RIVERLIFE

Welcome to Riverlife

Riverlife Adventure Centre is where your adventurous spirit can take flight, with the majestic Brisbane River as the backdrop to experiences that will become cherished memories. Welcome to Riverlife, the epicentre of outdoor fun and excitement in Brisbane!

Located at the foot of the stunning, heritage-listed Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Riverlife is your gateway into the heart of Brisbane. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor eager to explore its iconic sights, Riverlife offers an unrivalled combination of adventure, discovery and relaxation. From kayaking under the famed Story Bridge to abseiling down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, every activity at Riverlife is designed to ignite your sense of wonder and create unforgettable moments.

Just a short ferry ride from Brisbane’s bustling city centre, Riverlife feels like an oasis in the heart of the city. With over 15 years of experience, Riverlife has become a cornerstone of Brisbane’s outdoor culture, beloved by locals and visitors alike for its wide range of exhilarating activities and carefully curated experiences.

Whether you’re kayaking along the illuminated city skyline, climbing the historic Kangaroo Point Cliffs or enjoying a nachos with a cold Corona on the riverbank, Riverlife invites you to see Brisbane from a completely new perspective. 

Glide through the Heart of Brisbane on a Kayak Tour

Feel the gentle rhythm of the Brisbane River beneath your paddle as you embark on one of Riverlife’s Kayak Tours – a serene way to see the city from a unique perspective.

Picture yourself on calm waters, the iconic Story Bridge arching gracefully above you. The sun sparkles on the river, illuminating Brisbane’s striking mix of modern skyscrapers and lush greenery. Each paddle stroke reveals more of the city’s charm, from the heritage buildings along the riverbank to the lively hum of the South Bank in the distance. The soothing lapping of water against your kayak creates a meditative rhythm, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Brisbane’s beauty.

Alternatively, choose the Twilight Kayak Experience and, as day fades to dusk, watch the city transform into a canvas of glowing lights. Paddle under shimmering bridges and past the softly illuminated Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The reflections of the city lights dance on the water, the sounds of the city hum gently in the background – it’s a magical ambience that’s perfect for date nights or a memorable outing with friends. 

Friday nights herald a brand-new adventure: Fiesta de Kayak, combining the ever-popular Twilight Kayak Experience with Mexican-themed dining on the waterfront. Enjoy sharing burritos and nachos accompanied by your choice of a frozen margarita or Corona beer.

With no experience required, these 90-minute guided tours are as safe as they are unforgettable. And, with a careful eye on the tides, we’ll make sure that you don’t get too exhausted! Let Riverlife’s expert instructors prepare you with everything you need to enjoy this intimate encounter with Brisbane’s soul.

Ascend to New Heights on a Rock-Climbing Adventure

Step into a harness, tighten your grip and prepare to conquer the majestic Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Riverlife’s Rock Climb Adventures are a sensory delight, blending physical challenges with the reward of panoramic views of the Brisbane city skyline.

Feel the sun warming the sandstone cliffs as you begin your ascent. The textured rock beneath your fingertips tells stories of its long history, from its days as a 19th-century quarry to its present as an urban adventurer’s playground. With every foothold, the cityscape stretches wider. Reaching the top is exhilarating – a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and let the sweeping views of the city sink in.

The Twilight Rock Climb Adventure, available every Saturday, allows you to escape the summer heat and will add a new level of excitement to your climbing adventure, giving you a unique perspective on Brisbane’s nightlife. When the sun dips below the horizon, the moodily floodlit cliffs come alive under a blanket of stars. The cool night air adds an extra thrill as you climb, and friends cheer you on as you belay each other, strengthening bonds as you share this extraordinary experience.

Riverlife ensures your safety with state-of-the-art equipment and fully qualified and experienced instructors, making these two-hour climbs accessible for adventurers of all skill levels.

Take the Leap with an Abseil Adventure

For those craving an adrenaline rush, Riverlife’s 90-minute Abseil Adventure is the ultimate test of courage. Standing atop the 20-metre Kangaroo Point Cliffs as you await your turn, the river sparkles below, and ferries and kayaks glide by, while you enjoy unimpeded views of the city.

Feel the thrill of anticipation as you approach the edge, the rope secure in your hands. The wind brushes your face, carrying the scent of the river and the distant sounds of urban life along its banks. Taking that first step over the edge is electrifying, and soon you’re stepping down the sandstone cliffs with controlled precision. With expert instructors guiding you every step of the way, with a secure grasp on the rope from above, you’ll leave the cliffs exhilarated and empowered.

