Brisbane’s $180m ‘ghost’ ship terminal to finally spring to life

Brisbane’s state-of-the-art $180 million international cruise ship terminal has lain dormant since 2020, but that’s all about to change.

Queensland’s dreams of becoming Australia’s cruise ship capital are back on track after the Federal Government gave the green light to the besieged industry’s return.

Brisbane’s mothballed international cruise ship terminal will finally welcome its first passengers in June, pending approvals from the State Government, and cruise lines are now clamouring to bring ships back to Queensland.

The state-of-the-art $180 million Brisbane terminal has lain dormant as an eerie ghost town since it was completed in 2020, yet to welcome a single cruise ship.

But with the Federal Government finally approving a restart for cruising in Australian waters from April 17, work will begin in earnest to resurrect the multibillion-dollar industry.

Many ships have been dispatched to other corners of the globe, while some are docked in harbours in the Middle East awaiting refits and repairs.

There is also the not-so-small matter of finding thousands of workers to crew the floating cities.

However the resumption has reawakened ambitions to make Queensland the cruise capital of the country.

Queensland has more ports than any other Australian state, with exotic destinations including Moreton Island, the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal

Before the pandemic, NSW was the biggest economic driver of the domestic cruise market, but industry insiders have long touted Queensland’s potential.

Port of Brisbane interim CEO Neil Stephens said the terminal was “primed to be at the epicentre of Australia’s cruise restart”.

“We are perfectly positioned to bring visitors into the southeast, as well as taking travellers to Queensland, Australian and indeed global destinations,” he said.

“Once the States finalise the necessary health protocols, we will be in a position to welcome back cruise vessels after two long years away.

“This is great news, and a much-needed boost for cruise-tourism related businesses and the jobs they support right across Queensland.”

P&O’s Pacific Explorer is expected to be the first ship to visit Queensland after the resumption, with an itinerary including a stop in Brisbane on June 2.

Other ships are expected to announce new schedules in the coming weeks.

Cruise Lines International Association managing director (Australasia) Joel Katz said the industry would have the highest health and safety standards in the new era.

An estimated eight million people have already sailed in more than 80 other countries where cruising had resumed, with stringent new health measures in place.