Tour operator
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Guided climbs to the 80-metre summit of the heritage-listed Story Bridge, running daily at dawn, by day, at twilight and at night from Howard Smith Wharves.
Riverlife Adventure Centre
An adventure centre at the foot of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs running river kayak tours, guided climbing and abseiling, Segway tours and bike and kayak hire.
At a glance
- Type
- Kayaking, climbing and abseiling tours
- Area
- Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Australia
- Official site
- riverlife.com.au
Good to know
- Kayak tours
- Abseiling
- Rock climbing
- Segway tours
- Bike and kayak hire
- Aboriginal cultural experience
Why we recommend it
Riverlife Adventure Centre operates from the old Naval Stores building at the foot of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, facing the CBD across the Brisbane River. It has more than 15 years of experience running outdoor activities in the city, and it is the operator to call for anyone who wants to get onto the river or up the cliffs with a guide.
Kayak tours are the best-known option. Day and twilight paddles head out onto the river from the centre's base below the cliffs, and a sunrise tour includes coffee. Seasonal specials appear from time to time. On land, guided rock climbing and abseiling sessions use the cliffs themselves, the floodlit face of a former convict quarry that is now the city's main recreational climbing site, with several hundred routes. Riverlife also runs Segway tours, and it hires out kayaks, bikes and tandem bikes by the hour or the day, including a picnic-and-ride package for a relaxed outing along the riverside paths.
The centre also offers the Mirrabooka Aboriginal cultural experience, which is booked through its groups programme, and it caters for team building, school excursions, children's birthday parties, corporate groups and private group packages. Weddings and events can be held at its riverside venues.
Pre-booking is essential, as sessions depend on availability, and participants complete an online adventure indemnity form before taking part. The centre opens from 9am Tuesday to Sunday, staying open until 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and a 10 per cent surcharge applies on Sundays for tours, hires, food and drink. An accessibility guide and child safety information are published on the website. Riverlife received a 2026 Gold Badge from Best of Queensland Experiences.
Riverlife suits active travellers, families and groups who want something more hands-on than a museum visit. The twilight kayak is a good choice for couples, while climbing and abseiling suit those who want a challenge. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park around the centre has picnic areas, barbecues and toilets, and the Holman Street and Maritime Museum ferry terminals are nearby, with the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge linking across to the city and the City Botanic Gardens.
Riverlife Adventure Centre FAQs
Where is Riverlife?
At the Naval Stores, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Drive, Kangaroo Point, beneath the cliffs.
What activities does Riverlife offer?
Kayak tours, rock climbing, abseiling, Segway tours, and kayak and bike hire.
Do I need to book?
Yes. Pre-booking is essential.
When is Riverlife open?
Tuesday to Sunday from 9am, until 5pm most days and 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Is there a Sunday surcharge?
Yes, 10 per cent on tours, hires and food and drink, excluding group bookings.
Is there an Aboriginal cultural experience?
Yes. The Mirrabooka Aboriginal cultural experience is offered for groups.
Do I need to sign a form?
Yes. An adventure indemnity form is completed online.
How do I contact Riverlife?
Call (07) 3517 4954 or email [email protected].