The Queensland Government has announced $2.1 million in funding for a zipline that would carry riders from the Kangaroo Point cliffs across the Brisbane River to the City Botanic Gardens at Gardens Point. The wheelchair accessible attraction is being developed by Brisbane tourism operator John Sharpe, the man behind the Story Bridge Climb and Riverlife kayak tours, with an opening target ahead of the Rugby World Cup in October 2027.
The zipline would launch from the clifftop park adjacent to St Mary’s Church in Kangaroo Point, approximately 40 metres above the river, and travel around 400 metres to a landing point at Gardens Point about 15 metres above the water.
Riders would reach speeds of 70 to 75 kilometres an hour on the crossing, with the experience expected to cost under $100 per ride. The facility would be the first zipline of its kind to allow wheelchair users to ride in their own wheelchairs, a feature Sharpe has emphasised as central to the project’s design.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell announced the funding from the clifftop park on Wednesday morning, describing the project as a brilliant addition that would showcase Brisbane and Queensland to the world. The $2.1 million state funding package would also cover several complementary attractions at Kangaroo Point, including a picnic space cantilevered over the cliffs, accessible boats and upgraded river infrastructure.
A “sky ladder” for climbing back to the top of the cliffs is also planned as part of the broader build, which Sharpe described as not for the faint hearted.
Approximate route for the proposed flying fox over the Brisbane River
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap. Route is approximate.
The concept of a cross river zipline from the Kangaroo Point cliffs has been discussed for more than a decade, with various iterations pitched at different locations along the riverfront including at Queens Wharf. Other zipline proposals have also been raised and subsequently rejected at Mount Coot-tha.
The project still requires development approval from Brisbane City Council before construction can proceed. Council opposition leader Jared Cassidy questioned the funding allocation, suggesting the money could be better directed towards restoration of the Story Bridge.
The proposed funding for this amusement park ride will deface the iconic Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
The money would be better spent maintaining the underfunded Botanical Gardens and Story Bridge maintenance.
It is of interest that the proposal to build a similar zip line by the same developers at Mt Cootha and Howard Smith wharves have been rejected.
Silly Crisafulli. Just plain silly.
Oh fuck, no.