Why Brisbane's latest luxury hotel is not for the faint-hearted

You'll find Queen's Wharf Residences in the tallest tower of Brisbane's new Queen's Wharf precinct on the Brisbane River, a multibillion-dollar residential and entertainment development that's been opening up in stages. The residences are managed by global hotel giant Minor Hotels and I am among the first to stay here after its May opening; it's so new, you can still smell the paint.

Queen's Wharf is right across the way from The Star Brisbane and offers a walkway to the function centre, as well as (mostly) undercover access to restaurants, cafes and the Brisbane Sky Deck, a 250-metre runway of rooftop restaurants and bars on level 23. (Try stepping on to the glass-bottomed walkway, if you dare. I do not.) This all opened in the second half of 2024 and seems like it's still finding its groove. It reminds me a bit of staying in a smaller, less-busy version of Circular Quay. But if you're planning on accessing South Bank's restaurants, the Botanic Gardens and The Gabba, Queen's Wharf would be a top spot to kip.

The apartment-style rooms are bright, modern and comfortable and every one of them has a view, either of the city, the river or the Botanic Gardens. There are lots of little function and break-out spaces around the hotel. A small group who appear to be in their 20s have kicked off their shoes and are relaxing in outdoor lounges looking out over a common area in the precinct, which will host pop-up events. The area surrounding the hotel hosts a good amount of greenery coming from garden beds that belie its inner-city location.

Among the 200 apartments available for short stays are one-, two- and three-bedroom options. I am staying in a one-bedroom way up on the 44^th floor with a kitchen to rival my own at home, two televisions and a private balcony - which is where I pretty much spend all my time, once I get over the sheer height of it (it's definitely not for the faint-hearted). This is a memorable view, looking out over the river and the Ferris wheel. I enjoy waking up to it through the floor-to-ceiling windows next to my bed. I can't help wondering what it would be like to live here - it seems so much like a modern inner-city apartment (just add plants and books) - and how long I would have to stay here to get around to using that oven and dishwasher.

The hotel doesn't do food but nearby Hua modern Cantonese restaurant is tasty fare with twists on classic cocktails. The steamed dim sum platter is a winner, as are the baked Queensland sea scallops with miso mayo. I try a variation on the classic negroni with aged bourbon and it's interesting but I should have stuck to the original. For breakfast, I head to Babblers cafe on the Sky Deck where the granola with whipped yoghurt looks promising (alas, I don't order it) and the almond croissant I take away with me is one of the best I've had, heavy and laden with sticky goodness.

It's strange being one of the first people to stay at a hotel. You can sense there will be a vibe once the people come. Considering the facilities alone, an outdoor hot tub has a great view of the event space, a heated lap pool could be a nice hang in the afternoon and the gym looks state-of-the-art. In Queen's Wharf, the bones are there for a bustling precinct.

That view from the 44th floor, over the Brisbane River and way beyond.

The writer was a guest of the hotel