Brooke Street Pier

On the Sullivans Cove waterfront, where the sea breeze meets the bustle of the city, stands Brooke Street Pier—one of the most unusual architectural structures Hobart has to offer. This is not just a dock, but the country's largest floating pontoon building, which has become a true symbol of modern architecture that Australia is proud of.

Brooke Street Pier. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The design of this four-story giant is impressive: with a length of 80 meters and a weight of over 5,300 tons, the building literally floats on the water's surface. One of the pier's levels is located 4 meters below the waterline, creating a unique atmosphere inside. Built in 2015, the pier harmoniously combines the functions of a transport hub, a shopping center, and a culinary space.

Today, this place serves as the main "gateway" for travelers heading to the famous MONA museum or on boat trips. Brooke Street Pier is a point of attraction for aesthetes and gourmands, where industrial design meets Tasmanian hospitality.

If you need to clarify flight details or book a table at one of the establishments, you can use the following contact information.

Visiting this place is primarily an opportunity to take a stylish sea voyage. The famous ferries to the MONA museum depart from here, as do the Peppermint Bay Cruises. Waiting for your departure becomes a pleasure thanks to the panoramic views of the River Derwent and the active life of the port.

Gourmands should check out The Glass House restaurant, known for its exquisite cuisine, or settle in at the Adrift cafe and Bright Eyes coffee shop. The pier is also an excellent shopping destination: here you can purchase the best Tasmanian products—from the famous McHenry Distillery whiskey and Grandvewe Cheeses to the freshest seafood and Valhalla ice cream.

In addition to gastronomy and transport, there is free Wi-Fi, and the terminal's spacious levels often host major cultural events. It is the perfect place to leisurely pick out unique souvenirs or simply watch the harbor life with a glass of local wine.

The site is located at 12 Franklin Wharf, in the very heart of the port area. Getting there from the city center is easy: a walk from the central squares will take only 10–15 minutes, as the distance is approximately 1–2 kilometers.

For those who prefer public transport, bus stops are within walking distance. If you plan to visit the famous MONA museum, the special MONA ferry departs from here, which is a tourist route in itself. You can also use taxis or city bus routes (such as 510 and 520) that run nearby.

The history of this site dates back to the 1820s, when the first pier appeared on this stretch of the waterfront. Over the decades, the structure has changed several times: in 1879, the pier was reconstructed and became known as Monarch Pier. Since the middle of the 20th century, specifically from 1951, the Navigators company began its operations here, providing maritime connections in the region.

The attraction took on its modern appearance as a result of a large-scale project in 2013–2015. The need for change was driven by a sharp increase in passenger traffic: by 2014, the number of people using ferries had grown from 100,000 to more than 300,000 people per year. The Tasmanian Government held a competition for the best project, and the winner was the idea of creating a unique floating space.

Construction cost 13 million Australian dollars. As a result, Hobart received not just a terminal, but a complex engineering structure weighing 5,300 tons. Interestingly, the project could have been very different: in 2007, it was proposed to build a hotel here, but the authorities rejected the idea to preserve the public character of the Sullivans Cove area.

For a simple tour of the building, visiting local souvenir shops, and a quick coffee break, 1–2 hours will be quite enough. This is sufficient time to appreciate the unusual architecture and enjoy the water views.

However, if your goal is to take the ferry to the famous Museum of Old and New Art, you should set aside at least half a day (about 4–5 hours), including travel time on the river and exploring the museum's exhibits. It is also pleasant to stay for dinner at one of the restaurants while watching the sunset over the harbor.

The pier is open to visitors daily, but the operating schedule varies depending on the day of the week. In the first half of the week, the establishment closes earlier, and towards the weekend, the hours are extended for the convenience of visitors.

Opening Hours:

• Monday and Tuesday: 09:30 – 17:00
• Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 09:30 – 21:00
• Saturday: 09:00 – 21:00
• Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00

Its location in the historic center of Sullivans Cove makes visiting the pier an ideal starting point for a walk. Exploring the surrounding streets and waterfronts will allow you to feel the character of Tasmania more deeply and see how modern architecture harmonizes with the heritage of the past.