Queensland farewells historic Expo 88 harbour landmark
SeaLink has removed the historic tower from Cleveland’s Toondah Harbour after more than 30 years.
What’s happening?
A long-standing landmark at Toondah Harbour in Cleveland has officially been removed after standing beside the SeaLink South East Queensland ferry terminal for more than three decades.
The structure became a familiar sight for South East Queensland travellers heading across Moreton Bay to North Stradbroke Island, also known as Minjerribah.
Originally built for Brisbane’s World Expo 88 at South Bank, the tower was believed to have operated as an FM broadcasting tower during the event before being relocated to Cleveland after the expo ended.
Historic images showed the structure being dismantled, ferried down the Brisbane River and rebuilt at Toondah Harbour, where it later served as office space for SeaLink South East Queensland.
The company confirmed the tower had reached the end of its usable life and was removed to maintain safe terminal operations.
Why it matters?
For many Queenslanders, especially those travelling between Brisbane, the Gold Coast and North Stradbroke Island, the tower became part of the coastal journey.
The structure carried links to Expo 88, one of Queensland’s most recognised cultural events, while also becoming woven into daily life around Moreton Bay.
Its removal also signals continued change across South East Queensland’s waterfront precincts as planning ramps up ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Local Impact
The Cleveland waterfront now has a different look without the tower standing over the ferry terminal.
Holidaymakers, tradies, day-trippers and island locals travelling through Toondah Harbour had grown used to spotting the structure before boarding ferries to Minjerribah.
SeaLink South East Queensland said it will continue focusing on reliable island access as future harbour planning progresses.
By the numbers
The structure stood at Toondah Harbour for more than 30 years after arriving from Brisbane following Expo 88.
SeaLink staff moved into a new Cleveland-based workspace in late 2024 before the tower was removed.
Future planning for the terminal remains connected to preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Zoom In
SeaLink South East Queensland General Manager Ben Renwick said the structure carried decades of memories for ferry passengers and locals.
“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.”
The company said the tower was no longer fit for purpose following an assessment.
Zoom Out
Toondah Harbour remains part of broader discussions around tourism, transport and waterfront growth across South East Queensland.
As Brisbane 2032 approaches, coastal hubs across the region are expected to see renewed attention around visitor access and infrastructure upgrades.
SeaLink said future terminal improvements would be considered within the long-term vision for the precinct.
What To Look For Next?
Toondah Harbour's future plan is on improving the visitor experience while keeping ties to the site’s Queensland history.
The removal also opens space for new ideas around how the Cleveland terminal could evolve as South East Queensland prepares for Brisbane 2032.
“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.