper Johns are expected to record a live version of The Johns Family Podcast on site. The area will also feature roving performers, an interactive try-line activity, and various food and drink options from pop-up bars and food trucks designed for quick service.

An Immersive Experience

Fan Land is designed to bring the energetic feel of a stadium to the Leisure Deck at the Queen’s Wharf precinct. Organisers aim for an atmosphere filled with live halftime shows, competitions during games, stadium-style crowd moments like dance cams, and even pyrotechnic celebrations when tries are scored.

The goal is to create a festival of sport that puts fans right in the middle of the action, offering more interaction than simply watching from a stadium seat or sports bar.

Vision for Brisbane Sport

The Star Brisbane chief executive Daniel Finch indicated that Fan Land represents a new type of experience intended to change how Brisbane enjoys and connects through sport, especially as the city prepares to host the 2032 Olympics.

He noted the event is one way Queen’s Wharf plans to support local and visiting sports fans, allowing them to get close to big game action even if they aren’t attending the matches themselves. Barry Wafer, head of the event agency Rizer Global, added that Fan Land will transform the Level 7 Leisure Deck into a dynamic arena, offering memorable moments and interactions with special guests in a setting that feels like the heart of the action.

Published Date 04-April-2025

Family Fun Alert: Broncos Fan Fest Hits The Star at Queen’s Wharf

Broncos faithful, get ready! Brisbane Broncos excitement is heading your way this February as the club gears up for the 2025 NRL season with a series of engaging fan events, all culminating in the unmissable Fan Fest—right in your backyard at The Star Brisbane!

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The Brisbane Broncos have announced a comprehensive schedule designed to connect with supporters across South East Queensland, acknowledging the vital role fans play in the club’s success. Before this major event lands at Queen’s Wharf, the Broncos will be spreading the pre-season excitement with ‘mini fan-days’ in both the Gold Coast and Toowoomba regions.

Broncos Roadshow Heads to Gold Coast and Toowoomba

For Gold Coast supporters, the action kicks off this Saturday, 8 February, at UAA Park in Burleigh. Fans can look forward to player signings and witness trial games featuring future and current Broncos stars. Following this, the entire NRL squad will journey to Toowoomba to engage with regional fans. This Toowoomba trip lets regional fans meet their Broncos heroes before the pre-season heats up, culminating in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge against the Titans at the Toowoomba Sports Ground.

Fan Fest Fever at The Star Brisbane

The highlight for Queen’s Wharf residents will undoubtedly be the 2025 Brisbane Broncos Fan Fest, set to take over The Star Brisbane on Sunday, 23 February, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Leisure Deck and The Landing at The Star will transform into a Broncos fan haven. This event promises to be an incredibly convenient and exciting opportunity for local residents, especially families, to immerse themselves in Broncos spirit, right in their neighbourhood. Expect member exclusive signing sessions, live DJs, face painting for the kids, game development clinics, and appearances from your favourite mascots and cheerleaders.

For those eager to dive into the fan frenzy, the Gold Coast mini fan-day on 8 February at Burleigh will feature a ‘Buck To Bronco Clinic’ in the morning, followed by an afternoon packed with membership and merchandise opportunities, outdoor games, face painting, and cheerleader performances, building up to NRL Trial games into the evening. Toowoomba’s events, spanning 14 to 16 February, include a fundraising dinner, a fan signing session with the entire NRL squad on Saturday, and a junior clinic, leading up to the NRL Pre-Season Challenge match on Sunday.

Read: Super Bowl LIX: The Ultimate Watch Party at the Port Office Hotel

As February approaches, residents of Queen’s Wharf and surrounds can anticipate a surge of Broncos energy right on their doorstep. The Fan Fest at The Star offers a unique chance for the community to celebrate their team, meet the players, and embrace the electrifying excitement building towards the 2025 NRL season.

Published 06-February-2025

Star Entertainment Tax Relief Plan Sparks Outrage Among Queensland Hospitality Leaders

Queensland hospitality figures have expressed fury over the proposed tax relief plan for Star Entertainment, owner of the newly opened Queen’s Wharf precinct in Brisbane.

Discussions about potential taxpayer assistance for Star Entertainment were confirmed on Wednesday, 4 September. It was suggested that delayed tax payments would be the most likely form of support to be extended to the operator.

Background of the Situation

Star Entertainment opened its $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development in Brisbane’s CBD on 29 August. The 12-hectare precinct employs 3,000 people, including 1,400 new jobs. However, reports indicate the company needs $300 million in short-term funding to continue operating the project.

