Black and white photograph of a coastal town with boats on a river, buildings, and mountains in the background.

OUR STORY

Curved text reading 'Flinders Street Wharves' and 'Street' in light blue letters.

Townsville’s newest waterside dining and events hub.

Come and enjoy our Bistro, Beer Garden, Rooftop, Merchants Bar, Pizzeria, Kiosk and Private Dining rooms. 

The Docks - North Queensland's only pontoon restaurant and bar is coming soon.
BOOK FSW
A black and white photo of a busy office or lab with multiple men working at desks, some standing and some sitting, with papers, books, and equipment on the tables.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED…

WATERSIDE SINCE 1895

Burns, Philp & Company was one of Australia’s most important mercantile companies that dominated shipping, insurance and trading throughout Australia and the South Pacific in the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. James Burns founded the firm in Townsville in 1873. Robert Philp (later knighted and twice Premier of Queensland) became a partner in 1876.

The former Burns, Philp & Company Building on Flinders Street is a local landmark, dating back to 1895.

It was a key trade hub for centuries and brought a lot of growth to Townsville – economically and culturally. 

The Burns, Philp & Company Building has been home to a range of businesses including a maritime trade office, and more recently Santa Fe Gold and Bullwinkle’s Nightclub.

“It has a strong and special association with the Townsville community as a local landmark and as a focus for community pride in Townsville's historical development as the principal port of North Queensland.”

Flinders Street Wharves Townsville has sensitively restored this iconic building, while giving it a new lease on life and reprising its role as a local institution.

We are looking forward to the Burns, Philp and Company Building's next chapter as Flinders Street Wharves Townsville.

LOOKING BACK

  • Historical black and white photo of a busy office or studio with multiple men working at desks and machines, some standing and others seated, with framed pictures on the walls and various equipment around.

    1870s

    Burns, Philp & Company was one of Australia’s most important mercantile companies.

  • Historical map of Townsville Wharfs and surrounding areas, including buildings, streets, and landmarks, with a compass rose indicating directions.

    1880s

    Sydney firm McCredie Brothers in partnership with Brisbane architect Claude Chambers designed and supervised construction of the Burns, Philp & Company Building.

  • A small harbor with several boats docked, surrounded by a town with white buildings and some vehicles on the road.

    1895

    The building was completed in November 1895. It housed the shipping department on the ground floor, and cashier, correspondence and manager’s offices on the first floor

  • A black and white aerial photograph of a coastal town with a river or bay. The town has various buildings, including a large one with a dome and clock tower. Small boats are anchored in the water, and houses are spread across the landscape, with hills and mountains in the background.

    1920s

     In 1922–23 extensions were carried out by local architect Walter Hunt, creating a merchandising department along Flinders Street.

  • Historical black and white photo of a group of men working in an office or lab with vintage equipment and framed pictures on the wall.

    1949

    The building was extensively damaged by fire in January 1949.

  • A marina with several small boats docked on calm water, and a small town with white buildings and a road with cars in the background.

    1970s

    Burns Philp maintained ownership until 1977 and the original part of the building was subsequently converted to a night club.

  • Outdoor dining and seating area with palm trees, umbrellas, and people, located above a waterfront walkway with a dock. Modern building with large windows and a sign that reads 'FSW'.

    Today

    Spring 2025 Flinders Street Wharves and The Docks arrive

Beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and people playing volleyball by the water with buildings and mountains in the background on a sunny day.

THE BEST OF

TOWNSVILLE

is on our doorstep!

Enjoy the ultimate dining and events precinct at Flinders Street Wharves Townsville and explore the town - a coastal city bursting with fun, sun and a range of activities. 

With Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef just a boat or helicopter ride away, Townsville’s history and culture on display, and beautiful weather year-round to soak up, start planning your visit!

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