Embarkation in Brisbane: Cruise Terminal Parking, Address and Amenities

Brisbane Cruise Terminal Address

Brisbane Cruise Terminal

Portside Wharf

39 Hercules Street

Hamilton, Qld 4007

07 3184 5002

Cruise ships currently dock at two different Brisbane locations, depending on their size and height. Smaller ships dock at Brisbane Cruise Terminal (BCT) at Portside Wharf, which is a 20-minute taxi ride from Brisbane Airport, while large ships dock at the remote Port of Brisbane freight terminal at Fisherman's Island.

The Fisherman's Island port is used solely for Brisbane port calls and not as an embarkation port. From October 2020, ships of all sizes will dock at the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT), which is currently under construction on the north side of the Brisbane River, near Brisbane Airport.

Travellers departing from the BCT can pick up last-minute essentials at a supermarket located within walking distance. Portside Wharf is located next to the cruise terminal and in addition to the convenience store, has a mix of fashion boutiques, health and beauty providers, and a cinema.

If you are looking for more extensive shopping options, try the DFO Brisbane outlet mall at Brisbane Airport (Skygate, 18th Avenue), which is 5 km from Brisbane Cruise Terminal. Queen Street Mall in the heart of the city (Queen Street) is another good option and is located 7 km away from the terminal.

Directions to Brisbane Cruise Terminal

It is possible to get to Brisbane Cruise Terminal by car, taxi, rideshare, ferry or bus.

From the City

Brisbane Cruise Terminal is a 20-minute drive from Brisbane's city centre, but you should allow an additional 20 minutes during peak hour. Drive towards Fortitude Valley along Elizabeth Street, then continue straight along State Route 25. Turn right onto Remora Road, which leads to the terminal.

From the Airport

Brisbane's cruise port is just over 7 km from Brisbane Airport and, without traffic, will take about 15 minutes (allow 25 minutes during peak times). From the airport, take Airport Drive and head south-east on Nancy Bird Way. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Airport Drive then use the left lane to take the Southern Cross Way exit towards M1/Gold Coast. Keep right at the fork, follow the signs for M7/E W Arterial Road/City/Nudgee Road for 260 metres. Keep left at the fork, follow the signs for Nudgee Road/Eagle Farm and merge onto Nudgee Road. Continue straight for 3 km onto Remora Road and the Brisbane Cruise Terminal will be on your left.

Bus

Brisbane City Council bus services are available from the CBD and involve an 800-metre walk to the cruise terminal. The trip will take you about 40 minutes including walking time and the bus runs between 5.45 a.m. and 10.30 p.m. The one-way fare is $4.90 for adults and $2.40 for seniors for a paper ticket.

Ferry

Brisbane City Council ferry services are available from the city centre and involve a 900m walk to the cruise terminal. The trip will take an hour including walking time and the ferry runs between 6 a.m. and 11.30 p.m. The one-way fare is $4.90 for adults and $2.40 for seniors.

Rail

Trains to and from the city and beyond can be accessed via two local train stations -- Ascot and Doomben. You will need to walk more than a kilometre from the station to the cruise terminal.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is the most hassle-free way to travel to the cruise port from the airport. Rides will take roughly 20 minutes and will cost you about $35. Rideshare companies such as Uber and Ola are also available in Brisbane.

Rental Cars Near Brisbane Cruise Port

Cruise passengers can rent a car before or after their cruise from the airport or car rental agencies in the city centre. Budget (12 Curtin Avenue, Hamilton) has an office that is a 500m walk from Brisbane Cruise Terminal. There is no complimentary shuttle service to and from Brisbane's car rental agencies.

Parking

Long-term public parking is available at Portside Cruise & Airport Parking (07 3630 0922), which is a five-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Other offsite parking is available but involves a shuttle bus ride to the cruise terminal. Instead of parking, it is advisable to take a taxi from the airport or other location to avoid parking fees.

What Time to Arrive/Embarkation

It is best to arrive at least two hours before the ship's departure time. Check your cruise documents/ticket/eDocs for a time specific to your party, and arrive as close to that time as possible. You don't want to arrive too early, as some security regulations can prohibit early entrance to the ship.

Brisbane Cruise Terminal has limited space and seating. There are no different entrances based on cabin categories. Everyone should go through the port's main entrance to check in.

Wheelchair Service

Brisbane's cruise port offers wheelchair services. Bring your own or enlist help from one of the following rental companies: Mobility Rental & Sales, Qld Rehab Equipment, or Super Pharmacy Plus.

Where to Grab a Bite or Last-Minute Essentials in Brisbane

The Brisbane Cruise Terminal is withing walking distance of multiple retail outlets, but you'll need transport to reach downtown Brisbane. For this reason, it is best to stock up on any last-minute essentials before you get to the cruise port. Brisbane's city centre is one of Queensland's largest shopping precincts and everything you could possibly want can be found here.

Bathrooms

Restrooms are plentiful at the Brisbane Cruise Terminal and can be found in the passenger holding area prior to boarding the ship.

Wi-Fi

There is no free wi-fi available at the Brisbane Cruise Terminal.

Where to Store Luggage

Luggage storage is not available at the Brisbane Cruise Terminal. Cruise passengers can store their bags in the port buildings during the morning of their cruise, up until the end of the passenger check-in period.

Where to Sit

There is ample seating available inside the cruise terminal, provided passengers keep to their allocated boarding times. A singer/guitarist provides entertainment inside the terminal on boarding day.

More Tips About the Brisbane Cruise Terminal

It is important to be aware of Brisbane's traffic when coming to the cruise port. With ongoing roadworks near the cruise terminal, the roads leading to the port have been experiencing higher-than-normal traffic congestion. Make sure to give yourself ample time and plan accordingly.