Kangaroo Point zipline wins $2.1 million backing from state

Plans for a wheelchair-accessible cross-river zipline in the heart of Brisbane, launching from an adventure tourism precinct in Kangaroo Point, are a step closer to reality.

On Wednesday, the Queensland government announced it would put $2.1 million towards the “River Icons” project, spearheaded by Brisbane tourism operator and developer John Sharpe, who also launched the Story Bridge climb and Riverlife kayak tours.

The zipline – hailed as a world-first because of its accessibility – would touch down at Gardens Point, crossing the 400-metre stretch of the Brisbane River.

The multimillion-dollar funding package was also expected to cover several attractions at Kangaroo Point, including a picnic experience, accessible boats and upgraded river infrastructure.

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the investment was part of an $80 million tourism fund leveraging global attention from the 2032 Games.

“Global attention from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a rare advantage and investing now is how we turn it into longer stays and deeper exploration across Queensland,” he said.

“The Brisbane River is one of Brisbane’s greatest assets, and activating it is key to encouraging visitors to stay longer.”

Developers have pitched variations of a cross-river zipline from the cliffs for more than a decade, including at Queens Wharf, while other zipline developments have been raised – and rejected – at Mount Coot-tha.

Council opposition leader Jared Cassidy said the proposed tourism draw would be “nice to have”, but could come at the expense of restoration on another Brisbane icon, the Story Bridge.

“It is bizarre that they can find $2.1 million for a flying fox but can’t find anything to help restore our iconic bridge that links the north and south of our city together,” Cassidy said.

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