Former nurse launches new luxe experience, Floating Picnic at New Farm

Stress-induced burnout and illness as a deputy director of nursing during the Covid pandemic was the trigger for a major career change that has delivered a luxe new Brisbane river experience that has been almost fully booked out since its launch.

Ruby Warren, Natalie McClure and Samantha O'Neill aboard the 'Floating Picnic' on Brisbane River. Picture: Richard Walker

Covid-related burnout and sickness for a formerly Sydney-based nurse was the catalyst for Brisbane’s newest luxe experience, which gives guests a chance to enjoy private, intimate picnics on the river itself.

Floating Picnics, launched in November 2024 by founder Ben Park, had been a four-year dream for the highly experience nurse, who in 2020 was working as a Deputy Director of Nursing in Sydney, where he experienced a complete burnout.

“The responsibilities and stress that came with being a Deputy Director were overwhelming … my health started to decline and I ended up being rushed to hospital due to my poor liver function,” Mr Park said.

“During that time I had a lot of time to reflect and I realised that boating was the one thing that truly made me happy and relieved my stress.”

Park at the time already owned a boat, and said much of the joy he gained from it was in the sharing with friends and family, serving good food and creating memorable experiences, and the concept for Floating Picnic came to him.

What followed was a two-year hustle as a FIFO Clinical Nurse Specialist in Queensland and the Northern Territory to save the $500,000 he needed to purchase a AMSA-compliant boat, where he was eventually relocated to Brisbane.

In May 2024, Park purchased the vessel and in November took off on his maiden voyage, which would see couples or small groups of friends and families, including kids, enjoy gourmet eats and beverages on board, complete with a thoughtfully decorated setting, music and Mr Park aboard as captain and guide.

Cruises operate from Tuesday through Sunday for both day and sunset and evening trips, with each 1.5 hour journey setting sail from New Farm Park River Hub before cruising to a short stop outside Queens Wharf and then returning.

“This route is designed to showcase two distinct aspects of Brisbane- the serene charm of New Farm and the urban elegance of the Star,” Mr Park said.

Floating Picnic has been almost fully booked out since its launch, which Park credits to the empathy and care he provides to his passengers.

“I’ve realise the most important values in life are humility and bringing happiness to others,” Mr Park said.

“With Floating Picnic, I share it (empathy) by creating happiness and peace for my guests.”

Mr Park hopes to continue to build and develop Floating Picnics and eventually bring the experience to the Gold Coast.