Townsville’s Long-Awaited Flinders Street Wharves Precinct Is Finally Open

Flinders Street Wharves is officially open, and it's bringing a whole lot of good times to Townsville's waterfront. The $30 million dining and entertainment mecca swung open its doors in December 2025, taking over the historic Burns Philp & Co. building at 108 Flinders Street—the last 19th-century warehouse complex along Ross Creek.  

Designed by Brisbane-based KP Architects, the half-acre site pays homage to its heritage while embracing Townsville’s tropical lifestyle. The venue features original brickwork and timber beams alongside swaying palms, striped umbrellas and plenty of open-air spaces that make the most of those river views. 

There are six distinct venues across two buzzing levels, each with its own personality to take you from your morning flat white to rooftop cocktails under the stars (and trust us, you'll want to try the cocktails).

At the water’s edge, The Kiosk is locals' new go-to for all-day coffee, creative matcha fusions, grab-and-go bites and classic fry-ups with prime riverfront views. The Beer Garden brings alfresco dining in a casual setting—think timber tables and tropical greenery—that’s ideal for long lunches or sundowners. And inside, The Bistro pairs warm interiors with an all-rounder menu: locally-sourced seafood, woodfired pizzas and all your pub faves.

Hop lovers will want to settle in at Merchants Bar, where exposed brick, copper finishes and an impressive wall of 108 beer taps nod to the building’s historic roots. For something more exclusive, The Dining Room offers a private setting for up to 16 guests—perfect for special occasions. Capping it all off, The Rooftop delivers panoramic views across Townsville’s skyline and waterfront, complete with festoon lighting and live music that guarantees to keep the good times rolling after dark.

But that’s not all. The Docks—North Queensland’s first floating pontoon bar and restaurant—has been slinging Mediterranean-inspired fare on the river since March 2026. Operated in partnership with local tourism business Poseidon Adventures, it doubles as a marine tourism hub offering boat and jet ski tours to Magnetic Island, Cape Cleveland and beyond.

Turns out, Townsville’s not just turning heads with its new waterfront digs—the whole region’s on the rise. In 2024, overnight visitor spending jumped 10.3% to a cool $1.2 billion, with visitor numbers up more than 22%. With more travellers (and new locals) heading north for the sunshine, the lifestyle and now, the eats, it’s clear Townsville’s having a major moment. Flinders Street Wharves couldn’t have launched at a better time.

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Image credit: Flinders Street Wharves | Instagram