The potential tax relief for Star has sparked outrage among local restaurant and cafe owners, who are already facing significant financial pressures due to the cost-of-living crisis and reduced dining out by Queenslanders.

Simon Gloftis, owner of several prominent Queensland restaurants, including Hellenika, SK Steak and Oyster, Sushi Room, and Sunshine, called the proposition “absolute bullsh-t.” He argued that if there is tax relief for Star, the same benefit should be extended to all businesses.

Amanda Scott, owner of Farmhouse Kedron, expressed her anger over the proposal. Scott, who recently received a $344,000 payroll tax bill from the state government, said she felt unsupported as a small business owner.

Phillip Di Bella, a coffee industry leader and hospitality advocate, emphasised that Star should not receive special treatment. He called for a “one size fits all” approach to tax relief.

Avoiding Queen’s Wharf Closure

Premier Steven Miles stated that keeping Queen’s Wharf open is the priority, describing it as a “fantastic asset” for the city and an important platform for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. He emphasised that they must do everything to avoid closing Queen’s Wharf.

While no decision has been made, Mr Miles emphasised the need to protect thousands of Queensland jobs. He stated that tax payment deferrals for Star are being discussed, provided that the taxes are ultimately paid.

He further explained that the state government often discussed tax deferrals for projects with large capital costs and significant job dividends. He stressed the importance of Queen’s Wharf as a major attraction and job generator for the city and state.

Broader Context

The situation in Queensland comes as Star Entertainment faces challenges across its operations. The company’s Sydney licence remains suspended following an inquiry that found evidence of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism failings.

In New South Wales, the state government has already ruled out providing further taxpayer assistance, stating it would “primarily support the Star’s Queensland expansions.”

Regulators approved a gaming licence for Queen’s Wharf just two days before the release of a New South Wales report that Star still needs to reassess its operations before it can hold a gaming licence in that state.

Star Entertainment’s financial troubles have been evident in recent days. The company’s shares were temporarily suspended from trading on the ASX after it failed to lodge its financial results on time.

Published 9-Sept-2024

Treasury Casino in Brisbane City Closes After Three Decades

The Treasury Casino in Brisbane City closed for the final time, marking the end of a 30-year era as the city’s sole 24-hour gambling venue.

The closure occurred on 25 August 2024, just days before the planned opening of The Star Brisbane casino at the new Queen’s Wharf precinct. About 70 staff members had been with the Treasury Casino since its opening in April 1995, witnessing the venue’s evolution within its iconic heritage buildings.

Long-Serving Staff Reflect

Simone Gulliver, who rose from guest services attendant to Gaming Events marketing manager for Queensland, expressed mixed emotions about the closure. She highlighted the casino’s significant role in her life, including hosting her wedding, which was the first to be held at the venue.

Gulliver praised the graceful heritage building, noting that while the interior had changed over the years, the exterior remained largely untouched. She will continue her career at the new The Star Brisbane casino.

The Star Brisbane, part of the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development, opens 29 August 2024. The riverside complex will include a main gaming floor, Star Grand Hotel, event centre, Sky Deck public viewing platform, bars and restaurants, and a pedestrian bridge and bikeway. The new casino aims to offer a more integrated and modern experience, with high-tech facilities and views of the Brisbane River.

The Star Queen's Wharf — *Photo Credit: Queen’s Wharf*

Regulatory Matters

The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation approved the closure of Treasury Brisbane Casino under the Casino Control Act 1982. This move is part of the final preparations for the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane opening.

The Queen’s Wharf project is a joint venture, with Star Entertainment Group owning 50%, and Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium each holding 25% stakes.

While Chow Tai Fook recently received clearance to retain its interest in the project, Star Entertainment Group continues to face regulatory scrutiny in New South Wales regarding its Sydney casino operations.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

The closure of the Treasury Casino signifies a major change in Brisbane’s entertainment scene. For locals, the venue was more than just a gambling establishment; it was a landmark that contributed to the city’s nightlife and tourism appeal. The transition to The Star Brisbane promises increased job opportunities and economic growth.

Local businesses in the CBD anticipate changes in foot traffic and customer patterns with the casino’s relocation. While some express concern about the potential loss of business, others see opportunities in redeveloping the Treasury building and surrounding areas.

City planners and tourism officials are optimistic about the Queen’s Wharf development’s potential to attract more visitors to Brisbane. The new integrated resort will enhance the city’s reputation as a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists, potentially boosting the local economy and creating a ripple effect of development across the city centre.