Design Your Own Adventure

Would you prefer to set your own pace and explore Brisbane on your terms? Riverlife’s equipment hire gives you the freedom to create your perfect adventure. Whether you choose to paddle along the river or cycle along scenic trails past iconic landmarks, you can discover Brisbane in a way that suits you best.

Hire a kayak and glide beneath the graceful arches of inner-city bridges, along quiet riverbanks and through the shimmering reflections of the city skyline. Perfect for confident paddlers with prior experience, this option lets you soak in the beauty of Brisbane at your own pace. Paddle your way to iconic sights like the Story Bridge or bustling South Bank, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the river.

Or you could choose to hire a bike and pedal through the lush Botanic Gardens, past the famous Wheel of Brisbane, and along the lively paths of South Bank. With flexible options for half-day, full-day and even overnight rentals, you can design an adventure that suits your schedule. For an extended journey, follow trails to New Farm Park or cross the Goodwill Bridge for breathtaking city views.

Group Bookings

Riverlife offers various and flexible group bookings.

Understanding the importance of practical education outside the classroom, Riverlife has worked with thousands of young people, teaching them resilience, teamwork and leadership skills in line with the Australian national curriculum. They offer a wide range of customisable programmes and itineraries across their entire range of adventures to suit your timetable and budget.

If you’re planning your next team-building day, Riverlife provides bespoke programmes designed to increase awareness of team members’ strengths and weaknesses while building morale and helping to build inclusive and mutually supportive teams. Activities can be delivered as competitive or cooperative, depending on your wishes, and can incorporate indoor games and presentations as well as catering.

At Riverlife you can bring your dream wedding to life. With an abundance of food and beverage packages and four fantastic outdoor wedding and reception spaces to choose from, you can create a wedding day that is as unique and individual as you are. Gorgeous parkland spaces, stunning city backdrops and marvellous riverfront views guarantee a truly magical matrimonial experience.

And if you’re stumped for birthday party ideas – for kids or adults – look no further: Riverlife is one of the most versatile birthday venues in Brisbane. With their wide range of spaces, there’s something that will suit everyone’s birthday party needs, from an intimate night of seated dining to a cocktail event for hundreds. Their open plan marquees can accommodate the most spectacular birthday parties, allowing you to add your own personal touches and birthday flair!

For kids, they don’t only provide a venue, but also a full range of adventure activities, including rock climbing, kayaking, laser tag, bike tours and much more!

Getting There

Riverlife Adventure Centre is located on the riverbank on Naval Stores Kangaroo Point Cliffs Drive. It’s a 1.5-kilometre walk from the city centre, across Kangaroo Point Green Bridge and turning right along the riverbank, or a two-kilometre walk across Goodwill Bridge, turning left along the riverbank. The CityHopper is a free ferry service that runs every 30 minutes to Holman Street Ferry Terminal, from where you walk south along the riverbank for about a kilometre. If arriving by taxi, get dropped off at Holman Street Ferry Terminal. The nearest bus stop is at South Bank Busway Station, from where it’s a two-kilometre walk northeast along the riverbank. There is no on-site parking at Riverlife. There is parking at the top of Kangaroo Point Cliffs next to Joey’s Cafe: walk down the cliff stairs, turn right and walk 250 metres to the centre. Alternatively, park at the bottom of Kangaroo Point Cliffs at the end of Lower River Terrace and walk along the river towards the Story Bridge for 300 metres. You can find videos of the walk from these parking options at riverlife.com.au/contact.

Accessibility

Riverlife strives to make their activities accessible to everyone. Visitors with access needs can get dropped off directly at our centre via a shared cyclist/pedestrian path along the Kangaroo Point cliffs. Access is through a boom gate at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs car park about 600 metres south of the centre; please notify us in advance to grant access.

One of their standout offerings is the tandem bike specially designed for wheelchair users. This unique, easy-to-use bike lets individuals in wheelchairs ride alongside friends or family, making it possible to share in the fun of exploring Brisbane together. The tandem bike is built for comfort and safety, with one seat for a standard rider and another that securely holds a wheelchair in place.

Riverlife also makes sure their other activities, like kayaking and climbing, are welcoming and safe for all. There are several points to join a kayak tour, including one with a ramp and no steps. They also offer an option for instructors to tow people who need assistance. Full-body harnesses for climbing abseiling activities guarantee visitors’ safety regardless of their physical abilities. The staff are friendly and always happy to make suitable adjustments to make sure everyone feels comfortable and supported. Please call ahead to discuss your needs, suitable options and ways in which we can help make your visit comfortable and enjoyable.