Kangaroo Point Bridge opens, hailed a destination in itself

The $288m Kangaroo Point Bridge has officially opened, and is being hailed as a pathway to the future.

Brisbane celebrated a major milestone on Sunday with the official opening of the highly anticipated Kangaroo Point Bridge, a $288 million project designed to transform the city’s connectivity and enhance its urban landscape.

The Kangaroo Point Bridge is Brisbane’s tallest bridge and spans 460m, linking Kangaroo Point to the CBD with dedicated pedestrian and cycle pathways.

It is the first direct connection between the highly popular Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the hotel and entertainment precinct in Brisbane’s CBD and is expected to drastically cut travel times for walkers and cyclists.

David Jeffery rides with kids Odette, 6, and Nicholas, 2, at the opening of the Kangaroo Point Bridge in Brisbane. Picture Lachie Millard

The bridge is expected to remove up to 84,000 cars from Brisbane’s roads annually, reduce commuting times between Kangaroo Point and the CBD by 15 minutes, and halve walking times between Kangaroo Point, the Gabba, and the city centre.

Previously, residents relied on lengthy trips via the Story Bridge or the Goodwill Bridge to cross the river, which is expected to be a major drawcard during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who attended the bridge’s opening ceremony alongside federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, hailed the project as a game-changer and said its completion represented decades of vision and planning.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, second from left, cuts the ribbon with federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, right, at the opening of the Kangaroo Point Bridge in Brisbane. Picture: Lachie Millard

“For the first time in Brisbane’s history, there is now a direct connection between Kangaroo Point and the CBD,” Mr Schrinner said.

“This bridge won’t just ease congestion; it will be a destination in itself,” he said.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King praised the project as a legacy for Brisbane, transforming the way people move and interact with the river.

However, the project has not been without controversy.

Cyclists at the opening of the Kangaroo Point Bridge in Brisbane. Picture Lachie Millard

Yachties have raised concerns about the bridge’s 12.7-metre clearance, which prevents larger vessels from mooring in front of the City Botanic Gardens on the CBD side.

Yacht owner Peter Trelow said the bridge meant the loss of a favoured anchorage for many Queensland yachties and those from all around the world stopping in Brisbane to restock.

“The Gardens moorings were the only moorings for travelling yachts in Brisbane’s CBD and were a major stopping point for those sailing the world,” he said.

“But it was also well loved and used by yachties from places such as Airlie, or from the islands, who sail up the river for a safe anchorage.

“It’s a huge loss and already the empty moorings are obvious.”

Crowds at the opening of the Kangaroo Point Bridge in Brisbane where some took the opportunity to protest using Victoria Park for an Olympic venue. Picture Lachie Millard

The bridge’s striking design includes a 95-metre-high single-mast structure and panoramic viewing platforms offering breathtaking views of the Brisbane River and skyline.

Accessibility is a key feature, with wide pathways, minimal gradients, and a new lift at Kangaroo Point’s C.T. White Park.

Solar panels, safety cameras, and cooling vegetation also reflect its sustainability-focused design.

Crowds at the opening of the Kangaroo Point Bridge in Brisbane. Picture Lachie Millard

Future developments include Stilts Dining and Mulga Bill’s riverside café, set to open on the bridge in early 2025, further solidifying its status as a must-visit destination.

Construction of the bridge began in December 2021 but faced delays due to the 2022 Brisbane floods, with marine works paused for nearly six months as resources were diverted to flood recovery efforts.

Despite these setbacks, the bridge was completed within the revised timeline, showcasing the resilience of Brisbane’s construction sector.

The idea of a bridge connecting Kangaroo Point and the CBD dates back to the 1860s, with early plans abandoned due to economic hardships and the devastating floods of 1893.