Pompette at The Terrace to Bring French Flair and Bubbles to The Star Brisbane

Photo Credit: Markus Ravik/Facebook

Brisbane foodies, get ready to say “oui” to a delightful new dining experience! Pompette at The Terrace is set to add a generous splash of French charm to The Star Brisbane in Queen’s Wharf.

This exciting new venture promises to be the perfect spot for everything from leisurely lunches to romantic evening rendezvous.As the Queen’s Wharf precinct prepares to roll out the red carpet in late August, Pompette is poised to be a jewel in the crown of this riverside culinary paradise.

Owned by the ever-innovative Tassis Group, this French-inspired restaurant and champagne bar is sure to tickle the fancy of locals and visitors alike.

A Room with a View

Perched on level four of The Star Brisbane, Pompette boasts a location that’s nothing short of magnifique. Nestled at the end of the Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge, the restaurant offers diners a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Imagine sipping on a glass of bubbly while drinking in the stunning vistas of the Brisbane River and South Bank Parklands. It’s almost like being whisked away to Paris, but with a distinctly Brisbane twist!

The talented folks at Clui Design have worked their magic once again, crafting an interior that captures the essence of a Parisian bistro with a modern Australian flair. The space is a delightful blend of chic and welcoming, featuring a stylish main dining floor, a dedicated champagne and oyster bar, and a leafy alfresco area perfect for those balmy Brisbane evenings.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, three private dining rooms offer the perfect setting for special occasions or discreet business meetings.

From Paris with Love (and a Modern Twist)

Head Chef Jean-Luc Morcellet, a culinary virtuoso with a passport full of international experience, is at the helm of Pompette’s kitchen. Chef Morcellet is trying to redefine French cuisine for the Brisbane palate, promising a menu that pays homage to tradition while embracing innovation.

Gone are the days when French dining was synonymous with stuffy formality and intimidating menus. Pompette aims to break down these barriers, offering an all-day dining experience that’s as approachable as delicious. Fancy a plate of escargot but wanted to know which fork to use? Fear not! Pompette’s friendly staff are there to guide you through the experience with a smile.

The menu reads like a love letter to French cuisine, featuring modern interpretations of classics like steak au poivre. And let’s not forget the stars of the show – champagne and oysters. Whether you’re a seasoned francophile or a curious newcomer, there’s something to tempt every palate.

A Tassis Group Triumph

Pompette marks another feather in the cap of the Tassis Group, joining the ranks as their fourth venue launch in 2024. Michael Tassis, the group’s owner and a second-generation restaurateur, is excited about this new venture.

“With Brisbane dining evolving, The Star Brisbane presented the perfect opportunity to experiment with a fun and fresh venue concept,” he enthuses. “We’re so excited to expand on our offerings and bring a slice of France to Brisbane.”

Daniel Finch, Chief Executive Officer of The Star Brisbane, is equally thrilled about Pompette’s arrival.

“The Tassis Group has gone from strength to strength in recent years, bringing an array of incredible dining options to Brisbane and contributing to the growth and reputation of our city,” he says.

Save the Date

While we’re all eager to don our berets and practice our “bon appétit”, we’ll have to wait just a little longer. Pompette is set to open its doors in September, shortly after the Queen’s Wharf precinct’s initial launch. It will be in good company, joining a stellar lineup of dining experiences at The Star Brisbane including the cutting-edge Japanese restaurant Sokyo, Luke Nguyen’s street food favourite Fat Noodle, and the authentic Italian family dining spot Cucina Regina.

Follow them on Instagram for updates or check their official site.

Published 16-Aug-2024

Queen’s Wharf Opening Delayed Due to Construction Crisis

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Queenswharfbrisbane.com.au

The highly anticipated opening of The Star’s Queen’s Wharf in Brisbane has been dealt another setback as construction delays forced the project to be pushed back from its initial Christmas launch date.

The Star Group’s chief executive and managing director Robbie Cooke explained that the decision to postpone the opening was made after a careful assessment of the current progress by the project’s builder.

In a statement made last month, The Star Group revealed the new opening date for April 2024.

Mr Cooke acknowledged that Queen’s Wharf has faced challenges similar to other major infrastructure projects across Australia. Despite the disappointment caused by the delay, Cooke emphasised that the transformational development, which has been eight years in the making so far, will undoubtedly be worth the wait.

“We are disappointed, but this transformational development for Brisbane has been eight years in the making already, and it will be well worth the wait. Queen’s Wharf will be a game-changer for a city that continues to attract the eyes of the world as we charge towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The Queen’s Wharf project, a sprawling $3.6-billion integrated resort development, is a joint venture between Australia’s Star Entertainment Group and partners Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium International. The venture is collectively known as the Destination Brisbane Consortium.

