The Floating Riverwalk, for those in the know, was a long pontoon jutting out onto the river and meandering from Merthyr Road all the way to the Howard Smith Wharves. Probably the most marvelous aspect was that it literally floated on the river. At an incredible 900 metres, it really was a one of a kind structure, and the simple act of walking on it afforded me immense pleasure. It was also a great cycling track and connected Teneriffe and Newstead to the city for commuters and fitness freaks alike. The views of Kangaroo Point were stunning, and at twilight I swear there was nowhere else in Brisbane I would rather be.
The January 2011 floods practically destroyed the original and resulted in Brisbane City Council proposing to rebuild it as a rooted, fixed structure. Rebuilding began in April 2013 with the sinking of the first piling to hold the walk in place. It has taken 18 months and quite a few setbacks, but the new river-walk is on the cusp of completion and will be officially opened this coming Sunday. Although no longer floating, it will nevertheless become an integral part of our extensive pathways network.
