North Quay retaining wall

The North Quay retaining wall stretches about 200 meters along the northern riverbank between Boomerang Street and Eagle Terrace, displaying a brick parapet with iron railings. The structure varies in thickness from one meter at ground level to 2.4 meters at its base and extends deep into bedrock.

The structure was built in 1887 following severe storms and flash flooding, marking one of the earliest uses of concrete technology in Australian engineering. It became a turning point in local infrastructure as mass concrete was now used for lasting riverbank protection.

The wall displays marble plaques at both ends that commemorate Mayor James Hipwood, reflecting civic pride and engineering accomplishments of late 19th-century Brisbane. These memorial tablets form part of what visitors see when they walk along the riverfront promenade.

The site is easy to reach on foot and offers direct river views from the northern waterfront. The best time to visit is during daylight hours when the brick details and iron construction are most visible.

Engineers used a specialized coffer dam during construction to protect the site from river waters, an advanced technique for its era. This construction method showed the technical skill needed to build in a challenging river environment.