• There are several places to anchor in the Brisbane River as you travel up stream before reaching the Story Bridge, although most are filled up with mooring buoys.  Be sure that your anchor is well-set for the tide changes as the current moves very fast (6+ kts.), especially during spring tides.  Also, there is some rolling and pitching due to the ferry traffic, especially the City Cat.  You may have trouble finding suitable dinghy landings here.

• There are a few anchorages above the Story bridge, near the botanic gardens, but you must make sure that you are anchored outside of the ferry traffic.  The only dinghy landing in this area is the Edward St. ferry dock beside the Botanic Gardens pile moorings.  No dinghies are permitted to tie up at any other ferry dock.

Advantages

• Very scenic as it is located right next to the Botanic Gardens, where many exotic birds sing and across from the beautiful Kangaroo Point cliffs which are lit at night.

• Very convenient as most cruiser amenities within close walking distance.

• Ferry stop next to the Marina

• The most inexpensive marina in the area

Disadvantages

• The ferries constantly rock and roll the boats, sometimes violently.   The good news is that the ferries stop at about 10pm and don't start again until 6am.

• No Docks

• No power

• You must use your dinghy to reach shore and land at the ferry docks.  This can be somewhat difficult as the current runs very fast sometimes.  The ferry system begrudgingly allows dinghies to tie up and does not provide easy access to the ramp up to shore; also the dinghies get banged around from the ferries.

• Royal Queensland Yacht Club
• Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club

• Wynnum Manly Yacht Club
• East Coast Marina

• Dockside Marina -  small shop at Dockside complex where you can get small items and rent videos.
• Dockside Marina - Coles is the near supermarket located across the river near the Sydney St. ferry landing in New Farm.  See shopping centers for Dockside for directions. 
• Both Marinas - Coles Express located in the Queen Street Mall next to the Target store.  See Shopping Centers for directions.

Self-Service Laundry - 

• Dockside Marina.  They have 1 washer and 1 dryer available and do not allow cruisers to hang their clothes in the rigging. 
• Botanic Gardens - Self-service laundry located in small building up from the ferry landing.

Propane Gas Canister Refill - Gas canisters can be refilled at many petrol stations.

• Queen Street Mall.  There are several shopping centres and arcades on this pedestrian mall, which is several blocks long.  Myers and David Jones are the biggest and best departments stores and Target is best for housewares and inexpensive clothing (similar to K-Mart in the US).  
• Dockside Marina -There is a small shopping center located at 900 Brunswick St. in New Farm, about 1 km. walk up from the Sydney St. ferry landing.  Take the ferry from Dockside across the river to Sydney St.  Walk up Sydney St. to Brunswick St., turn left and walk up to the shopping center on the right.

Postal Services -All postal services are located in the city or at the small shopping center in New Farm. 

Internet Access -  Many internet cafes located on Brisbane City Mall.

Banks/ATMs - No Banks or ATMs at Dockside.  You must go to the city for these services.

Buses -   

Taxis - Taxis are plentiful throughout the city and are reasonably priced.  They are usually queued up outside the hotel at Dockside and can be found all over the city

• Apex Marine - 1323 Logan Rd., Mount Gravatt (very good)
• Whitworths - 55 Balaclava St., Woollongabba

Doctors - 

• Mater Medical Centre  - 293 Vulture St., South Brisbane

• Merthyrn Centre -  900 Brunswick St., New Farm  4005

• Queensland Medical Laboratory -  20/900 Brunswick St., New Farm, QLD  4005, Ph.  3358 4888

• Medical Center - at Manor Apartments, 289 Queen St. (near GPO), at the end of Edward St. Check their web-site.

Dentists -

Hospitals - 

• Royal Brisbane Hospital - Herston Rd., Herston, QLD  4006
• Mater Public Hospital - Stanley St., South Brisbane
• Mater Private Hospital - 301 Vulture St., South Brisbane

• New Farm Deli & Cafe - 900 Brunswick St., New Farm  This is a fabulous, authentic Italian restaurant.  It is open for lunch only.  Their fettuccini carbonara is to die for and you can buy many Italian food items at the deli.(See Shopping Centers for Dockside for directions.)   
• Many restaurants throughout the city and South Bank.  The ones located along the waterfront at Riverfront ferry landing are particularly good.

Electronics/Computer/Software -

• Harvey Norman
• Dick Smith Electronics
• Tandy Electronics

Liquor Store - Many liquor stores located in the city and the Dockside complex.

Theaters/Cinemas - Hoyt's Cinema - near Queen Street Mall and Myer Centre.

• Visit South Bank
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - cruise up the Brisbane River to this sanctuary with commentary the whole way.  Buy tickets for the boat at the ferry wharf.  Walk to the end of the City Mall, cross George St.,  then down the steps to the ferry wharf.  Follow the signs for the Koala Sanctuary Ferry Boat.
•  Drive up to Mount Cootha, overlooking the city.  This is a beautiful sight both day and night.
• Visit the Brisbane National Forest and hear the Kookaburras call at twilight.
• Attend a Cricket match at the Gabba.
• Go to a Rugby match

 More Information

• Lonely Planet Guide - Australia
• Cruising the Coral Coast, Lucas, Alan
• Visitor Information Center - Queen Street Mall (near Myers).