Queen's Wharf, Brisbane
| Company type | Mixed-use development |
|---|---|
| Industry | Real estate, Hospitality, Entertainment |
| Founded | March 2018 |
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
Area served | Brisbane central business district |
| Products | Residential units, hotels, casino, dining establishments, entertainment facilities |
| Website | www |
Queen's Wharf is a large-scale mixed-use development currently being built on William Street within Brisbane's central business district. It stands as one of Australia's most extensive projects combining residential and entertainment facilities.
In July 2015, the Queensland Government appointed the Destination Brisbane Consortium—which includes Star Entertainment Group, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, and Far East Consortium—as the preferred developer. The project encompasses 2,000 residential units, 1,100 hotel accommodations, and a casino. Additional amenities feature a ballroom with seating for 1,500 guests and a public Sky Deck observation area open around the clock, offering panoramic 360-degree views. Approximately 50 new dining and drinking establishments such as cafés, bars, and restaurants will operate in the precinct. At the George Street entrance, visitors encounter a distinctive elongated sculpture created by artist Lindy Lee.
The development plan consists of four skyscrapers and the Neville Bonner Bridge connecting the precinct to South Bank, alongside restoration efforts for heritage-listed structures. Construction commenced in March 2018 with an original completion date set for 2022; this was subsequently extended to 2023 and then to April 2024. The Treasury Casino ceased operations on 25 August 2024, followed by a phased reopening starting 29 August 2024. Project delays were primarily caused by adverse weather conditions and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The site's location has attracted some criticism due to its closeness to Brisbane’s historic city core and governmental precinct. The casino at Star Brisbane is managed by Star Entertainment Group, which is owned by Bally's Corporation.
History
The construction contract was awarded to Multiplex. Demolition activities on-site lasted over a year and involved dismantling the Neville Bonner Building as well as the Executive Building, notable for being Queensland’s tallest building ever demolished. More than 33,000 tonnes of debris were produced during demolition, with excavated rock material repurposed for use in Brisbane Airport’s car park development. During excavation work, electrical cables dating back 134 years were discovered. The site required excavation down to six basement levels.
By October 2021, elevator shafts for both the Dorsett and Rosewood hotels had reached the 21st floor, while nearly all residential units—98%—had been sold. In September 2022, the substantial Sky Deck structure weighing 175 tonnes was installed at a height of 100 metres above ground level, extending approximately 250 metres across the tops of two curved towers.
Design and location
The master plan combines tourism, leisure, and entertainment components within a previously underutilized urban area that contains eleven state-owned heritage sites, nine of which are accessible to visitors. Spanning an area of 12 hectares, the precinct includes a newly developed mangrove walkway along the Riverside Expressway, enhanced cycling paths, a waterfront park area, and 7.5 hectares dedicated to public open space. The Sky Deck is situated at an elevation of 100 metres above William Street.
Queen's Wharf consists of four towers rising above a seven-level podium with an additional five basement floors. The tallest structure—Queen’s Wharf Residence—is segmented into three tiers named Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond, culminating in a penthouse suite.
The development utilizes Building Information Modelling technology and incorporates an automated vacuum waste disposal system connected to a centralized waste management facility.
Dining
Sokyo offers upscale Japanese cuisine. Fat Noodle presents Southeast Asian dishes curated by Luke Nguyen. Cucina Regina provides Italian fare within a 160-seat indoor-outdoor environment. On the Sky Deck level, Cicada Blu and Aloria deliver alfresco dining paired with bar services inspired by European flavors. Velo Café is designed as a two-storey café alongside the riverside bikeway catering specifically to cyclists using the Bicentennial Bikeway. Black Hide Steak & Seafood has moved from Treasury Brisbane into a new venue seating 240 guests—the largest terrace restaurant on site. Azteca brings Latin American-inspired cuisine with seating for 126 patrons. Lúc Lắc features an indoor-outdoor Indochine-style restaurant and bar accommodating up to 159 diners.
Hotels
The integrated resort features three distinct hotels: Star Grand, Dorsett, and Rosewood. Occupying the two curved towers, the upscale five-star Star Grand offers 340 rooms along with a signature cocktail bar that provides panoramic 360-degree views. Its exterior is adorned with 350 illuminated pillars that create vibrant light displays. The openings of Dorsett and Rosewood hotels are planned for completion by the close of 2026.
Casino
Operated by Star Entertainment on behalf of the consortium, the casino presents a variety of gaming options including slot machines, three types of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, six poker variations, craps, and sic-bo. Additional offerings include Casino War and the Wheel. The casino is licensed for up to 2,500 poker machines, with approximately 1,500 currently in use. Access to the high roller area is facilitated by escalators.
Due to financial difficulties, Star Entertainment initiated the sale of its stake in The Star Brisbane. Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium were positioned to purchase Star’s interest and assume all associated liabilities. By August 2025, Star’s partners withdrew from the consortium, leaving Star with a 50% ownership share in the project.
See also
External links
- Queen's Wharf official website
- Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Act 2016