From Expo 88 to Toondah Harbour: Farewell to a SeaLink Landmark

A long-standing landmark at Toondah Harbour has been removed, marking the end of an era for a structure with a unique link to Brisbane’s iconic World Expo 88.

Located at SeaLink South East Queensland’s ferry terminal in Cleveland, the tower has stood for more than three decades, becoming a familiar feature for generations of residents, commuters and visitors travelling to and from North Stradbroke Island.

Originally constructed for the Expo 88 site at South Bank, the structure was understood to have been used as an FM broadcasting tower during the event. Historic images show it being dismantled following the Expo, transported down the Brisbane River by vehicle ferry, and reassembled at Toondah Harbour where it became a distinctive part of the local landscape.

Over the years, the tower has served multiple purposes, including more recently being used by SeaLink South East Queensland as office space before the staff transitioned to a Cleveland-based workspace in late 2024.

Following an assessment, the structure had reached the end of its usable life and was no longer fit for purpose. Its removal supports the continued safety and functionality of operations at the terminal.

SeaLink South East Queensland General Manager Ben Renwick said the tower held both historical and local significance.

“Expo 88 is an important part of Brisbane’s history, and this structure carried that legacy here at Toondah Harbour for decades,” Mr Renwick said.

“For many people, it became a familiar marker, signalling arrival on the mainland or the beginning of a journey to North Stradbroke Island. While its removal will change the look of the harbour, it also marks an opportunity to look ahead to what’s next for this space and the community it serves.”

SeaLink South East Queensland acknowledged the role the tower has played both as a remnant of Brisbane’s past and as a long-standing part of the Toondah Harbour landscape.

Planning for the terminal remains closely linked to the broader Toondah Harbour Development, with future improvements to be considered as part of the long-term vision for the precinct. SeaLink South East Queensland will continue to focus on providing access to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) within the evolving framework for the area.

“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, we like to think we’ve just made a bit of space for the harbour’s next landmark,” Mr Renwick said.

“While it’s still early days, this is an opportunity to reimagine the terminal experience in a way that respects the site’s history while looking ahead to what it can become.”

For information about SeaLink South East Queensland, visit www.SeaLink.com.