For good reason, Brisbane currently identifies itself as The River City, recognising the pivotal role of its tidal-influenced broad river with its sequence of grand meanders in shaping urban structure, circulation systems, residential character, daily living and recreational opportunities. This recent self-designation invites scrutiny on two matters: firstly, the role of the river in shaping Brisbane’s distinctive character and internal structure; and secondly, the extent to which the city’s history can be appraised by recognising three markedly differentiated eras in the city’s relations to its river: the first era being notable for its strong orientation and near-total dependence on its riverine links; the second being characterised by its diminished reliance and increasing neglect of its river; and the third being a reawakening to the value of the river as the prime natural asset in refashioning Brisbane as “The Liveable City” and “The River City”, progressively pursued over the last three decades, most clearly evidenced in the riverside siting of almost all significant cultural and recreational assets. These recent transformations are shown in locationally matched photographs of prime locales in the early 1970s with contemporary views. Note: This is an updated and expanded script from Holmes, J. (1990) “Meanders, reaches, bights and pockets: the influence of a serpentine river’ In: Davie, P., Stock, E. and Low Choy, D. (eds) The Brisbane River: A Sourcebook for the Future. Brisbane: Australian Littoral Society with Queensland Museum.