A Star is born…or it it?

This time next month The Star will be open, or at least the first stage of the mammoth leisure and entertainment precinct. You can now book a stay at its five-star hotel, The Star Grand, from August 29 which is located in the heart of the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane.

According to a media release on The Star’s website, “From late August into September and throughout the remainder of 2024, a steady stream of new restaurants, bars, public spaces and destinations will begin opening, enlivening the previously underutilised 12 hectares of river’s edge.”

This will include Cucina Regina, Black Hide Steak & Seafood by Gambaro and Azteca (by Potentia Solutions Leisure) announced for The Terrace; Celebrity Chef Luke Nguyen’s dynamic Asian street food favourite Fat Noodle, live entertainment venue LiveWire and a sprawling Sports Bar on the Casino floor; and Sky Deck’s Aloria, Babblers and Cicada Blu.

Sure there have been a few hiccups (delays), but the overdue opening of The Star coincides beautifully with the launch of this year’s Brisbane Festival and the epic Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust. 

It’ll be fascinating to see the growth of this precinct and the clientele it attracts. Will locals be making the most of what’s new to our city and flooding the multitude of widely acclaimed restaurants on offer? Or is this precinct more for the swarm of expected visitors in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond?

For mine, The Star and Queen’s Wharf has a completely different vibe compared to a Howard Smith Wharves or James Street so there’s no competing for the same market although it’s hard to make a call before doors open. One thing’s for sure, if you’re keen to check out Brisbane’s newest precinct, book early before it books out. 

Enjoy your weekend

Matt Lancashire