The 2018-2019 season will see 94 cruise ships call on Brisbane, up from 78 scheduled calls heading into 2017-2018.

“Fortunately, Queensland has mild weather year-round so there is always demand for stopovers in Brisbane, no matter what the season,” commented Lee Butterworth, general manager at Brookfield Residential Properties, which oversees the cruise terminal.

Butterworth said big terminal plans were already underway.

“We will be relocating the terminal to a permanent structure that will be integrated into an active retail precinct, immediately adjacent and connected to the vibrant Portside Wharf precinct,” he told Cruise Industry News. “This redevelopment will ensure the terminal is well prepared for future growth as Brisbane’s prospering tourism industry continues to evolve.

“The Brisbane Cruise Terminal provides quick turnaround times, efficient port service, high customer satisfaction and competitive rates for cruise lines,” Butterworth continued. “It is also located next door to the Portside Wharf precinct, providing customers access to fine dining, cafes, a supermarket, fashion boutique as well as health and beauty services.”

The local area is seeing huge infrastructure improvement as well, with a $650 million upgrade of Kingsford Smith Drive underway, which will see it turned into a six lane boulevard with a boardwalk along the river.

MacArthur Avenue, which provides commuters direct access to the cruise terminal, is also currently being upgraded as part of a broader program of $22.5 million in infrastructure improvements planned for the Northshore Hamilton precinct over the next two years. This Queensland Government initiative will provide easier access to the terminal, street parking and improved public transportation options.