Plans unveiled: Townsville's first floating restaurant and bar precinct

Featuring a pontoon restaurant and bar and historic building upgrade, the Flinders Street Wharves precinct is closer to transforming Townsville’s waterfront. See what to expect.

Aerial view render for the Flinders Street Wharves. Picture: Supplied.

Fresh imagery has been unveiled for a $30m waterfront project poised to make a splash in Townsville’s hospitality scene by transforming a historic building and delivering NQ’s only pontoon restaurant and bar.

Construction kicked off in late 2024 on the Flinders Street Wharves (FSW) precinct at 108 Flinders St, both inside and beside the former Burns, Philp and Company building, which was built overlooking Ross Creek in 1895.

The 2600 sqm waterside dining and events hub will feature multiple indoor and outdoor dining spaces and bars, a public bar with a nod to the history of the iconic building, a rooftop bar designed for special events, live music and even a coffee shop, which will open daily.

The new overwater restaurant and bar, The Docks, will be the first of its kind in North Queensland and will offer a more elevated experience to the neighbouring FSW, with a Mediterranean inspired food and drinks menu, where local seafood will have a starring role.

The Docks will also feature two marina berths (10m and 13m), offering the opportunity of tourism to nearby Magnetic Island and surrounds, with a tender currently on offer.

FSW co-owner and general manager Grant Morgan said he anticipated a spring opening and for the construction to wrap up in the last quarter of 2025 – just in time for the festive season.

“We’re really excited to unveil the latest update of Flinders Street Wharves and The Docks -Townsville’s only pontoon style restaurant and bar,” Mr Morgan said.

“From the public and rooftop bars, to live music, to a premium experience at The Docks, it really is going to raise the bar for quality dining and events in North Queensland.

“We’re certain Flinders Street Wharves is going to become a focal point in Townsville, offering a hospitality precinct for the Townsville community to enjoy year-round, while respecting the history of the Burns, Philp and Company building.”

Mr Morgan hopes that residents and tourists get behind the precinct, which will hold up to 1000 patrons and employ 120 people across the two venues.

“We are already taking function and event inquiries for those wanting to book their summer events with us,” he said.

A recruitment campaign has kicked off, with the goal of employing as many local staff as possible.

Render of the boardwalk entry for the Flinders Street Wharves. Picture: Supplied.

Construction has commenced on the Flinders Street Wharves development next to, and inside the historic Burns Philp Building. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Plan for the Flinders Street Wharves development to be built next to a future pedestrian bridge. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Construction progress in June on the Flinders Street Wharves development next to, and inside the historic Burns Philp Building. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Originally published as Plans unveiled: Townsville's first floating restaurant and bar precinct