Brisbane Powerhouse

Brisbane Powerhouse is a former power station redeveloped as a contemporary arts and cultural venue. Located on the Brisbane River at New Farm, the industrial heritage building now hosts theatre, dance, music, comedy, visual arts and festivals. The structure retains significant original industrial character including brickwork and turbine hall spaces. The site serves as a significant metropolitan cultural institution. Monday–Tuesday 09:00–17:00, later when a show is scheduled; Wednesday–Saturday 09:00–late; Sunday 09:00–18:00, later when a show is scheduled. The Fairfax Studio’s year-round contemporary-art program is free. Guided venue tours cost A$15 per adult; performances and other events may require separately priced tickets.

The venue contains multiple performance spaces of varying capacities, including the main Powerhouse Theatre and smaller studio theatres. Visual arts exhibitions appear in dedicated gallery areas. The building incorporates industrial heritage elements throughout, with original structural features preserved during conversion. A restaurant and bar operate on site. The Turbine Hall serves as a distinctive event space. Outdoor areas include riverfront positioning. Programming encompasses contemporary performance across disciplines, with the venue particularly noted for comedy festival presentations and diverse theatrical productions.

Visitor duration varies substantially depending on attendance purpose. Theatre performances typically require two to three hours including interval. Gallery exhibitions may be viewed in thirty to sixty minutes for casual visitors. Festival events with multiple components could occupy half a day. Restaurant dining adds further time. Those combining performance attendance with pre-show exploration of the building's industrial architecture should allow additional margin. Evening events conclude at variable times determined by specific programming. The Fairfax Studio’s year-round contemporary-art program is free. The Fairfax Studio’s year-round contemporary-art program is free. Guided venue tours cost A$15 per adult; performances and other events may require separately priced tickets.

The venue operates year-round with programming throughout all seasons. Peak activity occurs during Brisbane's major festival periods, particularly when comedy and arts festivals utilise the spaces. Evening and weekend performances represent standard scheduling patterns. Daytime gallery access depends on current exhibition programming. Monday–Tuesday 09:00–17:00, later when a show is scheduled; Wednesday–Saturday 09:00–late; Sunday 09:00–18:00, later when a show is scheduled. A car-park drop-off area provides level access to the Stores Building, with lift access onward to the main building. All building levels are served by lifts, and the Turbine Platform has ramp access.

Ticketing operates on a per-event basis with pricing determined by individual productions and promoters. Some gallery exhibitions may offer free admission. Membership programs or subscription packages may exist for regular attendees. Concession pricing typically applies for standard categories. Online purchase through the venue's official systems represents the standard acquisition method. Walk-up availability depends on event popularity. The Fairfax Studio’s year-round contemporary-art program is free. Guided venue tours cost A$15 per adult; performances and other events may require separately priced tickets. A car-park drop-off area provides level access to the Stores Building, with lift access onward to the main building.

The Powerhouse occupies a riverfront position at New Farm, accessible from Brisbane's central business district by multiple transport modes. Ferry services on the Brisbane River provide direct access to nearby terminals, offering a scenic approach route. Bus services operate along surrounding streets. Ride-share services operate in the area. Bus route 196 stops at Brunswick Street at Oxlade Drive, followed by a 480 m walk through New Farm Park. Bus route 199 stops at Merthyr Road at Hawthorne Street, 700 m from the venue. New Farm Park ferry terminal, at the end of Brunswick Street, is 440 m away through New Farm Park. The venue also sits on the Newstead–New Farm Bikeway and has secure bicycle racks outside the Stores Building.

The industrial heritage building contains uneven surfaces, stairs and original structural elements that may present accessibility challenges in certain areas. Performance spaces vary in configuration with some offering general admission standing or unallocated seating. Riverfront proximity means mosquito presence during evening events in warmer months. The venue's multi-space operation means simultaneous events may create wayfinding complexity for first-time visitors. A car-park drop-off area provides level access to the Stores Building, with lift access onward to the main building. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available on every level. Accessible theatre seating can be arranged through the Box Office at least 24 hours before a performance.

Gallery exhibitions typically permit non-flash photography unless specific works are restricted by artist or lender requirements. Performance photography is generally prohibited during productions due to copyright and performer rights. The industrial architecture offers distinctive photographic subjects in public circulation areas. Riverfront exterior views provide additional opportunities. Visitors should observe signage in specific spaces and respect staff directions during events. Accessible theatre seating can be arranged through the Box Office at least 24 hours before a performance. The Powerhouse Theatre balcony is not wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair can be provided on request, and assistance between the car park and theatres can be arranged with 24 hours’ notice.