“From the very first moment we took those kayaks down the river back, it’s been the ride of a
lifetime,” Sharpe said.
“Twenty years ago, you couldn’t even hire a kayak on the river, let alone abseil Kangaroo Point’s iconic cliffs.
“Through Riverlife, we have opened Brisbane’s access to both.”
In 2023, Riverlife saw the start of a new era with local tourism heavyweight and entrepreneur Sam Jarmy taking the helm as owner and managing director, in partnership with John who
remains as minority owner.Credit: Courtney Kruk
The adventure centre now operates a range of activities, including abseiling and rock climbing the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, bike and rollerblade hire, and parties and functions in the old storehouse.
Despite trepidation about being in the Brisbane River at night, co-owner Sam Jarmy said the twilight kayak tour remains their most popular.
“It’s so peaceful on the water at nighttime,” Jarmy said.
“You get all the city lights, and you can just relax. Seeing the Story Bridge lit up is pretty epic.
“And when we take people the other way, up towards South Bank, you’ve got all the bridges and the colours of the casino and the ferris wheel to look at.”
It’s surprisingly calming out on the water after dark, though the city’s ferry network ensures kayakers are never too complacent.
“We do get the occasional call from CityCat that one of our kayakers has wandered too far into the middle of the river,” tour operator Kate said.
Loading
“But most people are pretty good.”
Since launching the Story Bridge Adventure Climb and Riverlife, Sharpe has continued to expand his adventure and urban tourism efforts, founding Tangatours Water Sports on Moreton Island, Walkabout Creek Adventures at Enoggera Reservoir and Vertigo at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
“And it’s all been from that opportunity Brisbane City Council gave us in 2004,” Sharpe said.
