OUR STORY
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.
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 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.
LOOKING BACK
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1870s
Burns, Philp & Company was one of Australia’s most important mercantile companies.
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1880s
Sydney firm McCredie Brothers in partnership with Brisbane architect Claude Chambers designed and supervised construction of the Burns, Philp & Company Building.
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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
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1920s
In 1922–23 extensions were carried out by local architect Walter Hunt, creating a merchandising department along Flinders Street.
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1949
The building was extensively damaged by fire in January 1949.
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1970s
Burns Philp maintained ownership until 1977 and the original part of the building was subsequently converted to a night club.
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Today
Spring 2025 Flinders Street Wharves and The Docks arrive
THE BEST OF
TOWNSVILLE
is on our doorstep! Enjoy the ultimate dining and events precinct at Flinders Street Wharves and explore Townsville - 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!