When I first learned about The Prawnster in Brisbane, it reminded me of a similar concept at which I dined in Cairns called Prawn Star after spending the day snorkeling out on the Great Barrier Reef. Differences do exist between the two dining concepts, which have no affiliation with each other.
The Prawnster in Brisbane. Restaurant Review.
The Prawnster is actually a floating seafood restaurant and bar which is comprised of two vessels that are anchored to the pier on Brisbane River.
A large menu with photographs is hung at the entrance of one of the boats. Seafood can either be purchased by the kilogram; or one can access the menu at the official Internet web site of The Prawnster to see what mixed platters were available. The Prawnster Platter was ordered.
A metal bucket was placed on the table for shells and other scraps and refuse. A finger bowl had water and a slice of lemon in it, as the seafood can be quite messy to handle.
I did not watch the food being prepared this time — but I am sure that it would have been just as fascinating to watch as at Prawn Star in Cairns; and I was confident that care was taken to ensure that the seafood was properly prepared.
The Prawnster Platter costs $115.00 in Australian dollars and consists of:
- One half dozen natural Coffin Bay oysters
- Salmon sushimi with soy sauce and wasabi
- Two to three split medium sized Moreton Bay bugs
- Seasonal large size King prawns or Tiger prawns — 300 grams
- Medium mixed prawns
- A sauce which resembles a remoulade
- A cup of soy sauce with wasabi along the rim of the cup
- Four slices of lemon
- Two wooden forks
“Bugs are a flat lobster-like animal with a hard external shell which turns red when cooked”, according to a definition that appears at the official Internet web site of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority. “Bugs are also known as Balmain bugs or Moreton Bay bugs and are often cut in half, drizzled with oil/butter, seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked on the barbeque in their shell.”
One can enjoy views of the city of Brisbane, Kangaroo Point Bridge in the foreground, and Story Bridge in the background while dining — as well as of the City Botanical Gardens.
Final Boarding Call
The Prawnster Platter is advertised as for serving two people, which is correct. Keep in mind that no side dishes or desserts are offered at The Prawnster; but soft drinks are available.
I recommend dining at The Prawnster. The seafood was quite fresh, delicious, and satisfying. The views are great as well…
…but if you do not want to dine in, food can be ordered as take-away as well.
The Prawnster
City Botanic Gardens RiverHub
147 Alice Street
Brisbane City
Australia
theprawnster888@gmail.com
No telephone number is given at the official Internet web site; but you can message the establishment via Facebook.
Operating Hours
Monday through Wednesday from 5:00 in the afternoon through 9:00 in the evening.
Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 noon through 9:00 in the evening.
The CityCat and KittyCat ferry services stop right at where The Prawnster is located at the City Botanic Gardens station on the Brisbane River.
Metered street parking is possible along Alice Street. Only $10.00 weekdays entry after 3:00 in the afternoon — exit before 4:00 in the morning — and all weekend and public holidays at FIRST PARKING secure parking station at 53 Albert Street.
All photographs ©2025 by Brian Cohen.
