The land for the wharf was leased to Brett's Wharves and Stevedoring Co. Ltd in 1928. The first pile was driven on 16 January 1929 and the first ship berthed there on 26 July 1929.[3]
The Brisbane River ferry service to Bulimba was extended to Bretts Wharf in 1933. The wharf was extended in 1937, giving a total berthing space of 946 ft (288 m).[4] From 1942 to 1946, it was used exclusively by the United States Army to stage and load equipment for the Pacific War. Bretts Wharf closed to commercial shipping in 1993.
Cross river ferry services to Bretts Wharf from Apollo Road ceased in December 1998.[5]
Second wharf
The wharf sustained minor damage during the January 2011 Brisbane floods.[6] It reopened after repairs on 14 February 2011.[7][8] It closed on 12 June 2015 and was demolished.[9]
Third wharf
On 13 June 2015, a new wharf opened 200 metres east of the original wharf.[10] It was built in association with improvement works to the adjoining Kingsford Smith Drive.[9][11]