The postponement marks the second time the opening date has been revised, following a previous delay announced in July 2022. Back then, factors such as rising material costs, pandemic-related disruptions, and adverse weather conditions resulted in a six-month setback and a 10 per cent increase in the project’s cost.

Despite the setbacks, The Star Group has made some progress in recent weeks. The consortium received control of several dining, entertainment, and gaming areas on Levels 5 and 6 of the resort from building contractor Multiplex, enabling The Star to begin preparations for their opening.

In addition, the third and final Sky Deck bridge section was successfully installed, allowing for the completion of the Sky Deck and its connection to all four towers of the Queen’s Wharf development. The Sky Deck, a 250-meter open-air rooftop runway of bars and restaurants, will offer breathtaking panoramic views from 100 meters above the Brisbane River and accommodate up to 1,500 visitors.

The Queen’s Wharf development, situated on both sides of William Street in Brisbane’s CBD, is the largest undertaking in Queensland’s history and the most extensive casino resort in Australia. Despite the challenges faced during construction, the project is expected to bring immense economic and social benefits to the city, especially as Brisbane gears up to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Published 17-July-2023

Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Prepares to Open in Stages in 2023

Queen’s Wharf, a $3.6 billion development located on William Street on the edge of the Brisbane River, is poised to support the River City’s transformation into a global tourism destination as it prepares to open in stages in 2023.

Read: Louis Vuitton Moves Into Former NAB Building on Queen St

The development is set to be a once-in-a-generation project that will bring significant benefits to Brisbane. It covers an area of 27 hectares, including a new public space equivalent to 12 football fields.

Queen's Wharf Brisbane — Photo credit: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane/Facebook

The project will feature a new pedestrian bridge, named after Neville Bonner, who served as the first Aboriginal Australian to be elected to the Federal Parliament.

The bridge will not only provide a vital connection between the Queen’s Wharf development and South Bank, but it will also be a symbol of the city’s commitment to celebrating its indigenous heritage.

The new public space will be accessible to all, and the pedestrian bridge will provide a vital connection between two key areas of the city.

The development is set to transform the CBD with the construction of four new luxury hotels, over 50 new bars and restaurants, and the potential for up to 2,000 new residential apartments.

The integrated resort, set to open in stages from 2023, is being developed by the Destination Brisbane Consortium, a joint venture between The Star Entertainment Group, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, and Far East Consortium.

Robbie Cooke, the CEO of The Star Entertainment Group, one of the key developers of the project, has expressed their pride in being involved in the project, which was awarded to them in 2015.

Demolition works began in 2017, and construction officially commenced in early 2018.

The project is expected to create thousands of new jobs, with the construction phase alone providing employment for around 2,000 workers.

Read: Oasis: New Luxury Party Boat Sets Sail on the Brisbane River

With its stunning mix of heritage and contemporary architecture, this development promises to create a vibrant new tourism playground in Brisbane’s CBD.

Published 25-April-2023

Queens Wharf Development to Include Velo Cafe, a Hub for Cyclists

Did you know that the Queens Wharf development will include Velo Cafe, a hub for cyclists to change or grab some food and drinks before they head to their next destinations?

The two-storey venue found close to the Bicentennial Bikeway will also be a pitstop area for runners, as well as pedestrians and tourists visiting Queens Wharf who may want to grab a quick bite.

However, Velo Cafe will be specifically designed with cyclists in mind as it will include changing rooms and showers that will entice more people to get around Brisbane’s inner cities on bicycles. The area by the foreshore will be featured with “transformational landscaping works” that will activate an often underused riverside area.

“The establishment of the new Velo Café on one of Queensland’s busiest bike ways is warmly welcomed by bike riders,” Bicycle Queensland CEO Rebecca Randazzo said.

“We can’t overlook the obvious synergy of the café facilities. For many Brisbane bike riders, coffee and riding go together like Disney and happily ever after.”

Velo Cafe, as well as the transformational public space, is expected to be completed in 2023.

Meanwhile, work on the Riverside Expressway that connects to the Bicentennial Bikeway has been ongoing since May 2022. As such, a temporary bikeway diversion has been opened on the Bicentennial Bikeway for pedestrians and active transport users. Cyclists and electric scooters are expected to observe reduced speed limits.

Temporary bridge structures in three sections along the route were also installed along with lighting, directional signage, mirrors and hoarding along the bikeway.

Velo Cafe — Photo Credit: Queens Wharf Brisbane

The 12-month project is expected to deliver The Landing, a beautiful and safe public space, where future recreational events like outdoor food, art and lighting festivals will soon take place.