Brisbane's Iconic Party Boat, The Kookaburra Queen, Is Up For Sale

Those willing to own a piece of Queensland history are being urged to act fast, with the iconic Kookaburra Queen going under the hammer.

The vessel, one of two paddlewheelers built for Expo 88, has previously been described as a “popular attraction for weddings, dinners and lunches on the Brisbane River” by the ABC, having been a staple of the landscape for decades.

In recent years, however, the Kookaburra Queen I has been tethered at the Colmslie Beach Reserve at Murarrie, with the last commercial operator of the vessel having closed down in 2022.

Having initially been listed on Facebook Marketplace in 2024 for $800,000, the Kookaburra Queen has now been listed over on the auction website Grays.com, where it debuted with an opening bid of just $9.

Described as an “Australian icon,” Grays’ description of the Kookaburra Queen calls it “one of the most recognisable and elegant vessels on the river.

“With her classic side paddle wheels, heritage timber construction, and grand dining layout, she continues to turn heads as a showpiece of craftsmanship and design,” it continues.

“This vessel offers a unique opportunity for tourism operators, event businesses, or hospitality groups looking to acquire a ready-to-operate floating venue with rich history and character.”

“With her distinctive charm and proven service as a dinner cruise and event vessel, the Kookaburra Queen I presents a rare chance to acquire a piece of Australian maritime history that’s still fully capable of commercial operation,” it adds, labelling any potential purchase as “a unique investment.”

According to specifications, the 30.5 metre vessel is licensed for 378 passengers, features a 30-capacity top observation deck, a full commercial kitchen, and two dance floors with separate PA systems.

The listing does note, however, it must be immediately relocated due to impending construction works, and that "some water damage" was incurred during the 2022 Brisbane floods.

At the time of publication, the current bid for the Kookaburra Queen sits at $30,300 after 168 bids, though this is expected to increase ahead of the auction’s end at 7:30pm AEST on Tuesday, September 30th.

View the full listing for the Kookaburra Queen via Grays.com.