Coming Soon: Three-Level Floating Venue Seadeck Is Returning to the Brisbane River for the First Time in Six Years

When you're playing tourist in a city, be it your own or somewhere far from home, there are two tried-and-tested ways to get a great glimpse at your surroundings. If you're fine with heights, head up. If you're comfortable with hitting the water, get cruising. A new Sky Deck is on its way to Brisbane to help with the first option — and, with the second, so is the return of glamorous floating venue Seadeck.

This three-level vessel is no stranger to joining the Queensland capital's list of things to do near, around, in or on its very own river, but it hasn't made its way to Brisbane for six years. That drought is being broken from Saturday, August 10, when Seadeck will start doing both brunch and sunset cruises on weekends. Then, come Brisbane Festival time for 2024, it'll become the fest's Art Boat for this year.

It's actually thanks to that Bris Fest berth that Seadeck is making a comeback until the end of September, after the event was keen for fellow floating venue Oasis to do the honours for its on-the-water art experience. With Dave Auld, Managing Partner for both vessels, organisers came to the conclusion that 42-metre Seadeck with its two bars, loungers aplenty and retractable awning would be a better fit, however.

"I'm thrilled about the opportunity to bring Seadeck to Brisbane and collaborate with the Brisbane Festival. This partnership not only allows us to contribute to the community but also strengthens our future relationships here. I can't wait to see Seadeck hosting exceptional events, adding to the vibrant Brisbane scene," explains Auld.

"Having both Seadeck and Oasis on the Brisbane River is incredibly exciting, especially with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon. We envision our vessels becoming regular fixtures on the river, allowing guests to experience Brisbane from a whole new perspective"

Sydney's first permanent floating venue, Seadeck initially debuted in the Harbour City in October 2016, then made trips to Brisbane in both 2017 and 2018. When it launched, it was designed to be the epitome of handcrafted luxury — from the handmade tiles and custom-designed brass bar to the bespoke furniture from every corner of the glove, everything you see was tailored for floating. Each of the three decks is connected by sweeping staircases and cast iron lace railings, an homage to Hollywood's golden age of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. Yes, the word "swank" should come to mind.

For its third stint in the River City, Seadeck is doing both brunch and sunset cruises each Saturday and Sunday between August 10–25. At the first, which costs $150 per person, you'll tuck into canapes over beer, wine and bubbles — plus either a bloody mary or a mimosa to start — while scoping out the city. At the second, you'll pay for what you want to eat and drink on top of your $30 ticket.

Brisbane Festival's Art Boat runs between Thursday–Sunday from Friday, August 30–Saturday, September 21.

Seadeck starts sailing the Brisbane River for 2024 from Saturday, August 10, 2024, departing from South Bank Pontoon B, and becomes Brisbane Festival's Art Boat between Thursday–Sunday from Friday, August 30–Saturday, September 21. Head to the vessel's website for more details.