Join us from the river’s edge as we explore the spectacular New Farm to Newstead Bikeway / Brisbane River Walk, a scenic riverside adventure, one of Brisbane’s most picturesque waterfront trails.
Experience Brisbane at walking pace, full of surprises, this walk will be best enjoyed as a day-long outing. From peaceful shaded gazebos to vibrant riverfront precincts, this trip showcases everything that makes this Brisbane Riverside Walk one of Australia’s most “Must Do’s” for both visitors and locals. If you love walking trails, or simply discovering the best free things to do in Brisbane, this is a journey you don’t want to miss.
This is a day built on exploration. Starting with a CityCat (Ferry) ride from the magnificent South Bank Parklands (disembarking at the New Farm CityCat Terminal).
This journey takes us through beautiful riverside green spaces, the historic Brisbane Powerhouse, fascinating Submariners Walk Heritage Trail, iconic Teneriffe Woolstores, public art installations, dog friendly parks, family playgrounds and breathtaking Brisbane River views. There are also many opportunities to grab a coffee or a meal at any one of the cafes / restaurants that are along the way.
đź“Ť Route
- Runs along the Brisbane River through New Farm, Teneriffe (detouring onto Skyring Terrace at the Teneriffe Ferry Terminal and CityGlider bus interchange), Newstead – then continuing through parklands, back onto the river walk.
- Connects New Farm Park with Newstead Park and surrounding riverfront paths.
🚶‍♂️🚴‍♂️ What to Expect
- Terrain: Mostly flat, paved shared pathways, featuring concrete, bitumen, and some timber boardwalk sections along the Brisbane River – Easy Walking.
- River views, parklands, public art, cafes, bus interchanges and ferry terminals long the way.
- Submariners Walk Heritage Trail
- Playgrounds
- Suitable for walking, running, cycling, scooters, and families.
🏞️ Highlights
- New Farm Park
- Brisbane Powerhouse
- Coffee with a view at Mary Mae’s.
- Waterfront Park
- Views across the Brisbane River
- Newstead House and Newstead Park precinct. (New Blog coming soon to ROAD TRIP’N)
We disembark at the New Farm Ferry Terminal. If you have time, take a wander through New Farm Park. Also, a great spot for a coffee and the kids will love the playground.
The river path leads to the Brisbane Powerhouse, a striking reminder of the city’s industrial past. We start our walk here. This paved, shared-use pathway stretching along the river from New Farm Park to Newstead Park is officially known as the New Farm to Newstead Bikeway / Brisbane River Walk. 🚶‍♂️🚴‍♂️
A coffee at Mary Mae’s, sitting on the riverside terrace, watching CityCats glide along the river while joggers, cyclists and dog walkers passed by – what a perfect setting!!!!
The Brisbane Powerhouse itself is also worth exploring. Once a working power station, it has been transformed into one of Brisbane’s most vibrant arts and cultural destinations (Free Entry).
We’re on our way, the path opens up to a wide shady walkway where families have gathered spreading picnic blankets under giant fig trees while children revel in one of the best city playgrounds. The off-leash dog exercise area is also very popular with many owners and canine friends.
Walking the New Farm to Newstead Bikeway, I immediately noticed how accessible and enjoyable the trail is. The pathway is mostly flat, wide, and paved, ideal for walkers, cyclists, families with prams, mobility scooters and joggers. Â
We followed the gentle curves of the Brisbane River, offering uninterrupted views for much of the journey. At almost every turn, magnificent panoramas open up across the river of neighbouring suburbs and the city skyline.
Scattered throughout the route are an abundance of rest stops. Along the pathway you’ll find:
- Sheltered gazebos
- Riverside seating
- Viewing platforms
- Shady picnic areas
- Landscaped gardens
Here, you can take a break and watch all the action on the river. People fishing, CityCats crisscrossing the river while private boats, jet skis and Gondolas (These Gondolas can be hired for a romantic Brisbane River cruise. Click here for more information,) add constant movement to the scene. The changing light at different times of the day reflects beautifully cross the water, producing endless photo opportunities.
The combination of art, history and scenery creates one of the most interesting sections of the walk.
As our trail continues through Teneriffe and Newstead, the riverfront takes on a distinctly historic feel. Scattered throughout the area are examples of public art that encourage you to stop and appreciate both the history and character of Brisbane’s riverfront.
The Submariners Walk Heritage Trail provides a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s naval history recognising the contribution of submariners and the part that this area played in WW2. The open vistas across the water make it one of the best photogenic sections of the walk.
As the walk approaches Teneriffe, along one of the legs of the river walk is the heritage-listed Teneriffe Wool Stores. The massive brick buildings dominate the landscape and tell the story of Brisbane’s industrial past. Now, they have been converted into housing apartments, cafes, and businesses, the result is one of Brisbane’s most unique architectural precincts.
We arrive at the Teneriffe Transport Hub. Nearby you’ll find the Teneriffe Ferry Terminal and CityGlider bus service. These services provide a convenient connection back to the Brisbane CBD if you wish to shorten the walk or plan a return journey later in the day.
At this point our River Walk diverts from the river as we travel a short distance along Skyring Terrace through the suburbs. It is not long before we again rejoin the walk with the aroma of fresh coffee drifting onto the pathway from numerous cafes and restaurants along our way. It’s a perfect spot to stop for a breakfast, brunch, or a refreshing drink while you are soaking up the relaxed riverside atmosphere.
Several small parks and green spaces line the route, providing picnic areas, lawns and shady seating overlooking the river. These spots make excellent rest stops during the walk.
We’re here, Newstead Park, the perfect finale to the journey. Expansive lawns, enormous shade trees, river views, picnic areas and the historic Newstead House combine to create one of Brisbane’s best historical parks. It was time for lunch and a well earned cold brew.
We walked the short distance from Newstead Park to the iconic Breakfast Creek Hotel (aka Brekky Creek Hotel), a local favourite and famous for it’s steaks and serving beer “off the wood.” The beer is served straight from Wooden Kegs instead of modern stainless steel. Lunch finished, we retraced our footsteps back to the Teneriffe Transport Hub and our return trip to the Brisbane CBD.
What makes this journey particularly appealing is that it forms a complete Brisbane River adventure. The Perfect Brisbane Loop.
- Start at South Bank Parklands
- Catch the CityCat to New Farm
- Walk the New Farm to Newstead Park Bikeway and River Walk
- Explore New Farm, Brisbane Powerhouse, Submariners Walk, Newstead Park
- Return to the CBD via CityCat or CityGlider.
The New Farm to Newstead Park Bikeway / Brisbane River Walk is one of Brisbane’s best riverside adventures. Combining stunning river views, the Submariners Heritage Walk, historic Woolstores, playgrounds, parks, waterfront cafes, and cheap transport options (.50 cent fares apply), this Walk showcases Brisbane at its very best.
By the time you arrive back in the CBD, you’ll have experienced Brisbane from the water, from its pathways, and from its parks, and you would have discovered why this escapade is one of Brisbane’s most rewarding adventures.
