Brisbane tourism: Story Bridge activities for thrillseekers

It’s the signature feature of the Brisbane skyline, and it’s going to be seeing a lot more action under the city’s tourism blueprint.

BRISBANE’S Story Bridge will become “adventure central” as part of a plan to boost tourism activities in the city and southeast corner.

The company which already operates the Adventure Climb has plans for up to half a dozen or more new thrillseeking attractions on the iconic structure.

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One will give people the chance to experience what it is like for the bridge painters who have to swing high above the traffic in a Bosun’s chair.

“That would be a terrifically scary experience,” XBrisbane boss John Sharpe said.

“It wouldn’t be for everyone because it’s pretty extreme but it would be a great experience for those who do.”

Even more extreme is the proposed Lean-out that would see adrenaline junkie overhanging the side of the bridge, 80 metres above the Brisbane River in a harness.

“You would be leaning out into the city and have this feeling of weightlessness,” Mr Sharpe said. “I’m expecting a lot of people to pull out of that … based on our experience of abseiling when a lot of people simply can’t step off the cliff at the last minute.”

Mr Sharpe says it would be particularly dramatic at night with the city lights.

Anja Christoffersen and Ginger Kelly Watrous on the Story Bridge. Picture: Annette Dew

Subject to planning approval, four other new activities are proposed including a quick descent and a giant swing.

“I don’t think there is any structure in the world that has what we will be offering on the Story Bridge.”

Unlike the existing bridge climb and abseiling, the new activities will be focused on the northern — city — end, linking it to the new Howard Smith Wharves entertainment precinct and the CBD.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones, who is backing the initiative with a grant from the State Government’s $36 million growing tourism infrastructure fund, said it was just the sort of new attraction needed to bring more visitors and increase the time they stay here and the amount they spend.

“This will position the Story Bridge as Australia’s number one bridge adventure precinct.

“They expect it will attract an additional 45,800 annual visitors and contribute $3 million in visitor expenditure each year to the region,” Ms Jones said.

With the new parallel runway doubling Brisbane Airport’s capacity from next year and developments such as The Star Entertainment Group’s multi-billion dollar resorts in Brisbane and the Gold Coast — as well as projects like the proposed Brisbane Live indoor arena — expected to attract huge numbers of additional tourists over coming years, the industry’s top priority is adding new paid experiences to grab the attention of visitors.

“There is nothing worse than going to a place and wondering what there is to do next,” Mr Sharpe said.

Tourism entrepreneur John Sharpe of XBrisbane and Riverlife on the Brisbane River. Picture: Peter Wallis

He has launched or invested with young entrepreneurs in dozens of new attractions including the Riverlife kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and rock-climbing; snorkelling, parasailing and beach Segway tours at Tangalooma on Moreton Island; and the P&O Edge adventure park aboard cruise ships.

“Sharpey” is exploring more ventures and says there is huge scope for others to start tourism businesses in a booming city with a massive river snaking through it, near-perfect climate and easy access to a surrounding region of green space, wildlife, hinterland and a beautiful bay on the doorstep.

One big opportunity is small group or personalised tours on land or water. “It’s not about the big tour groups any more. People are looking for that bespoke experience.

“This big influx of tourist is coming and we need to make sure we are ready for it.”

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Originally published as Brisbane tourism: Story Bridge activities for thrillseekers